Rand Paul (R-Ky.) spoke at the 114th Veterans of Foreign Wars National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.
The Kentucky Republican, who has not been shy in hinting he may run for president in 2016, has been a critic of overseas military adventurism that partly defined President George W. Bush's two terms in office, as well as the use of drone strikes under both Mr. Bush's administration and that of President Obama.
"America has never backed down from a fight, but we should never be one that is eager to get involved in civil wars that don't affect our national security," he said. "Is our involvement in Egypt, Syria and Pakistan to our benefit or our detriment? We must have the strongest military on Earth — not because we are eager to use it, but so that no one would ever dare challenge us."
Mr. Paul went on to quote President Reagan's first inaugural address: "Our forbearance...should never be misunderstood. Our reluctance for conflict should not be misjudged as a failure of will. When action is required to preserve our national security, we will act. We will maintain sufficient strength to prevail if need be, knowing that if we do so we have the best chance of never having to use that strength."
For the country's sake and for veterans' sake, Mr. Paul said, "America's mission should always be to keep the peace, not to police the world."
