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 State house, 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 militaryindustrial 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. -Dwight Eisenhower
No doubt about it. Eisenhower had the F-35 in mind when he stated the above more than half a century ago. And there's no doubt that the F-35 is a clear and present danger to the "
economic, political, even spiritual" well being of the nation and the "
very structure of our society" and even "
our liberties or democratic processes." Not.
And yes, I'm quite familiar with Eisenhower's military industrial complex speech. I was alive when he uttered it and it was required reading where I went to school. I just happen to interpret its application VERY differently than you, and don't see Eisenhower's speech as even remotely applying to the F-35 program. You are welcome to disagree.