It was necessary for Kennedy to be firm and project strength to deter the USSR and thereby avoid a nuclear war, but also restrain the hotheads within his administration who wished to invade Cuba and instigate a nuclear war. He had to keep to his goal to subdue the rebellion while not leading to a split within his side that could have led to a Southern victory. Yes, Lincoln predated what we could call science fiction and thus would not have a mental map for alien life, but that itself could be useful because science fiction norms might lead us astray in the event of actual first contact.
Author: John Farrier
Published at: 2026-02-07 21:31:05
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