By James Smith
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 military-industrial 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.
Military-Industrial Complex Speech, Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1961
Eisenhower’s warning to the American people over 50 years ago has been largely forgotten by most, but like most warnings, is heeded too late. The Prophetess Cassandra, cursed by the gods, was ignored when she warned that Troy would soon be invaded.
Recently, documents reviewed in the Federal Business Online website revealed a troubling discovery relating to the incestuous relationship within the Federal Government. It may have been perceived or even an open secret, but the Department of Defense has been with the Department of Homeland Security to provide them with massive amounts of fully automatic weapons. Weapons that have been banned from the general population for nearly 80 years.
In a solicitation for 370 Colt M4 weapons, 209 of which are fully automatic, the Customs Border Protection (CBP) agency, a part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), requested the following:
- 90 Colt M4-A1 (For duty)
- 109 Colt M4-A1 (For training)
- 160 Colt M4-LE (For Training)
The Colt M4-LE is strictly a semi-automatic weapon used by civilian law enforcement.
From the Colt website:
