An alternate subject line could read:
The United States is Being LootedAnd both are true. As we were warned:
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 State house, 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 militaryindustrial 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 Halliburton machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together.
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1961.
Mostly. No bid contracts both here and abroad. Billions of dollars unaccounted for in Iraq. Corporations looted from within and now being bought out by the United States Government in order to keep the world economy from collapsing under the weight of its' own hubris.
Wealth redistribution never seen before in the history of this country; going to the top fraction of a percent of people. It's fairly obvious where that money came from. "Follow the money" is the true cliche.
And Eisenhower was right.
Rant off. I need another beer.
