Eisenhower's CROSS OF IRON speech in 1953 had more in it than itemizing the real costs of War.
He also iterated what US Foreign Policy should be;
First: No people on earth can be held, as a people, to be an enemy -- for all humanity shares the common hunger for peace and fellowship and justice.
Second: No nation's security and well-being can be lastingly achieved in isolation -- but only in effective cooperation with fellow nations.
Third: Every nation's right to a form of government and an economic system of its own choosing is inalienable.
Fourth: Any nation's attempt to dictate to other nations their form of government is indefensible.
And Fifth: A nation's hope of lasting peace cannot be firmly based upon any race in armaments -- but rather upon just relations and honest understanding with all other nations.
Unfortunately, he violated principles 3 & 4 just months after that Enlightened speech when the CIA and England's MI6 orchestrated the 1963 Regime Change of the Democratically elected Iranian government of Prime Minister, Mohammad Mosaddegh that still resonates in this World these 73 years later.
All very good points, especially the violation of certain principles. It should be noted that Eisenhower had objections to the economic costs of the military, he certainly was well familiar with those costs from WWII, so he sought to continue military operations in a different way, covert warfare, instigating coups, neutralizing indigenous leftist opposition movements, etc. Cheaper than overt military action, but if done right, same result. How well that has succeeded? Chalmers Johnson's "Blowback."
Wow, I wasn't aware of these other "planks" in Ike's speech. Grossly hypocritical of course, since US foreign policy already was engaged in trying to suppress any nation's embrace of Socialism. I do credit Eisenhower for recognizing the deadlock on the battlefields of Korea and "standing down." Unfortunately for the Korean people, their nation has been artificially divided at the 38th Parallel ever since.
While many tend to idealize and at time idolize the 'Founding Fathers', I believe it is better to see them as the flawed and often corrupt patricians they were. Yet in spite of their own shortcomings, they were able to form a government of competing powers (executive, congressional, and judicial), recognizing, if not said directly, that power corrupts - particularly among flawed self-serving people and that no single part of the government should have unlimited power.
It is almost irresistible to assign the word "king" to Trump and his court of sycophants and true believers. But I think we should give thanks to Trump - he has demonstrated the terrible powers that have accrued to the executive branch since the creation of the national security state, enabled in large measure by the failure of multiple Congresses (do we still have one?). Powers, I believe, that will be used by his successors - no matter their political orientation.
There are many calls for a new 'American revolution' (suggested peacefully in most cases) But if there were ever to be a time for a new 'republic', one hopes its based not on idealistic notions of the better angels of our nature, but on the need to balance power among competing interests promoted by flawed human beings.
See my comments about the "new American Revolution" that I posted before reading others' comments, Tom. Should a Democrat ever again be elected POTUS (!!), I think Executive Orders will be required to overturn Emperor Trump's more wretched actions to try to rewrite our history, trash the idea that diversity is actually a good thing, etc. But if such actions, challenged, were to reach SCOTUS as it is currently constituted, good luck to us all.
I have little doubt that if a Democrat gets back to the Resolution Desk, his/her desk on day one will be filled with executive orders waiting to be signed. And it's probably a necessity in this instance. But I'm not sure it's a good long term strategy for the country with four/eight years of one set of executive orders, followed by a different set, and repeat.
I guess it could be argued executive orders arose out of the gridlock in Congress that gets worse every year, and their willingness to give their power to the executive.
Donald Dearest has wielded the power of Executive Orders to an unprecedented degree. (He can say accurately, for a change, "Nothing like this has ever been seen before!!") If a Dem. POTUS runs into a GOP brick wall Congress again, the whole business of using that weapon may end up in front of SCOTUS and then it will suddenly be found to be an overreach of the powers of the Executive. O how we so need to do something about that hideous (2/3 of it) court!!
Hello TomR.... DJT's Rise was also abetted by the 'Entertainment' Saturation of the American Public, as well as the ignorance of a large part of it....
Hello TomR... You would be surprised at the number of People who believe that everything that they see on TV is true like DJT's TV Show 'The Apprentice'...
