THE JOHN ADAMS SOCIETY
David W. Downing Andrew Schmitz Christopher T. Wolff Marina Wolff
Chairman Secretary Chief Whip Chancellor
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Location: Burger Moe’s
“You might as well appeal against the thunder-storm as against these terrible hardships of war. They are inevitable, and the only way the people of Atlanta can hope once more to live in peace and quiet at home, is to stop the war, which can only be done by admitting that it began in error and is perpetuated in pride." –– General William Tecumseh Sherman
DECISIVE ACTON IS ESSENTIAL! The world is full of evil doers. America must project power to our enemies and secure our interests. Since 1853, when Commodore Perry successfully intimidated the Japanese rulers into opening their country and their ports to America – and then the world – diplomacy of displayed force has been an essential tool of American Foreign Policy. Without it we wouldn’t have Puerto Rico as a territory or Hawaii as a state. Congress is too slow and ineffective at enacting foreign policy. Gunboat Diplomacy gives the Executive a chance to make up for this inadequacy. It empowers our President to challenge belligerent dictators and remove them when necessary to make the world a better place. It is an essential tool in a robust and effective foreign policy.
ON THE OTHER HAND: This over-exuberant foreign policy tactic circumvents the deliberative process of our republic. The founders envisioned that war-making and major foreign policy decisions would be made by Congress, not the whims of the Executive. Shows of force with threats of violence are a bad way to achieve diplomatic ends. Our use of this tactic may set a precedent for other world powers – China comes to mind – to use it on their neighbors. Do we really want to be a country that points a gun at another country and makes demands?
THE CHAIRMAN, having just rolled up the windows on his SUV to protect his ears from the mourning wails of the former ICE protesters – now protesting the war – summons a debate on the matter.
RESOLVED: Full Steam Ahead with Gunboat Diplomacy!
The Debate will be held on Wednesday March 18, 2026, at Burger Moe’s(back room), 242 7th St. W, St. Paul, MN 55102. 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 encouraged 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. In addition, the Chairman encourages all to join him as early as 6:30 pm for a bite to eat. Let us thank our host location for the use of their room in the most sincere way possible – by spending our money. God Bless Free Enterprise!
Questions regarding debate caucus procedures or about the John Adams Society itself may be directed to the Chairman at (651) 485-1699 or the Secretary at (952-564-9089).