105 MIC

<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">In President Eisenhower's 1961 Farewell Address he presciently warned Americans of an imminent danger, he said, “we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military–industrial complex.” Military spending accounts for over half of all federal discretionary spending, almost $600 billion, and almost 40% of the world total. The U.S. spent more on its military than the next 13 nations combined. There are almost 2000 private companies working on counter-terrorism, homeland security, and intelligence, and over 50 federal organizations and military commands tracking the flow of money in terrorist networks. The MIC is definitely the “jobs” part of the greatest Jobs Program in the world.</p> <p>It is obviously unwise to have those with a vested interest in war seeking to advise and influence U.S. foreign policy but this largest, most powerful Special Interest group pressures presidential candidates into supporting military adventurism with large political contributions. They also have a tight monetary relationship with legislators, write laws & even specify political appointments. The MIC is the closest thing to an American oligopoly.</p>