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 machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together. . Dwight D. Eisenhower
About This Quote

The quote above is an example of the Cold War era, where the President issued warnings against what was believed to be a growing Soviet threat. The idea of collusion between government and military industrial interests caused concern, as well as fear of what would happen if this power were ever to fall into the wrong hands. The idea that has since become popular is that of the benevolent empire, where everything is done for the will of the people. The quote also illustrates the two viewpoints of the Cold War era, one being the view that all decisions are made by humans and another being that they are made by machines.

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