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OnDaFence 36M/44M
44267 posts
12/7/2016 7:40 pm

Last Read:
12/8/2016 2:23 pm

The Next Day



You've all had the opportunity to read my "Foreknowledge" series of blogs detailing some of the alternative hidden events leading up to the disastrous attack on the American Naval Base at Pearl Harbor on December 7th. A full-blown war has now swept across the Pacific Ocean by the Imperial Japanese Military. The United States blindsided by the overwhelming forces thrust upon them reels back on December 8th waiting to hear from it's Commander in Chief.



Franklin D. Roosevelt was diagnosed with infantile paralysis, better known as polio, in 1921, at the age of 39. In private, FDR used a special wheelchair he designed himself refusing to use a “regular” bulky wheelchair of the era. The disability did not directly interfere with his role as President, he was not completely comfortable being open about his situation personally. Masking his disability in his home was one thing, but the real challenge arose when he was asked to appear in public or deliver a speech. Often he was required to navigate to a podium or area in which he would greet listeners.



With the help of metal leg braces Roosevelt devised a method of “walking” in which he used a cane and the arm of his or advisor for balance. He would maneuver his hips and swing is legs forward in a swaying motion to make it appear as if he was walking. Stairs were also a challenge for FDR, he learned to support his weight with just his arms, holding himself up as if he were on parallel bars, and swing his way down toward the next step.



Roosevelt's James, escorted his father to the Capitol for a Joint Session of Congress at about noon December 8th. Each painful step taken towards the dais placed the fate of his message in jeopardy had he publically fallen. During his speech FDR shifted his weight from one leg to the other while braced against the podium. Each word uttered carefully and skillfully with a measured cadence FDR had honed from his many fireside chats over the radio.



" Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives:

Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 -- a date which will live in infamy -- the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.
Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.

Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.

And this morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.
I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph -- so help us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire."



The overall tone of the speech was one of determined realism. Roosevelt made no attempt to paper over the great damage that had been caused to the American armed forces. Within an hour of the speech, Congress passed a formal declaration of war against Japan and officially brought the U.S. into World War II with FDR's signature.

OnDaFence 36M/44M

12/7/2016 7:44 pm

December 8 marks the beginning of the long road of recovery


OnDaFence 36M/44M

12/7/2016 7:47 pm

Can you imagine the national effect on the war effort had Roosevelt fallen on his way to the podium?


OnDaFence 36M/44M

12/7/2016 7:48 pm

Yes this too was 75 years ago today


OnDaFence 36M/44M

12/7/2016 7:52 pm

DO I HAVE TO DRAW A PENIS ON EVERY FUCKING PICTURE SO IT DOESN'T GET AUTOMATICALLY DELETED?????????????????


Hungr4Yungr 75M
5766 posts
12/7/2016 9:13 pm

An eloquent speech delivered in fear, and remorse for not heeding his advisors.


OnDaFence 36M/44M

12/7/2016 9:31 pm

    Quoting Hungr4Yungr:
    An eloquent speech delivered in fear, and remorse for not heeding his advisors.
It took less than 7 minutes to deliver to the nation and so much hung in the balance with the choice of his words.


OnDaFence 36M/44M

12/8/2016 2:23 pm

    Quoting  :

Yes they were.... and just some conjecture.... What if the fleet with a few hours notice would have gone out to meet the Japs in the ocean il-prepared loosing those ships in deep water. As it was many of the ships that were sunk in harbor were raised, refitted , and sent out again to fight another day.