the doctrine of Pre-Emption is a theory of self-defense, which requires that action be taken to defeat a threat before the threat can attack first. However, this doctrine appears to go against American tradition. It is an American virtue that war should only be brought to our enemies only after attacked. The doctrine of pre-emption violates this virtue. It is unjust to wage aggressive war against an enemy who "may" attack us. It would be immoral for a man to kill his neighbor in his house because the man feared that his neighbor may kill him in the future. As such, it is immoral for nations to attack other nations based on the same fear.

In addition, pre-emption can actually create more danger by encouraging potential enemies to engage in behavior directly related to the doctrine of pre-emption (behavior such as the pursuit of nuclear weapons.) Pre-emption has turned out to be a reckless policy and it is one of the chief causes of recent mistrust of American intentions by other nations of the world.

on the other hand, opponents of pre-emption cite the most extreme cases to rationalize their opposition. These extreme cases do not occur and successful pre-emptive measures are often forgotten to history because they are successful (the alternative scenario never occurs.) Furthermore, nuclear technology has put an additional burden on traditional theories of self defense. There are many examples in history where nations have not engaged in pre-emption only to learn later that pre-emption would have avoided catastrophe. In addition, pre-emption has little to do with justice. Would it have been unjust for France to pre-emptively invade Hitler's Germany in 1936? Was it unjust to invade Saddam's Iraq in 2003?

The chairman, who considers himself just, has pre-emptively called for a debate to settle the question:

Resolved: Pre-emption: AN UNJUST FOREIGN POLICY

The Debate will be held on Wednesday, November 17, 2004 at the University Club, 420 Summit Avenue, in Saint Paul. The Chancellor will preside over drinks beginning at seven o'clock p.m. The debate will begin at half past seven. While there is no dress code for attendance, gentlemen who wish to speak must wear a tie; ladies should adhere to a similar sartorial standard. For those gentlemen who arrive tieless yet wish to speak, fret not: the Purveyor of Ties will keep on hand at least one of his quite remarkable ties for just such an eventuality. Questions about debate caucus procedures or about the John Adams Society itself may be directed to the Chairman at 952-985-7776 or the Secretary at (952) 937-7630.

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