Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Defense Policy

Live free or die, the motto of New Hampshire
Can be the motto of the Republic of New England.
But practical considerations limit our ability
To defend ourselves against any and all threats.

The republic cannot be armed with nuclear weapons
Nor would it be able to employ them in any fashion.
We cannot afford a tactical air force,
Nor see any utility in having one.

Our principal military service has to be a robust coast guard.
Hundreds of miles of shore line are our principal feature.
The sea is our avenue to the rest of the world.
We already have the Mass Maritime and Maine Maritime academies.
Perhaps we can negotiate the transfer of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

A standing army would be impossible to maintain.
A small component of marines would suffice
To provide a land complement to the coast guard.
A small air arm would be primarily engaged in search and
rescue operation.

We might also consider emulating Switzerland and Israel
By requiring military training of all able young men and women;
Calling them to service when required
To repel invasion and conquest, if that is possible.
No doubt, the cost would be prohibitive.
We may have to believe, as Washington did,
In the protection of Divine Providence.

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