Communism counts its opportunities in terms of decades - not of weeks. Its means of aggression consist not only of nuclear weapons and missiles with enormous boosters, and not only of spies, agents and terrorists, but of great masses of men and women, deluded by a common ideology which inspires them with a false hope.

Robert Kennedy’s quote, “Communism counts its opportunities in terms of decades—not of weeks,” highlights the long-term, strategic approach that communism takes in its pursuit of power and influence. Kennedy emphasizes that communism is not focused on immediate results or quick gains, but rather works through patient and methodical efforts over time, gradually advancing its goals. This perspective challenges the idea of instant solutions, suggesting that communism’s influence grows through persistent and sustained efforts.

The second part of the quote addresses the means of aggression used by communist regimes. Kennedy argues that the tools of aggression are not limited to just nuclear weapons, missiles, or covert tactics like spies, agents, and terrorists; instead, communism’s power also comes from the masses of men and women who are deluded by a shared ideology. These individuals are motivated by a false hope propagated by the regime, which convinces them of the supposed benefits of communism. This mass mobilization allows communist movements to gain momentum, not just through violence but also through ideological control.

Kennedy’s mention of false hope reflects his concern about the manipulation of public perception by communist ideologies. He suggests that the appeal of communism lies not only in its promises of equality and justice but in its ability to inspire large groups of people to follow the ideology without fully understanding its implications or the real consequences. This can lead to widespread deception and the subjugation of populations under totalitarian regimes.

The origin of the quote comes from Robert Kennedy, a prominent American politician, and brother of President John F. Kennedy. Known for his advocacy of civil rights and social justice, as well as his stance on anti-communism during the Cold War, Kennedy's words reflect the political climate of the time. His emphasis on the long-term, ideological threat posed by communism speaks to the concerns of many U.S. leaders during the Cold War, who saw communist movements as an existential challenge to democratic values.