"We dare not tempt them with weakness. For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed. But neither can two great and powerful groups of nations take comfort from our present course. Both sides overburdened by the cost of modern weapons, both rightly alarmed by the steady spread of the deadly atom, yet both racing to alter that uncertain balance of terror that stays the hand of mankind's final war. So let us begin anew, remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof." Kennedy wished to suggest that it was in the national interest of both nations to talk and engage in diplomacy or official dialogue -- even while America was steadily building up its military arsenal and interventionist efforts in the name of anti-communism.

Kennedy was...
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