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About this quote

What does it mean?
Nuclear weapons have tactical value but public opinion opposes them.
In plain terms
Military sees uses for nukes but people fear them due to propaganda.
What can you take from it?
Public perception limits military strategy options.

Where it applies

  • defense policy
  • arms control
  • military strategy

Putting it to work

  • policy analysis
  • public education
  • strategic planning

Questions to consider

  • Should strategy follow public opinion?
  • Is public fear of nukes justified?

Another view

It dismisses moral concerns as mere propaganda.

More from Curtis LeMay

  1. We're at war with Japan. We were attacked by Japan. Do you want to kill Japanese, or would you rather have Americans killed?

    Permalink to quote #6
  2. If you kill enough of them, they stop fighting.

    Permalink to quote #8
  3. If I see that the Russians are amassing their planes for an attack, I'm going to knock the shit out of them before they take off the ground.

    Permalink to quote #5

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