I got sick and tired of the Taylor-Travis saga 10 seconds after the media launched the frenzy. BUT I'm glad it's pulling public attention away from Trump's July 4 shenanigans!! :-)
"America today is a structure infested by the termites of war. If we fail to get rid of them, our house will collapse in a pile of dust."
One helluva metaphor, which means it's apt, more than apt. A coupla quick points:
1) Maybe the victories of Mamdani's endorsees in New York and Melat Kiros in Colorado signify the tide is changing for the better, for the necessary.
2) Eisenhower did put it very well with regard to the military-industrial complex, but his message would have carried so much further had he supported true, universal health care in this country, had he pushed for modernization of all public schools financed by reductions in Pentagon spending. Likely such initiatives would have gone down to defeat in the Congress, but at least he would have been on the historical record of backing up his words with specific action. Instead, and in particular regard to health insurance, that was branded as "socialized medicine" and simply not to be allowed in leftist/socialist allegic America.
These "democratic socialist" candidates have already been backing off their criticisms of Israel, etc. Totally predictable. There ARE some hopeful signs in the air: The Donald very disappointed by lack of enthusiasm in his July 4th public appearances. AIPAC now operating via front groups to try to hide their election influencing efforts. Reportedly--I haven't gone out to conduct an opinion survey in my Trump-loving region--a feeling of general malaise over economic conditions in the general population and less than ecstatic feelings about this 250th Anniversary thing.
"Reportedly... a feeling of general malaise over economic conditions in the general population and less than ecstatic feelings about this 250th Anniversary thing."
Interesting, I've viscerally sensed the same, a lot of predictable hype, but doesn't seem to have all that much resonance. Yes, I've seen it locally, a lot of economic anxiety, playing out in hostile, cynical ways. Fundamentally, because of all the unceasing vacuuming up by the 1% from the rest.
"These 'democratic socialist' candidates have already been backing off their criticisms of Israel, etc."
I haven't seen that, rather they're underscoring their criticism, the AIPAC-Israel-Congressional-Pentagon complex keeping calm, cool, collected, and dismissive on the surface, otherwise s***ting in its pants.
For certain, but they've already withstood, overcome, proven a lot, are drawing increased support and attention, the higher heat only reflects increased knee-jerk, desperate, generic panic among those at risk, nothing of substance, because they're finding their stuff is now long past its sell-by date, they got nothing fresh to offer, 'cuz there ain't none.
Just speculating on my part, but keep an eye out for Kat Abughazaleh to take on Daniel Biss again in the Illinois Ninth in two years.
Sadly, there is all too little challenging by the "liberal media" of the monstrous lie that opposing genocide against Palestinians = "antisemitism." That phony as Trump smear has lost some of its sizzle, but I'll lay money on the table it will be trotted out again as the midterms approach.
"Sadly, there is all too little challenging by the 'liberal media' of the monstrous lie that opposing genocide against Palestinians = 'antisemitism.'"
Oh, gawd, ain't that the evah luvvin' trooth... If you're so inclined, saunter over to Ken Klippenstein's site (https://www.kenklippenstein.com/p/dinosaur-democrats-meet-asteroid/comments) and see my dissection of Lisa Desjardin's and Mo Elleithee's palaver-cum-journalism on the recent election wins of Melat Kiros et al. and how the Democrats should now regard Israel. A subtle example of the "Media" element of the MICIMATT-SH at work, utterly vapid, rote, wholly uninformed question-and-answer nothingness on issues these two dolts have had approaching three years to delve into, comprehend, and then act accordingly on. But uh-uh, too much to ask of them, no fornicatin' way, the conventional, received wisdom has sufficed since Leon Uris' "Exodus," no need to change...
I won't be holding my breath awaiting THAT development! :-) Check out Malvina Reynolds's song from ancient times, "We Hate to See Them Go.." "The bankers and the businessmen are going in the army..."
