As I the historian I am, willst I tried to sleep, the two old men in my mind started to recall the recent subcommittee meeting of the Senate Appropriations Committee where, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) referred to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki when he urged Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and others to provide ammunition to Israel.
As I tried to sleep I was reminded just how history repeats itself and how the "enlightened" Professors and educators of the illustrious and "Prestigious University's" failed to note this historical equalization and to enlighten their charges to the documented historical truth of one of the most famous speeches of the twentieth century, giving birth to one of the most famous phrases of the century.
As I lay there I could hear my Mother of blessed Memory who would teach me as a young Baby Boomer and son of a WWII veteran of the famous phrase:"A day that will live in infamy" from that momentous FDR speech which had been broadcast throughout the United States by radio.
How when atttacked by the Japanese in their "Surprise Attack" America found itself embroiled in a conflict with the "Axis nations"of Gernany and Italy in a "Two Front War". Just as we were attacked by the Iranian Axis of evil with the Iranians and their Hezbollah proxy in Lebanon as well as with the Houthis in Yemen
Graham compared the similarities in the 1945 U.S. atomic bombings of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to necessitate the fanatical Japanese to surrender to that of the Israeli use of force in Gaza against the barbaric terrorists of Hamas to release the hostages and surrender!
“Why is it OK for America to drop two nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki to end their existential threat war? … I thought it was the right decision.” Senator Graham continued, “So, Israel, do whatever you have to do to survive as a Jewish state,”
In reponse to the claim of "Genocide" a moderator told Graham that, "U.S. military officials" say technology has advanced since World War II to minimize civilian casualties, he said, “Yeah, these "military officials" that you’re talking about are full of crap.”
And as I "tossed and turned" dying to sleep I also recalled the similarities of how the war for Israel and the USA began with surprise attacks that unified the nation in it's resolve to end the reign of Hamas. I also noted FDR's words regarding the deceitful Japanese and just how similiar this manner of deceitful behaviour was with Arafat when he signed the ill fated "Hudna" of the Oslo Accords".
One should, as I did, reread, the thoughts and words of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt regarding the Japanese "Surprise Attack" on Pearl Harbour on December 7th, 1941 and realise just how like the "Palestinians", the Japanese had been in negotiations for a "just peace"!
How we too had been at "peace" and on more than a "day of rest" -the Simchat Torah religious holiday, when we were oh so violently attacked. How deadly the attack was and how though attacked by surprise our "first reponders" acted heroically in response to the overwhelming barbarious attack.
"In the early afternoon of December 7, 1941, Franklin D. Roosevelt was just finishing lunch in his oval study on the second floor of the White House, preparing to work on his stamp album, when his telephone rang.
The White House operator announced that Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox was on the line and insisted on talking with him. Roosevelt took the call.
Secretary Knox told the President that the Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, just before 8 a.m. Hawaiian time. Harry Hopkins, a top aide who was with Roosevelt at the time, could not believe the report. But Roosevelt did:
"It was just the kind of unexpected thing the Japanese would do. At the very time they were discussing peace in the Pacific, they were plotting to overthrow it,"
As you read the words of the speech in the transcript, note that FDR wrote it himself wrote it himself and that he made three drafts.
Here is the transcript transcript of President Roosevelt’s speech, which he delivered to the joint houses of Congress in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 8, 1941—one day after the surprise attack that led America to join World War II pay attention to the highlighted sentences:
“Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives:
Yesterday, December 7th, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.
Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.
And this morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.
As Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.
No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.
I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger.
With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph—so help us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.”
As the saying goes history DOES repeat itself and our present day political leaders (sic) should take heed!
Watch the speech here: here:
May we all know no more war and the sacrifice of our youth on the altar of death!
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