The Evil Military Industrial Complex
Sat Sep 22, 2007 at 06:11:56 PM PDT
Yes, that was sarcasm. First let me begin by saying this website has been a pleasure. I became a member as a result of the "Cobert Bump". Occasionally I'll throw in a post asking people to back off of Hillary, or giving Obama the "ataboy!" (he's my choice for President).
But I primarily post in military related forums for a couple of reasons. First, it's an area of great interest to me for obvious reasons. Second, because I think a select few members of my party have a negative view of the armed forces. Unfortunately, it's those few who conservative news networks focus on. For that reason, I believe they hurt the Democratic party overall. The vast majority of Americans respect and are appreciative of our men and women who serve.
I'm a liberal democrat who happens to be actively serving in the US Army. For that reason I have to be careful about how I word things, and always remember that my opinions are mine alone.
I'm afraid I'm not very internet savvy, and I'm brand new with diaries. So forgive me if It's rather plain.
I would like to discuss the misuse of the phrase "Military Industrial Complex". Without getting into the history of the phrase, allow me to post its most infamous use in its context.
Dwight D. Eisenhower:
A vital element in keeping the peace is our military establishment. Our arms must be mighty, ready for instant action, so that no potential aggressor may be tempted to risk his own destruction...
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.
In a nutshell I think it's clear that Eisenhower was not against the marrying of the military with private industry. In fact, it's quite the opposite. He recognized its necessity, as should any clear thinking individual. I think his message was easily summed up by Uncle Ben from Spiderman, "with great power comes great responsibility".
I'm finding too many posters who can't simply say, "the military". Instead they have to say "military industrial complex", which, actually requires more typing. In my opinion most of that is for no other reason than to trivialize the military, or somehow insert the word "military" into negative context.
Like it or not, every military in the world relies on private industry and has since recorded history. This is especially true in the modern age. If you have an ax to grind with specific companies or politicians who you feel are profiteering from unethical means... knock yourself out.
There are other rants that I have, like some of you being paranoid that Boot Camp is becoming Jesus Camp. But I'll save those for another day.
