My favorite of the comments is from someone named Mark. He says this:
We liked him. We just wouldn’t listen to him:
“We annually spend on military security more than the net income of all United States corporations.
This conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American experience. The total influence — economic, political, even spiritual — is felt in every city, every State house, every office of the Federal government. We recognize the imperative need for this development. Yet we must not fail to comprehend its grave implications. Our toil, resources and livelihood are all involved; so is the very structure of our society.
In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military/industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.
We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together.”
-Pres. Eisenhower, 1961.
Thanks, NPR, Barney, Ron, and Mark. (Ike, too, if you're listening.....)
Hello dearest Mary! It's been awhile and it's nice to be here again in your blog! Btw nice new template!
ReplyDeleteSo we gotta go back to the 1950's and an army general for some honest talk about why our society is only semi-functional today. I don't think Ike would feel despair like me. I think he would just be angry--and give everyone worthwhile, i.e., the Democrats, a piece of his mind, while dispatching those who profit shamelessly from our dysfunction, i.e., the Republicans, a short walk to a long jail term.
ReplyDeleteGood post.
Cat
Too bad we didn't heed Eisenhower's warning. The Military Industrial complex is in charge of our country now.
ReplyDeleteWhat a surprise to see the name of the person who was quoted at the bottom! Never would have guessed. So interesting to read this - thanks!
ReplyDeleteThe D.N.
Sigh, she sighs. Been wearing my old "No War" patch most days.
ReplyDeleteIs that a new self-portrait over to the right? Cute!
Charles: Welcome back to these parts. Will stop by your place later today--I expect it will be newly fab.
ReplyDeleteCat: Thanks for stopping by and remembering to sign your name! Always a pleasure to read your comments.
Darlene: Good old Ike!
The D.N.: (See above)
NDB: Jello again! Actually, that's a picture of MAW, but she speaks for me....:)
I like Barney Frank and Jerry likes Ron Paul (though he acknowledges that Paul is a nut). And we love each other. Sometimes people of different political persuasions do get together.
ReplyDelete20th: good for you two!!!
ReplyDelete