Funny—I didn’t realize Eisenhower shrunk our military.
As I recall, Eisenhower actually warned us against a too powerful “military/industrial complex”, while Obama tells us to ignore those paranoid voices as domestic spying increases by some 70%.
Next thing you know, these idiots will claim Obama is more of a fiscal conservative than Coolidge.
Actually I think he is the one who coined the term “military industrial complex” and warned against it.
“Funny—I didn’t realize Eisenhower shrunk our military.”
Well, Ike was POTUS starting at the tail-end of the Korean “Police Action” which he brought to an end by threatening to nuke China to 1960. So, his tenure was during a bit of a lull. Consequently, he did draw down our conventional forces but at the same time increases spending on our nucelear capacity. Speaking of nukes, Ike also considered using nukes to break the Viet Minh’s attack on Dinh Bin Phu but was talked out of it by his cabinet. Ike supported integration, sent the 101st into LR Central High to ensure integration there. Also, implemented the interstate highway system. However, Ike did like his golf. Maybe that’s why Brinkley said Obama reminds him of Ike. Otherwise, the two have absolutely nothing in common. Ike was a straight arrow in all ways.......
Actually he shrunk conventional forces,the army particularly. His DoD developed the doctrine of massive retaliation, and as he campaigned on ending the war in Korea, he had no desire to become involved in more limited engagements. He turned to the CIA to do much of the ground work in opposing Communist expansion. There are actual comparisons with Barky. Barky cuts back the military and relies on drones like Ike relied on the CIA. Unfortunately for Brinkley Obama knows nothing of foreign issues, desires, and conflicts while besides Ike’s own vast experience he had the Dulles brothers working for him. Finally, Ike had American interests as his guiding principle. Barky???...