The John Adams Society

A. G. Chin

Chairman

Joshua R. Regnier

Secretary

G. Larry Colson Jr.

Chief Whip

Katey Haflund

Chancellor

NOVEMBER 2013

War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today.

― John F. Kennedy

PEACE is only maintained through strength.  Rather than cowering in a defensive position waiting to be attacked, it is more prudent to make the enemy unable to attack in the first place.  In the modern era, the avoidance of another world war was only realized through fear of Mutually Assured Destruction, and the first objective must be to prevent the re-emergence of any former rival.

In time of war, the people all share a common goal, and a common enemy, and the nation is strengthened through this unity.  In a state of total war, sedition is completely outlawed, surplus production is directed to war materials, and the people being burdened by the responsibilities of war are too preoccupied for debate.  Though there is a war on a distant battlefield, at home there is peace.

ON THE OTHER HAND, a state of war is not the equivalent of a state of peace.  The interruption of the mutual interaction and trade among individuals and nations, and involuntary conscription of the citizenry, is not a peaceful operation.  In war, the State, by necessity, must take control of the means of production and divert resources from constructive to destructive purposes; and the best State to be in, on the outset of any war, is a neutral one.

THE CHAIRMAN, with the latest edition of the Dictionary of Newspeak in hand, has called a debate to settle the question.

RESOLVED: War is Peace.

The Debate will be held on November 20, 2013, at the University Club, 420 Summit Avenue, in Saint Paul. The Chancellor will preside over drinks beginning at seven o’clock p.m. The debate will begin at half past seven. There is no dress code, however gentlemen who wish to speak must wear a tie; ladies are encourage to adhere to a similar sartorial standard. For those gentlemen arriving sans tie yet wishing to discourse on the resolution, the Purveyor of Ties will keep on hand several remarkable selections. Questions regarding debate caucus procedures of about the John Adams Society itself may be directed to the Chairman at (612) 564-5185 or the Secretary at (651) 321-8414.