As a Nation, we are well beyond the point where passive resistance and the electoral process cannot be depended upon. Unlike 1776, the governing body is not 3000 miles away but in the middle of the Eastern seaboard, and its loyal minions - including the military and various police forces honor neither any oaths to The Constitution or civil promises to protect and serve. There are no "adults in the room" or in any position of influence, no real opposition. Despite what statistics may show, while we have a great many weapons in private hands we are hardly an armed populace, and about as organized as a parade of pissants on their way to a picnic. Unless there's a reenactment along the lines of the events of 1789 - Bastille Day is nearly upon us - I fear the end of The Republic is upon us. But Taylor & Travis are getting hitched on the 4th ... so there must be hope yet. Silly me ... the great unwashed don't give a damn about The Republic, and haven't for years.
I predicted at the outset of Trump V. 2.0 that the vast, vast majority of active duty military personnel would obey their orders, no worries about violating every International Law on the books. An outstanding exception is the USAF Major arrested the other day on the steps of the US Capitol Building for issuing a public call for restoration of the republic while in full uniform. One lone Commissioned Officer will not turn the tide, of course, but as it is said in the Wisdom of the Inscrutable East, "A journey of 10,000 li begins with a single step." [What unit of distance is a "li"? Ahh, opinions vary. See, it's Inscrutable!] I myself am quite experienced at being the Voice Crying in the Wilderness. Kudos to the Major!
One can only hope. Unfortunately it seems like the more powerful the Presidency the more they like to grow the Defense budget. Oh sorry. Did I say "Defense". I meant of course "War".
Eisenhower's CROSS OF IRON speech in 1953 had more in it than itemizing the real costs of War.
He also iterated what US Foreign Policy should be;
First: No people on earth can be held, as a people, to be an enemy -- for all humanity shares the common hunger for peace and fellowship and justice.
Second: No nation's security and well-being can be lastingly achieved in isolation -- but only in effective cooperation with fellow nations.
Third: Every nation's right to a form of government and an economic system of its own choosing is inalienable.
Fourth: Any nation's attempt to dictate to other nations their form of government is indefensible.
And Fifth: A nation's hope of lasting peace cannot be firmly based upon any race in armaments -- but rather upon just relations and honest understanding with all other nations.
Unfortunately, he violated principles 3 & 4 just months after that Enlightened speech when the CIA and England's MI6 orchestrated the 1963 Regime Change of the Democratically elected Iranian government of Prime Minister, Mohammad Mosaddegh that still resonates in this World these 73 years later.
All very good points, especially the violation of certain principles. It should be noted that Eisenhower had objections to the economic costs of the military, he certainly was well familiar with those costs from WWII, so he sought to continue military operations in a different way, covert warfare, instigating coups, neutralizing indigenous leftist opposition movements, etc. Cheaper than overt military action, but if done right, same result. How well that has succeeded? Chalmers Johnson's "Blowback."
Wow, I wasn't aware of these other "planks" in Ike's speech. Grossly hypocritical of course, since US foreign policy already was engaged in trying to suppress any nation's embrace of Socialism. I do credit Eisenhower for recognizing the deadlock on the battlefields of Korea and "standing down." Unfortunately for the Korean people, their nation has been artificially divided at the 38th Parallel ever since.
While many tend to idealize and at time idolize the 'Founding Fathers', I believe it is better to see them as the flawed and often corrupt patricians they were. Yet in spite of their own shortcomings, they were able to form a government of competing powers (executive, congressional, and judicial), recognizing, if not said directly, that power corrupts - particularly among flawed self-serving people and that no single part of the government should have unlimited power.
It is almost irresistible to assign the word "king" to Trump and his court of sycophants and true believers. But I think we should give thanks to Trump - he has demonstrated the terrible powers that have accrued to the executive branch since the creation of the national security state, enabled in large measure by the failure of multiple Congresses (do we still have one?). Powers, I believe, that will be used by his successors - no matter their political orientation.
There are many calls for a new 'American revolution' (suggested peacefully in most cases) But if there were ever to be a time for a new 'republic', one hopes its based not on idealistic notions of the better angels of our nature, but on the need to balance power among competing interests promoted by flawed human beings.
