"And so, I mean, he declared war right there and then in so many words and Alex says later in the book, nobody in the White House from that point on had any doubt that we were going to bomb the mainland of Asia"

This quote by James Stockdale is describing the Vietnam War. Stockdale is saying that when President Johnson declared war, there was no doubt in the White House that they would be bombing mainland Asia. This quote is substantial due to the fact that it shows the determination of the White House to take action and the absence of doubt in their choice. It also shows the gravity of the situation and the seriousness of the war. The quote also highlights the significance of the decision-making process and how it can have an enduring effect. It is a tip of the power of words and how they can form the future. The quote is a tip of the importance of taking obligation for our actions and the consequences that include them.