There is currently a lot of debate about the cuts in defense spending that are being proposed by both the President as well as the efficiency programs proposed by Secretary Gates. You may hear some comments that this will weaken the United States. You may hear other comments that we can't afford to be the world's police force and we should spend more on programs at home. What is right? President Eisenhower's fairwell speech on January 17, 1961 offers some insight.
We currently have more weapons than any other country in the world and in some areas we have more weapons/tools than the next 10 countries combined. Do we need this? What is right? Perhaps all of Washington should listen again to Presedent Eisenhower's message. After all, President Eisenhower was the last president to come from a pure military background. That provided him with the insight to see the dangers of both sides of the coin, so to speak. Taking a close look at our defense spending is long overdue. Does this mean problems for government contractors? To some, yes. But the government's budget overall continues to grow. It just means that spending will occur in other areas and this will provide opportunities for companies in other sectors. Provide opportunities in areas that may benefit US citizens more directly? Stay tuned.
