Advice from Ike

This morning I came across President Eisenhower's farewell address given some 50 years ago. I thought that I would share a few excerpts from this wise man:

Our people expect their President and the Congress to find essential agreement on issues of great moment, the wise resolution of which will better shape the future of the nation.
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Crises there will continue to be. In meeting them, whether foreign or domestic, great or small, there is a recurring temptation to feel that some spectacular and costly action could become the miraculous solution to all current difficulties.
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We annually spend on military security alone more than the net income of all United States cooperations -- corporations. ... In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex.
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The prospect of domination of the nation's scholars by Federal employment, project allocations, and the power of money is ever present -- and is gravely to be regarded.
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As we peer into society's future, we -- you and I, and our government -- must avoid the impulse to live only for today, plundering for our own ease and convenience the precious resources of tomorrow. We cannot mortgage the material assets of our grandchildren without risking the loss also of their political and spiritual heritage. We want democracy to survive for all generations to come, not to become the insolvent phantom of tomorrow.
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Disarmament, with mutual honor and confidence, is a continuing imperative. Together we must learn how to compose differences, not with arms, but with intellect and decent purpose. ... I wish I could say tonight that a lasting peace is in sight.
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You and I, my fellow citizens, need to be strong in our faith that all nations, under God, will reach the goal of peace with justice.

I think that President Eisenhower expressed the thoughts of a man who experienced the worst and best of humanity. He was experienced in war and in peace. When he speaks of congress and the federal government he does so with an understanding that these agencies are not the answers to the ills of our nation. In referencing the military-industrial complex he seems to understand the desires of those who thrive off of war.

I want our governmental leaders today to heed President Eisenhower's warning about mortgaging the material assets of our grandchildren. I want them, and world leaders everywhere, to hear his words of disarmament and peace. And I echo his thought about not having a lasting peace in sight - though I fervently pray for it.