Tag Archives: World War II

Allen West : The Lessons of History – National Review Online

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by Allen West via National Review Online

Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”
— George Santayana

We should study history not just to memorize dates and places but to analyze trends. I see our country once again following a particular disturbing trend at a critical time when we should be more prudent.

Now, I will be one of the first to say that we can find savings of taxpayer dollars in the Department of Defense budget. Before I was sworn in as a member of Congress, I stated on Meet the Press in the waning months of 2010 that we could find fraud, waste, and abuse in that budget.

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I backed up that assertion in April 2011 when my first piece of legislation, which identified and eliminated funding for several wasteful programs in the DOD budget, made it to the House floor. It passed 393–0, and the savings to the American taxpayer was $35 million per year.

However, what I see occurring now is not judicious cost-cutting but the degradation of our military capability. We are once again forgetting that the preeminent responsibility of the federal government is to “provide for the common defense.” Some people have confused this with providing welfare and guaranteeing happiness on the notion of limitless rights.

Since World War I, we as a nation have viewed any end of major combat operations as an opportunity to achieve fiscal responsibility through cutting the military budget. When World War II ended, we ramped down, and then we had to ramp back up for the Korean War. After the Vietnam War and the Cold War, we once again gutted our military capability.

I was commissioned as a second lieutenant on July 31, 1982, and the following year, after graduating from the University of Tennessee, I went on active duty. I witnessed the transformation of the U.S. military in my early years: Humvees, Bradleys, Abrams tanks, Apache attack helicopters, Blackhawk transport helicopters, and Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) artillery, the A-10 close-air support platform — all this new technology and equipment was instrumental in my first combat tour, Operation Desert Shield/Storm.

We were highly trained and ready for action thanks to our soldiers’ preparation at places like the National Training Center in the California desert. But after the victory came the reduction in forces, and defense cuts became the source of funds for government spending on other programs, such as midnight basketball.

In those days, we did not have enough small-arms ammunition for rifle qualification. We had to carefully budget our annual allocation of artillery rounds, so we did more dry-fire operations. The shortage of spare parts and tools made maintenance operations very intense. But the one thing we could not control was that the world was growing yet more dangerous. The enemy pays attention to our weakness, and they have a vote.

CONTINUE READING BY CLICKING HERE: NATIONAL REVIEW ONLINE

 

 

Want more details on the Allen West Guardian Fund? Read and Find out how you can help today

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The Allen West Guardian Fund was established as a PAC to support conservative military veteran and minority Republicans running for state and federal office, in the same vein as Allen West.

Allen West first took an oath to support and defend our Constitution as a young Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. During his 22 years of service, he was distinguished by numerous commendations and honors for valor, achieving the rank of Lt. Colonel.

In 2010, Colonel West once again reaffirmed that oath when he became the first black Republican from Florida to serve
in the United House Representatives since Reconstruction.

Forty years ago, 72% of House lawmakers and 78% of those in the Senate had served in the armed forces. Veteran representation on Capitol Hill has been steadily declining since the early 1970s, largely a result of the World War II generation steadily leaving public office. But those who have served in the military have a better understanding and a deeper comprehension of issues involving national security, armed services and veteran issues –issues no less important now than they were 40 years ago.

Colonel West was one of only four black Republicans to serve in the United States House of Representatives in nearly a century. In the Senate, there have been only two. As the demographics of the U.S. population shift, it becomes ever more critical to increase representation by not only black, but Hispanic and Asian American leaders as well.

The leadership PAC Colonel West established during the 2012 election cycle with the same mission helped 7 military veteran candidates win their seats in the House of Representatives.

We must ensure conservative leaders are elected who will stand as guardians of our constitutional republic, to restore our nation’s fiscal responsibility and strong national defense, limit the growth of government, unleash the free market and preserve the liberty and sovereignty of its citizens.

Consider Helping and or Donating Today: allenwestguardianfund.com

Congressman Allen West’s Final Weekly Wrap-Up

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Dear Patriot,

Greetings to our constituents, fellow Floridians, and indeed all Americans, it is time to prepare our weekly update for dissemination.

Today is the 71st Anniversary of the attack on US Naval Base, Pearl Harbor which truly marked our entry into World War II. I can still remember my dad sharing with me his feeling when he heard about this attack on the radio. Of course, he would go forth and serve in the US Army during World War II in the European Theater of Operations (ETO).

