There also weren't any outer-space alien invasions. Nor anal probes.
I guess the brain-damaged rubes were feeling all comfy and secure with their corn likker and their blankies.
So let us declare a state of emergency and grab dictatorial powers to deal with dissent. That'll show 'em we're better'n Russia!
Don't worry, we'll run like bunnies at the first sign of resistance. It's our new "Freedom Through Weakness" policy.
Yep, come in when the squabbling client states finally figure out none of 'em's strong enough to win, then drop a couple of atom bombs.
Three days later, unconditional surrender.
We're famous for it. Remember the World Wars?
Think of us as daddy saying to the kids "if I gotta get up outta my La-Z-Boy, somebody's gonna get a whippin'!"