Meaning: The quote "We're in greater danger today than we were the day after Pearl Harbor. Our military is absolutely incapable of defending this country." by Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, was made during a 1983 radio interview with Larry King. This statement reflects Reagan's concerns about the state of the U.S. military at the time and his perception of the growing threats facing the nation.

Ronald Reagan's comparison of the contemporary danger to the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, a pivotal event in U.S. history, is a striking one. The attack on Pearl Harbor by the Imperial Japanese Navy on December 7, 1941, prompted the United States to enter World War II and led to a significant overhaul and expansion of the U.S. military. Reagan's statement suggests that he believed the threats facing the United States in the 1980s were even more severe and immediate than those faced during the aftermath of the Pearl Harbor attack.

Reagan's assertion that "Our military is absolutely incapable of defending this country" reflects his deep concerns about the readiness and capabilities of the U.S. military during his presidency. It is important to consider the context in which Reagan made this statement. The 1980s were marked by heightened Cold War tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, and Reagan's administration pursued a robust military buildup, including the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), commonly known as "Star Wars," which aimed to develop advanced missile defense systems.

Reagan's critique of the military's capabilities could also be seen as a reflection of his commitment to strengthening the U.S. armed forces. During his presidency, Reagan sought to reverse what he perceived as a decline in military preparedness that had occurred in the years preceding his administration. His administration implemented significant increases in defense spending and emphasized the modernization and expansion of the U.S. military.

It is worth noting that Reagan's assessment of the military's capabilities was a subject of debate and criticism, with some questioning the validity of his claims. However, it is evident that Reagan's concerns about the state of the U.S. military during his presidency were part of a broader narrative about national security and defense policy.

In conclusion, Ronald Reagan's quote about the heightened danger facing the United States and the perceived inadequacy of the military to defend the country provides insight into his views on national security and defense during his presidency. Whether one agrees with Reagan's assessment or not, this quote captures the sense of urgency and determination that characterized his approach to strengthening the U.S. military and addressing the challenges of the Cold War era.