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 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 alone more than the net income of all United States cooperations -- corporations.
larger
Now 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.
-- Republican Dwight D. Eisenhower: Farewell Address -- January 17, 1961
Chart courtesy of Global Issues - World Military Spending.
We have been compelled to create a permanent armaments industry of vast proportions.
And for what
greater purpose?
Other than to maintain a perpetual and permanent state of fear.
Both at home and aboard.
While continuing to create a legacy, that few have yet to truly fathom --
the legacy of war, by jamess -- Apr 27, 2009.
And at what lost "Opportunity Costs"?
costofwar.com
Cost of War in Iraq:
$811,513,603,102 ... as of 2/27/2013.
Cost of War in Afghanistan:
$616,310,682,905 ... as of 2/27/2013.
Which pales in comparison with the tragic human costs of waging perpetual war:
Iraq War Casualties -- CNN.com
Afghanistan Casualties -- CNN.com
And perhaps saddest of all -- we were warned.