LAD #22

LAD #22: McKinley's War Message

I as President am bound to give you my opinion on what ought to be done about what happens in the world. The current revolts in Cuba are but a recurrence of what has been going on for years now. These revolts however have effected the United States, being so close to our country. The American people have wanted to join in on the war, and it has been a difficult task enforcing our neutrality. The fight in Cuba will not be settled short of a complete victory of one over the other. The recognition of an independent Cuba is the only answer. I do not see any problems in recognizing Cuba as independent because any other actions by the United States would only lead to more problems. However the forcible end of the conflict by the United States would not be without precedent.

First: We should help stop the fighting to end the starvation and misery of the people there.

Second: There are Americans in Cuba who need our protection.

Third: The war is hurting our economy.

Fourth: Most importantly the war is very close to us, and the property of our government and citizens is being seized at will.

Also the destruction of the Maine, and the death of all those sailors mustn't be forgotten. The failure of the Spanish government to provide protection for the American vessel in Cuba on a peaceful mission shows that the rebellion will not be able to be put down. In light of this we must do everything we can to ensure the aid of the United States to the Cuban people.

I ask the congress to authorize and empower me to take measures to secure a full and final termination of hostilities between Spain and Cuba, and to use the military and naval forces of the United States as may be necessary.

I also recommend the distribution of food and supplies to be continued and an appropriation from the public treasury to supplement the charity of our citizens. 

Photo#2: the Vietnam war was a failure by the United states, and a great opposition at home was generated by this conflict. Just like how the Cuban rebellion was unstoppable, so was the spread of Communism to Vietnam resulting from the United State's failure