(11 of 11)
"You see, I'm not talking about winning. I'm talking about the world as it is. The rivalry between the U.S. and the Soviet Union can be managed but not eliminated. That's the kind of world we live in."
He plants his feet on the carpet between the ottoman and the chair, folds his arms on his knees and stares hard at his listener.
"The United States was meant to be a great power. De Gaulle said that France was never her true self unless she was engaged in a great enterprise. Since World War II, the U.S. has been engaged in a great enterprise. It has been good for us, internally, to feel that way. The moment we turn isolationist, it will be disastrous for the rest of the world. But in the long run, it will be disastrous for us too. We will become self-centered, introverted. As I look at young people these days, I see that each can make a difference in the world. Not just in his own family. Not just in his community. Not just in his country. But the whole world. I think Americans are very lucky to have the problems they have."
On July 4, 1985, would Richard Nixon say that the world is a safer place than on July 4, 1945?
"Yes."
Then, was Hiroshima, in some way, good for the world?
"Yes."