See my comments about the "new American Revolution" that I posted before reading others' comments, Tom. Should a Democrat ever again be elected POTUS (!!), I think Executive Orders will be required to overturn Emperor Trump's more wretched actions to try to rewrite our history, trash the idea that diversity is actually a good thing, etc. But if such actions, challenged, were to reach SCOTUS as it is currently constituted, good luck to us all.
I have little doubt that if a Democrat gets back to the Resolution Desk, his/her desk on day one will be filled with executive orders waiting to be signed. And it's probably a necessity in this instance. But I'm not sure it's a good long term strategy for the country with four/eight years of one set of executive orders, followed by a different set, and repeat.
I guess it could be argued executive orders arose out of the gridlock in Congress that gets worse every year, and their willingness to give their power to the executive.
Donald Dearest has wielded the power of Executive Orders to an unprecedented degree. (He can say accurately, for a change, "Nothing like this has ever been seen before!!") If a Dem. POTUS runs into a GOP brick wall Congress again, the whole business of using that weapon may end up in front of SCOTUS and then it will suddenly be found to be an overreach of the powers of the Executive. O how we so need to do something about that hideous (2/3 of it) court!!
Hello TomR.... DJT's Rise was also abetted by the 'Entertainment' Saturation of the American Public, as well as the ignorance of a large part of it....
You mean like now with 7x24 coverage of the imminent wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce?
Hello TomR... You would be surprised at the number of People who believe that everything that they see on TV is true like DJT's TV Show 'The Apprentice'...
Did you get your invite? I'm thinking mine was lost in the mail.
I got sick and tired of the Taylor-Travis saga 10 seconds after the media launched the frenzy. BUT I'm glad it's pulling public attention away from Trump's July 4 shenanigans!! :-)
No but I sent a gift card from Target to those crazy kids. So many needed purchases in setting up a new household.
I sent a crock pot. Well I would have if I had gotten an invite. I hope they aren't angry with me.
"America today is a structure infested by the termites of war. If we fail to get rid of them, our house will collapse in a pile of dust."
One helluva metaphor, which means it's apt, more than apt. A coupla quick points:
1) Maybe the victories of Mamdani's endorsees in New York and Melat Kiros in Colorado signify the tide is changing for the better, for the necessary.
2) Eisenhower did put it very well with regard to the military-industrial complex, but his message would have carried so much further had he supported true, universal health care in this country, had he pushed for modernization of all public schools financed by reductions in Pentagon spending. Likely such initiatives would have gone down to defeat in the Congress, but at least he would have been on the historical record of backing up his words with specific action. Instead, and in particular regard to health insurance, that was branded as "socialized medicine" and simply not to be allowed in leftist/socialist allegic America.
These "democratic socialist" candidates have already been backing off their criticisms of Israel, etc. Totally predictable. There ARE some hopeful signs in the air: The Donald very disappointed by lack of enthusiasm in his July 4th public appearances. AIPAC now operating via front groups to try to hide their election influencing efforts. Reportedly--I haven't gone out to conduct an opinion survey in my Trump-loving region--a feeling of general malaise over economic conditions in the general population and less than ecstatic feelings about this 250th Anniversary thing.
"Reportedly... a feeling of general malaise over economic conditions in the general population and less than ecstatic feelings about this 250th Anniversary thing."
Interesting, I've viscerally sensed the same, a lot of predictable hype, but doesn't seem to have all that much resonance. Yes, I've seen it locally, a lot of economic anxiety, playing out in hostile, cynical ways. Fundamentally, because of all the unceasing vacuuming up by the 1% from the rest.
"These 'democratic socialist' candidates have already been backing off their criticisms of Israel, etc."
I haven't seen that, rather they're underscoring their criticism, the AIPAC-Israel-Congressional-Pentagon complex keeping calm, cool, collected, and dismissive on the surface, otherwise s***ting in its pants.
Well, shoot, I was extrapolating from past behavior! The closer to November we come, the higher will the heat be turned under these candidates.
For certain, but they've already withstood, overcome, proven a lot, are drawing increased support and attention, the higher heat only reflects increased knee-jerk, desperate, generic panic among those at risk, nothing of substance, because they're finding their stuff is now long past its sell-by date, they got nothing fresh to offer, 'cuz there ain't none.
