Dwight D. Eisenhower - January 17, 1961

[isbister]

"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 Statehouse, 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."

http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/ike.htm

Are we there yet?

[stevedeshazer]

1. I think we've been there

since Vietnam

[isbister]

2. No, I think..

there was still a bit of fight left in America. I don't think we really started losing big until Reagan (the second worst president in the history of the United States in my humble opinion) was a few years in office. I think it was then that the winning tide had been turned.

I wonder if the fight is over... if we're done... take your number, sit down, shut up, and do as you're told.