Little did my dad realize at the time, that he was beginning a legacy of service to our nation that has now spanned four generations. My dad was a member of that “Greatest Generation” and today his grandson, my nephew, carries that honor to this day.

As with the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, America has, and always will, produce the caliber of men and women who stand as guardians for our nation’s honor. These are men and women who have answered the call then and continue to do so now.

Tomorrow many in our nation will watch the next generation of these men and women as “America’s Football Game” takes place, Army vs. Navy. I wonder how many of these young men and women have relatives who were at Pearl Harbor, or served in World War II?

I am proud to know that my own godson, Midshipman John Melvin Hendricks (that rascal who joined the Navy) will be taking that field tomorrow, his second year.

So as we remember Pearl Harbor today, let us never forget those who will stand and answer the call to arms to protect this Republic, yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

And in speaking of those who serve, I was angered by the developments this week surrounding Army Major Nidal Hasan who three years ago shot 43 soldiers and Department of the Army Civilians, killing 13. An Army appellate court decision removed the current assigned judge from the case citing that he was not impartial. Furthermore, the court backed the assertion that Major Hasan did not have to be forced to shave his beard.

It just appears again that we are placating and playing the game of political correctness. It is horrific enough that we have classified this terrorist attack as “work place violence” but consider the continued disappointment of those who lost loved ones on that day… for them, it will always be a day which shall live in infamy.

This week we voted in the House of Representatives to remove the word “lunatic” from federal law. However, that does not mean there isn’t plenty of lunacy going on in the workings of the federal government!

Further, I find it interesting when media pundits and talking heads ask the disturbing question, “What will America do if Bashar al-Asad uses chemical weapons in his people?” I would have hoped it would never get to the point of his feeling empowered to use those weapons. It just seems we continue to take a defensive posture reacting to events.

If we had done as military generals on the ground had suggested in Iraq and retained a viable and credible military presence in the region, we could have precluded this. Instead we now have Iran transiting across Iraq to support Asad… and continuing to support terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad.

The Obama Administration was in such a rush to demand former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak step down. Why not the same vigor when it comes to Mohammed Morsi?

I also recall the Obama Administration supporting a Marxist/Socialist President in Honduras and not supporting the movement in Iran against Mahmoud Ahmandinejad.

Confusing? Just imagine what our allies are thinking.

And what happened in Benghazi? America must never stop asking that question, regardless of what the mainstream media wants to hide. Losing an Ambassador, a Foreign Service officer, and two former US Navy SEALS must never EVER become the new normal.

Today, we received the monthly jobs report for November, with 7.7% unemployment and 146,000 jobs created. On the surface it is good news. However, one step beyond the superficial, we realize this is still an economy limping along.

First, the previous job creation numbers from the months of September and October were revised downward by 50,000 respectively. Second, the unemployment rate dropped due to another 350,000 Americans dropping out of the labor force. This means we still have a labor force participation rate hovering at 63.6%, which has and continues to be a record low. At this rate, we could theoretically achieve an unemployment rate of zero if everyone just quit working altogether.

Finally, our U6 computation rate remains dangerously high, due not only to 12 million unemployed Americans, but also a little over 8 million underemployed Americans.

Combined with a fragile economy where the US Federal Reserve is printing money in order to cover a monthly $40 billion mortgage debt, America is hardly out of the woods.

These simple facts just reinforce the need to have sound fiscal, tax, and regulatory policy — not politics — that will incentivize economic growth and wealth expansion. The last thing the private sector and job creators need worry about is more confiscatory economics masquerading as viable solutions to a serious fiscal problem.

Washington DC spends too much, and sending this Administration more American taxpayer dollars is not the answer. It is mathematically impossible to tax “the rich” enough to make a dent in our debt. We must be talking about where to reduce spending first. And why is it that only taxpayers, not the federal government, are expected to “share the burden?”

This is my final weekly update from our Congressional office, but it is by no means my final weekly update… When one door closes, another opens and we shall continue to advocate for truth, the restoration of this Republic, and promote Constitutional conservative principles in the New Year.

It has been my honor to serve as the Representative of the People of Florida’s 22nd Congressional District. The fight for our Constitutional Republic has truly begun and I will be on the frontline.

May everyone have a wonderful holiday season and may God bless the United States of America.