Just speculating on my part, but keep an eye out for Kat Abughazaleh to take on Daniel Biss again in the Illinois Ninth in two years.
Sadly, there is all too little challenging by the "liberal media" of the monstrous lie that opposing genocide against Palestinians = "antisemitism." That phony as Trump smear has lost some of its sizzle, but I'll lay money on the table it will be trotted out again as the midterms approach.
"Sadly, there is all too little challenging by the 'liberal media' of the monstrous lie that opposing genocide against Palestinians = 'antisemitism.'"
Oh, gawd, ain't that the evah luvvin' trooth... If you're so inclined, saunter over to Ken Klippenstein's site (https://www.kenklippenstein.com/p/dinosaur-democrats-meet-asteroid/comments) and see my dissection of Lisa Desjardin's and Mo Elleithee's palaver-cum-journalism on the recent election wins of Melat Kiros et al. and how the Democrats should now regard Israel. A subtle example of the "Media" element of the MICIMATT-SH at work, utterly vapid, rote, wholly uninformed question-and-answer nothingness on issues these two dolts have had approaching three years to delve into, comprehend, and then act accordingly on. But uh-uh, too much to ask of them, no fornicatin' way, the conventional, received wisdom has sufficed since Leon Uris' "Exodus," no need to change...
Howard Zinn: https://www.howardzinn.org/collection/put-away-the-flags/
Hello Bill Astore... You want Peace?... Send Trump's, and Netanyahu's Children to the Front-Lines....
I won't be holding my breath awaiting THAT development! :-) Check out Malvina Reynolds's song from ancient times, "We Hate to See Them Go.." "The bankers and the businessmen are going in the army..."
As a Nation, we are well beyond the point where passive resistance and the electoral process cannot be depended upon. Unlike 1776, the governing body is not 3000 miles away but in the middle of the Eastern seaboard, and its loyal minions - including the military and various police forces honor neither any oaths to The Constitution or civil promises to protect and serve. There are no "adults in the room" or in any position of influence, no real opposition. Despite what statistics may show, while we have a great many weapons in private hands we are hardly an armed populace, and about as organized as a parade of pissants on their way to a picnic. Unless there's a reenactment along the lines of the events of 1789 - Bastille Day is nearly upon us - I fear the end of The Republic is upon us. But Taylor & Travis are getting hitched on the 4th ... so there must be hope yet. Silly me ... the great unwashed don't give a damn about The Republic, and haven't for years.
I predicted at the outset of Trump V. 2.0 that the vast, vast majority of active duty military personnel would obey their orders, no worries about violating every International Law on the books. An outstanding exception is the USAF Major arrested the other day on the steps of the US Capitol Building for issuing a public call for restoration of the republic while in full uniform. One lone Commissioned Officer will not turn the tide, of course, but as it is said in the Wisdom of the Inscrutable East, "A journey of 10,000 li begins with a single step." [What unit of distance is a "li"? Ahh, opinions vary. See, it's Inscrutable!] I myself am quite experienced at being the Voice Crying in the Wilderness. Kudos to the Major!
"Let us on our nation’s 250th birthday declare our independence from persistent and pernicious militarism and warfare."
Hear!! Hear!! Well said Mr. Astore.
Very inspiring!
“Let us on our nation’s 250th birthday declare our independence from persistent and pernicious militarism and warfare.”
How?
One can only hope. Unfortunately it seems like the more powerful the Presidency the more they like to grow the Defense budget. Oh sorry. Did I say "Defense". I meant of course "War".
The Spirit of '76 this article revealed 35 years later, still resonates in this Year of the Lord 2026.
https://rayjc.com/2011/02/26/proclaim-liberty-throughout-all-the-land/
Thanks William!
One Day in the Life for me posted 15 years ago, seeking the Spirit of '76 in Phoenix, Arizona 50 years ago on this theme, Bill!
'PROCLAIM LIBERTY THROUGHOUT ALL THE LAND'
https://rayjc.com/2011/02/26/proclaim-liberty-throughout-all-the-land/