Let me be somewhat briefer this time. I am not offended. I simply think your notions of private corrupt enterprise leading to a war in Ukraine are nonsensical. If by that assertion, you mean the war is the result of the machinations of a conspiracy formed by American military and corporate interests. It is the stuff of tin foil hats.
The portion of Eisenhower's speech that is always quoted is
“In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex” People draw far different conclusions from that quote than Eisenhower intended from the complete speech.
I would urge you to read or listen to the whole thing. What I believe he was warning about was that United States was entering into a period of persistent conflict - a period that world had not really seen since the 100 years war. He further stated that America must be willing to exert a primary leadership role in that new era. Another quote in that speech that doesn't get much attention is “
Throughout America's adventure in free government, our basic purposes have been to keep the peace; to foster progress in human achievement, and to enhance liberty, dignity and integrity among people and among nations,” That is quite an imperial mission statement - even call to arms by perhaps the most informed and successful political/military leader since Washington.
He more than anyone understood the fallacy of disarmament and isolationism; a cancer through which he served in late twenties and thirties. Another quote captures that experience, “
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.”
I see no evidence that the machinery of defense has run amok. As Eisenhower notes it is absolutely necessary in a dangerous world. What I have seen in my lifetime are administrations making terrible choices that have been condoned by large majorities of the American people - at least for a while. Vietnam, Iraq, and the attempt at nation building in Afghanistan are the best examples. Those decisions were made by leaders elected by the American people.
As
@WAB correctly notes, I believe Obama failed miserably in his responsibilities to
to foster progress in human achievement, and to enhance liberty, dignity and integrity among people and among nations by abandoning our commitments to Ukraine in 2014. I simply wish the current administration would exercise more resolve in addressing that responsibility today.
missouriindependent.com
They have disowned their own grand daughter who they have not even met, Hunter wont allow her to take his name, probably a blessing in the long run, and Joe tells staff at the WH house that he only has 6 grandchildren when he has 7!
