Why do you think Eisenhower waited for his Farewell Address to the Nation to warn us about the MIC?

[NNN0LHI]

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

Eisenhower's Farewell Address to the Nation
January 17, 1961

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Good evening, my fellow Americans: First, I should like to express my gratitude to the radio and television networks for the opportunity they have given me over the years to bring reports and messages to our nation. My special thanks go to them for the opportunity of addressing you this evening.

Three days from now, after a half century of service of our country, I shall lay down the responsibilities of office as, in traditional and solemn ceremony, the authority of the Presidency is vested in my successor.

This evening I come to you with a message of leave-taking and farewell, and to share a few final thoughts with you, my countrymen.

Until the latest of our world conflicts, the United States had no armaments industry. American makers of plowshares could, with time and as required, make swords as well. But now we can no longer risk emergency improvisation of national defense; we have been compelled to create a permanent armaments industry of vast proportions. Added to this, three and a half million men and women are directly engaged in the defense establishment. 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 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.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8y06NSBBRtY

Anyone remember if Ike was called conspiracy theorist back then when he did warn us? I was too young to remember.

[Chemical Bill]

1. So they wouldn't shoot him. n/t

[Cirque du So-What]

2. Sounds plausible

I remain convinced that JFK was assassinated for threatening to pull the plug on Vietnam. Thre was just too much money involved to allow a 'peacenik' to slaughter their cash cow.