" . . . 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." Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Dwight Eisenhower was a Republican President. That he spoke these words at all demonstrates a courage that is seldom seen in American politics. President Clinton challenged the military-industrial-complex through reductions in the defense budget, sending surpluses to payoff the national debt - something no Republican President has ever done. We are all aware of what happened to President Clinton, every aspect of his life was investigated. Courage under fire. Punishment for challenging the establishment.

All of this involves war, continuous war. Of course a military is necessary, especially in a world political environment created by the U.S. since WWII. Yet, war means killing. That's right people, killing other people. Those "people" could be you. Hah, you feel the fear!! Someone could be so angry with you that they would shoot at you, kill you if they could, because you are an American. Is it okay to shoot at the other fellow as long as he doesn't shoot back?

Isn't killing against the Ten Commandments? I realize that was changed to "murder", a man-made change -- to justify war. It is killing none-the-less.

War!!! What can we do to stop war? Perhaps we can start by not starting wars. Perhaps we Americans should not consider ourselves the World's Policeman. We did take a central role in creating the United Nations for that purpose. Perhaps Americans should mind their own business.

Lost lives is not the only cost of war; ask yourselves this -- are you better off today than you were before the Iraq invasion? Gas, housing market, grocery prices, world reputation, secret government, wiretapping, airport searches and more! And why is it that America is the first to jump into any fracas?

Does all of this lead back to the Eisenhower statement about the military-industrial-complex? Hey, an Army that doesn't fight isn't needed, nor are all of the industries that support that military. All of that industrial production went to war, not to you, not to me, and the profits went to the chosen few.

And for those who have forgotten, wasn't it Harry Truman who made his reputation investigating war profiteering? And who is doing that job today?

Kootie J