"For we are opposed around the world by a monolithic and ruthless
conspiracy that relies primarily on covert means for expanding its
sphere of influence: on infiltration instead of invasion, on subversion
instead of elections, on intimidation instead of free choice, on guerrillas
by night instead of armies by day. It is a system which has conscripted
vast human and material resources into the building of a tightly-knit,
highly efficient machine that combines military, diplomatic, intelligence,
economic, scientific and political operations. Its preparations are
concealed, not published. Its mistakes are buried, not headlined. Its
dissenters are silenced, not praised."
[John F. Kennedy; April 27, 1961]