President Eisenhower’s 1961 (often taken out of context) “military industrial complex” speech contributes to an enduring negative view of the defense industry.
President Eisenhower’s speech is cited as a warning about the defense industry and its growing influence among the “councils of government.” However, in context, in the speech, President Eisenhower acknowledged the need for a robust defense industry and called on informed citizenry and politicos to “recognize the imperative need for this development.” (The “development” referred to a healthy defense industry).
Consequently, far from condemning the defense industry, he was recognizing its vital role in advancing US political, economic and military goals.*
*—Military-Industrial Complex Speech, Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1961, Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, January 17, 1961 “Press release containing the text of the address;” http://www.eisenhower.archives.gov/research/online_documents/farewell_address/1961_01_17_Press_Release.pdf
Seeing what the industry has turned into (and having made quite a bit of money working in it) the conventional interpretation of Eisenhower’s speech is correct. The “military industrial” complex is nothing but corporate welfare for people who once lived in Orange County California but now reside inside the capitol beltway in DC.
Sucking on the teet of the taxpayer to enrich themselves. It is why DC has been recession proof since 9/11