Cuban Missle Crisis

¶ … Memoir of the Cuban Missile Crisis

Specifically it will discuss what Kennedy says are the most important lessons that he learned from the Cuban Missile Crisis. The Cuban Missile Crisis took place in October 1962, and almost resulted in a nuclear war over Russian warheads in Cuba. Kennedy says he learned many things from the crisis, most importantly, that many differing views are the key to good deliberation. Today, that idea is often dismissed, calling for a general consensus on a topic, and that his implications for the U.S. Foreign policy in many areas.

Late in the book, Kennedy writes, "I believe our deliberations proved conclusively how important it is that the President have the recommendations and opinions of more than one individual, of more than one department, and of more than one point-of-view" (Kennedy 111). This is a central idea to democracy and our two-party system of government, which allows for differing ideas, thoughts, and recommendations as part of our rights to free speech that are guaranteed in the Constitution. A leader should be open to differing opinions as part of any debate, because divergent opinions are where ideas come from, and what helps generate change and opinion. It is important to know all the sides of any issue, and different points-of-view will bring out all the facets of any issue. Kennedy's argument is just as compelling today, when we consider just how different the current political situation is, and how much animosity there is between political parties, politicians, and the public. Today, President Obama is attempting to do just what Kennedy advised, and deal with situations with a variety of tools, decision-makers, and other options, and he is often criticized for that. For example, his ideas about diplomacy directly relate to the U.S. Foreign Policy and how we are perceived abroad and that led to his choice for the Nobel Peace Prize. And yet, that decision wa widely criticized, because he did not "earn" it. Yet our country is being perceived much more favorably in many foreign countries as a result of the changes in foreign policy, while we were viewed unfavorably during the prior administration. The point is that our foreign policy depends on negotiation, understanding, and sometimes a show of force, which was necessary during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Knowing what to use when is a result of the decision making process Kennedy discusses, and it seems the current administration is attempting to follow Kennedy's advice.

Kennedy's lessons also relate to how the various cabinet members and directors relate to the president and the president's policies. Kennedy writes, "Frequently I saw advisors adapt their opinions to what they believed President Kenney and, later, President Johnson wished to hear" (Kennedy 112). Kennedy warns against that behavior, and it is easy to see why. If the president does not have all the information on a matter, then he may not make the best decision, and if advisors keep that information to themselves because they are afraid of upsetting the president, then the president could make an uniformed and wrong decision, affecting first our country and then the world in many cases.

For example, in the book, Kennedy writes that when their advisors first showed them pictures of the suspected missile locations in Cuba, they did not see anything they recognized as a missile silo or location. They made their decision based on the information and testimony of others who were more experienced, and that helped them come to the right decision. The same is true of our foreign policy today. We must rely on information that is current and correct, not information that placates the president. That is dangerous and foolhardy in dealing with either our allies or our enemies. Developing a foreign policy that recognizes the differences in other cultures, and using many divergent expert advisors also helps us in negotiating with our perceived enemies. If they understand that we are truly interested in building a relationship with them based on mutual respect and understanding, we may be able to build stronger bonds with them and gain their trust. This is much better than going in on the offensive and creating ill will and bad feelings because of ignorance or misinformation.

Obviously, these lessons are extremely relevant to the reputation of the United Sates and its status in the world. An effective leader surrounds himself with a variety of experts in all areas, and who share different points-of-view. Kennedy writes, "President Kennedy wanted people who raised questions, who criticizes, on whose judgment he could rely, who presented an intelligent point-of-view, regardless of their rank or viewpoint" (Kenney 117). This seems to be the case in the current administration, as well. President Obama has chosen a variety of Cabinet members and advisors from many different areas of expertise, and from both parties. For example, he kept William Gates, from the prior administration, on as Secretary of Defense, because of his experience in dealing with the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. This shows that the president is willing to work with different ideas and viewpoints, and make balanced decisions after hearing differing ideas.

This can only help our foreign policy and how the world views us and it only elevates our status as a world leader. Our country has much influence around the world, because we are a world power. This was illustrated when the world's economy suffered as a result of the Wall Street and financial crisis here at home. Our decisions and our actions affect the world, and so, our foreign policy and our stance on other nation's and their actions must be impeccable for us to maintain our reputation as a world leader. So far, it seems that most of the world is impressed with changes in our foreign policy and the implications they have for future developments. President Obama and his Cabinet seem to be less isolationist and more interested in mending fences and creating cordial relationships with other countries, including those that we consider enemies, such as North Korea and Iran. Negotiations are going on in Iran regarding their nuclear program, and there have been attempts to manage relations with North Korea, as well. Kennedy writes, "It also showed how important it was to be respected around the world, how vital it was to have allies and friends" (Kennedy 120). (However, there was a headline on the Internet this morning that mentioned the president said that relations with North Korea could never be "cordial" if they continue their nuclear program.)