Word: reaganized
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Embarking on an effort to build shields rather than swords was a characteristic Reagan gesture?a clear and simple assertion from his gut challenging the accepted wisdom that defensive systems are "destabilizing." His notion that missiles could be knocked out in space had a wistful though dangerous appeal; it suggested that the nation could be defended without earthly sacrifice and bloodshed...
...Reagan first discussed the question of missile-killing technology with his science adviser, Physicist George Keyworth II, in a conversation two years ago. Keyworth, an admirer of Teller's who helped develop an earlier ABM system, appointed a task force that included Teller, Consultant Edward Frieman and former Deputy Secretary of Defense David Packard. Early this year they informed Reagan that the idea seemed technically feasible, and it was brought up at a Feb. 11 White House meeting with the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Reagan said nothing for the next three weeks, then popped the idea at a morning briefing...
...Reagan felt the need to include a positive element in his speech last week to show that his Administration had a broader vision than simply confronting security problems with greenbacks. So he decided to announce his space-age plan with some public fanfare, rather than simply order that it be studied quietly.* Clark warned Reagan on the day of the speech that he could expect criticism, even from within his Administration, for precipitately suggesting such a radical change in strategy. "It won't be the first time," the President replied. "It doesn't bother...
...discussions of the ABM plan to top officials on what is called a "close held" basis. Most congressional leaders were kept in the dark until the afternoon of the speech. So were most of those on the the political and policy staffs in the West Wing. The paragraphs in Reagan's speech on new defensive technologies were drafted separately and then blended into the speech by the President. The overriding factor in the timing and handling of the issue?one that discomfited a few senior aides?seemed to be the desire for intensive political impact rather than a careful consideration...
What has been dubbed at the White House the "star wars add-on" actually tended to obscure the real substance of Reagan's speech, which was part of a series designed to rally support for his defense budget. In what staffers jokingly call the "Darth Vader" speech, Reagan told evangelical Christians meeting in Orlando, Fla., in early March that the Soviet empire was "the focus of evil in the modern world." This Thursday, the President will outline the U.S. position on European-based missiles in an address in Los Angeles and next week will make another speech on the need...