Steadfast and Loyal,

Legislative Update:

-This Week

Coast Guard Authorization—On Wednesday, the United States House of Representatives passed legislation to authorize appropriations for the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) through Fiscal Year 2014 and for the Maritime Administration through fiscal year 2013. H.Res.825, Providing for the concurrence by the House of Representatives in the United States Senate amendments to H.R. 2838, with an amendment, passed by voice. The amended Coast Guard authorization would authorize$17.34 billion for Coast Guard operations and $296 million for the national security aspects of the Maritime Administration. H.R. 2838, the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2011, originally passed the House of Representatives in November, 2011. That bill passed the United States Senate with an amendment in September, 2012.

- Next Week

The United States House of Representatives will meet next week on Tuesday, December 11, for legislative business. The House will consider a number of bills under a suspension of the rules throughout the week. Last votes for the week are now expected on Thursday, December 13 (this is a change from the announced calendar). Also, in a change to the official calendar, the House of Representatives is now expected to be in session the week of December 17.

Highlights of the Week:

- Mon, 3 Dec; presented the USSOUTHCOM Colors, delivered blessing, and gave a short address to open the Annual Caddy for the Cure golf tournament and Wounded Warrior recognition at TPC Eagle Trace in Coral Springs; attended the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA) annual Awards dinner.

- Fri, 7 Dec; 71st Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, a “day which shall live in infamy;”attended Memorial service for a supporter and dear friend, Warren Maretsky, who unexpectedly lost his life this week. Warren was a great man, husband, and father who will be sorely missed, especially at the morning gatherings at Pomperdale Deli.

- Sat, 8 Dec; will watch America’s football game, Army-Navy, praying for an Army victory, we sure could use it… GO ARMY, BEAT NAVY; traveled over to Tampa to be the keynote speaker for the annual United States Army St. Barbara’s Day Dining-Out and Ball.

-  Sunday, 9 Dec; will participate in the Annual South Florida President’s Council (SFPC) Christmas Toy Run motorcycle ride in Broward County.

Rep. Allen West Statement on Anniversary of Attack on Pearl Harbor

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(WASHINGTON)—Congressman Allen West (R-FL) released this statement today regarding the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor:

“One quiet Sunday morning 71 years ago, a brazen and surprise attack on our shores shocked and galvanized our nation more forcefully than any other single event had ever done.  More than 2,400 Americans were killed and more than 1,100 were wounded. The Pearl Harbor attack sank four United States Navy battleships and damaged four more. It also damaged or sank three cruisers, three destroyers, one minelayer, and damaged 188 aircraft.

Today we remember those who lost their lives on that day, and honor those who valiantly fought on. With courage, sacrifice and selfless dedication, these veteran heroes helped protect our country and preserve our freedoms.

We believed we would most likely never again see an attack of this type on our shores, but we were wrong. As the events of September 11, 2001 have demonstrated, those who wish to engage the United States on the 21st Century battlefield will devise ever more nefarious ways to kill Americans in order to disrupt and harm our way of life.

We must remain vigilant, we must always be prepared, and we must ensure we have the resources to appropriately and adequately respond to those who seek to extinguish our beacon of freedom in the world.

We owe a debt to those who perished at Pearl Harbor, we owe a debt to those who fought on and to those who continue to fight courageously for our country today, and we must remain steadfast for our children and grandchildren so they may live freely and peacefully in this blessed land.”

Rep Allen West released this statement after his sponsored bill, the National Security and Jobs Protection Act, passed

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West Sequestration Bill Passes House of Representatives 

(WASHINGTON) — Congressman Allen West (R-FL) released this statement tonight after his sponsored bill, the National Security and Jobs Protection Act, passed the House of Representatives Thursday with a 223- 196 vote.

“The National Security and Jobs Protection Act requires the President of the United States to submit an alternative plan to replace the sequester, and encourages the United States Senate to follow suit with its own alternative. Today, the House of Representatives worked together to pass this bill, proving we are prepared to work with the President on alternatives to achieve the same goal of replacing the sequester with cuts to lower priority spending programs, while protecting members of the armed services, our national security, important domestic programs and our fragile economy.

The President said last week that he wants the ‘strongest military the world has ever known.’  If the sequestration goes through and automatic across-the-board cuts take effect, national defense and essential domestic programs will be reduced as must as 10 percent. These cuts will undercut key responsibilities of the Federal Government and will take our military to the smallest size since World War II.

