No part of President’s Reagan’s legacy is more important and enduring than his belief in peace through strength. In no other aspect of his core beliefs was closer to the founding fathers. Thomas Jefferson observed, “The power of making war often prevents it.” Likewise in his farewell address as president, George Washington reminded the American people that “timely disbursements to prepare for danger frequently prevent much greater disbursements to repel it.” Both Jefferson and Washington believed that security is the true foundation of peace, freedom and prosperity. That will always be the case so long as we live in a world where nations do not share the cause of fostering liberty.
The clauses of the Constitution lay out more specific powers and responsibilities regarding the obligation to “provide for the common defense,” than any other duty of the federal government. When Reagan became president, he made providing for the common defense a top priority.
There was much work to be done. After four years of neglect under the Carter administration, the American military had gone “hollow.” Meanwhile the Soviets had gone on the offensive seemingly everywhere.
To keep America safe in a dangerous world, Reagan ordered double-digit increases in defense spending–even as he tried to rein in or cut other parts of the government. He ignored advisors who said people might be confused by his dual priorities. His opponents would accuse him of hypocrisy. But Reagan always insisted that the first criteria in deciding what to do was to do the right thing.
The world is no less dangerous today than when Reagan took office. And once again our military finds itself hollowed through a combination of overuse, aging and lack of investment. Calls to gut defense to balance the budget circulate in Washington anew. We should pray that our lawmakers will remember Reagan’s example, and base defense spending not on budgetary expediency, but on what is truly needed to protect America.