[bvw]

The advice of a wise man is appicable in all ages and circumstances. This is golden advice, more golden today -- in the sense that we have ignored the depth and unavoidability of its wisdom, making it a more valuable coin if it were to be applied and heeded anew.

[AmericaUnited]

Taking care always to keep ourselves, by suitable establishments, on a respectable defensive posture, we may safely trust to temporary alliances for extraordinary emergencies.

"defensive posture" - We were attacked.

"extraordinary emergencies" - 911... Hello?!