While Eisenhower came from a strong military background, so much so that he was the only general to be elected as President in the 20th century, his final message to the American people was a dire warning against what he saw as a corrupting influence that was growing behind the scenes of American life. He warned the nation that:
“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.” READ MORE
