"[O]nce war is forced upon us, there is no other alternative than to apply every available means to bring it to a swift end. War's very object is victory, not prolonged indecision.Thanks to Wizbang for starting this campaign.
"In war there is no substitute for victory.
"There are some who for varying reasons would appease... They are blind to history's clear lesson, for history teaches with unmistakable emphasis that appeasement but begets new and bloodier war. It points to no single instance where this end has justified that means, where appeasement had led to more than a sham peace.
"Like blackmail, it lays the basis for new and successively greater demands until, as in blackmail, violence becomes the only alternative. Why, my soldiers asked of me, surrender military advantages to an enemy in the field? I could not answer."
Retired from the US Air Force after more than 20 years of service. Now working as a contractor for various government agencies.