IN 1961, President Dwight D. Eisenhower left office warning of the growing power of the military-industrial complex in American life. Most people know the term the president popularized, but few remember his argument.
In his farewell address, Eisenhower called for a better equilibrium between military and domestic affairs in our economy, politics and culture. He worried that the defense industry’s search for profits would warp foreign policy and, conversely, that too much state control of the private sector would cause economic stagnation. He warned that unending preparations for war were incongruous with the nation’s history. He cautioned that war and warmaking took up too large a proportion of national life, with grave ramifications for our spiritual health.
Definitely an interesting topic. While I feel there can be real debate on the issue of defense contractors impact on foreign policy, what constantly amazes me is that our politicians are so firmly in their payroll, they continually overrule the requests of our OWN MILITARY in promoting programs they don't want and buying things we don't need. Look at the extra F35 engine that was developed or the continued purchase and refurbishment of the Abrams tanks at levels beyond what the military has requested. It simply boggles the mind.
Yup, a standing army was a specific concern of the founding fathers and they tried to limit its power by giving command to the president, and financial control to congress.
Directly across the street from my home is a large Lockheed Martin plant and directly across the street from my place of business is a large office building that says General Dynamics Tactical Ordinance, so I am reminded of this nearly every day.
I don't think most Americans actually realize what a warlike people we actually are (and always have been). I recommend George Carlin's
"We Like War". I think it says it all....
