Long before World War II started, the United States did not have a permanent army. The United States Marine or navy did not yet exist and there were no companies engaged in the manufacture of guns and ammunitions for the army. The United States relied on the provisions of the United States Constitution which states that a militia of citizen soldiers can be called up by the president in times of war. Maintenance of an army was not its priority
However, after World War I and World War II, the Korean War and the Cold War, the maintenance of an army and industries designed to produce and manufacture weapons had become the priority of the United States government. The change did not escape the keen eye of Dwight D. Eisenhower. Troubled and concerned by this transformation and its evil effects on the American society, Eisenhower stated in his farewell speech that “In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military industrial complex.”
Eisenhower believed in the ideals of democracy which the United States stands for. Before a democracy can be function effectively, it is imperative that the people should be properly informed. It is essential that the public should be aware of the things that are happening so it can participate in the running of the affairs of the government.
His warning still holds true today. In fact, his fear has actually become a reality. The United States has continuously maintained a hostile attitude towards its neighboring countries. Its policies have become instruments not for peace but for continuation of hostility. The police of the war on terror only fuels more hostility. Its setting up of bases in foreign countries and interference in the affairs of the other sovereign nations only angers the predominantly Muslim nations. Now, communism is no longer the enemy but terrorism. According to Jesse Smith, “Terrorism has supplanted communism, but the basic tenet remains unchanged: our society has created a system that profits from war, and when war ends, the Military Industrial Complex finds or creates a new enemy, and thus perpetuates itself.”
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As the policy on War on Terror continues and as more troops are sent to foreign countries, more weapons and ammunitions are needed. The manufacturers of weapons and ammunitions and the producers of food and uniform for the soldiers profit from the war or conflict. The lawmakers and other politicians also profit handsomely from their decisions to send foreign troops in terms of commissions from these companies. Former generals and officers of the army also sit as officers to the board of directors of these companies.
The situation makes an average Joe think, will the day come when all the conflict will cease? For these companies to continue to profit the conflict must not cease. There must always be reasons for war. The militaristic system has been so far embedded in the American culture that even the majority of the public thinks that the war is justified or that engaging in conflict with the neighboring countries is the only solution. So long as these companies and the military leaders who profit from the conflict are allowed to influence our lawmakers, peace will never reign in the United States which is already suffering economically. I am against the conflicts in neighboring countries. I am in favor of using funds for basic social services and providing jobs for the unemployed.
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