We don’t have much time left before the automatic cuts in sequestration take effect, and we need to work together to find a solution. The January 2nd deadline is quickly approaching.

The National Security and Jobs Protection Act will not only ensure we continue to have a strong Armed Forces, it will show the American people their elected leaders are fully capable of working together to solve the problems facing their nation. I strongly encourage my colleagues in the United States Senate to also pass this bill.”
To review the National Security and Jobs Protection Act, click here.
To review the Sequester Replacement Reconciliation Act of 2012, H.R. click here.

Rep. Allen West Introduces National Security and Jobs Protection Act

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With sequestration looming, bill encourages bipartisan cooperation

(WASHINGTON) — Congressman Allen West (R-FL) released this statement after introducing the National Security and Jobs Protection Act, to be debated in the House of Representatives Thursday:

“In just over 100 days, automatic across-the-board cuts will take effect, substantially reducing funding for national defense and essential domestic programs by as much as 10 percent. These cuts will undercut key responsibilities of the Federal Government and will take our military to the smallest size since World War II.

President Barack Obama’s own Secretary of Defense has referred to the pending sequestration as ‘not good policy’ and says ‘cuts of this magnitude done in an across-the-board fashion would be devastating to defense and nondefense programs.’

On May 10, 2012, United States House of Representatives Republicans passed a proposal to responsibly deal with this looming threat, the Sequester Replacement Reconciliation Act of 2012, H.R. 5652.  However, if the President opposes, and the United States Senate continues not to act, Republicans are prepared to work with the President on alternatives to achieve the same goal of replacing the sequester with cuts to lower priority spending programs, while protecting members of the armed services, our national security, important domestic programs and our fragile economy.

The National Security and Jobs Protection Act that I have introduced, to be acted on this week, requires the President of the United States to submit an alternative plan to replace the sequester, and encourages the United States Senate to follow suit with its own alternative.

The President said last week that he wants the ‘strongest military the world has ever known.’  House Republicans are willing to work across the party aisle and with the President to create a solution that will support our men and women in uniform.

We don’t have much time left before the automatic cuts in sequestration take effect, and we need to work together to find a solution. The January 2nd deadline is quickly approaching. The National Security and Jobs Protection Act will not only ensure we continue to have a strong Armed Forces, it will show the American people their elected leaders are fully capable of working together to solve the problems facing their nation.”
To review the National Security and Jobs Protection Act, click here.
To review the Sequester Replacement Reconciliation Act of 2012, H.R. click here.

EXCLUSIVE BY The Lonely Conservative: Allen West Bringing Down the House in Syracuse

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August 7, 2012

By 

Congressman Allen West (R-FL) appeared at a campaign event last night with Congresswoman Ann Marie Buerkle (R-NY24). He delivered one heck of a speech, and the two hundred people in attendance were left wanting more. The line to meet up with Col. West was long and it must have taken at least an hour for him to meet and greet everyone, but he stuck around and had a big smile on his face the entire evening, along with Rep. Buerkle, who is always available to her constituents.

West talked about the “challenge we face today” and the choice between “two very distinct futures.”  He said that is why “Ann Marie is standing here,” because “she has some serious skin in the game” with her thirteenth grandchild (Yes, 13! ) ready to enter this world.

As far as the future, West said “You do not want to be part of the first generation of Americans that may have to say ‘We did not pass on the American dream.’”

West recounted his life growing up in Georgia and how hard his parents worked so that he would have a better life. His father, who was a corporal in World War II “Wanted his son to be the first officer in the family.” His parents’ dream came true.

CONTINUE THIS ARTICLE AND WATCH THE RECORDED VIDEO BY CLICKING HERE: The Lonely Conservative

Rep. Allen West served his country in Afghanistan,now he’s battling on very different front lines: Congress.

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GOP Florida Rep. Allen West served his country in Afghanistan, but now he’s battling on very different front lines: Congress.

   Elisabeth Meinecke  Townhall Magazine Managing Editor

From Townhall Magazine’s June feature, “Allen West: The New Face of American Black Leadership,” by Katie Pavlich:

“I’m living the American dream,” GOP Florida Rep. Allen West tells Townhall as he sits in his congressional office in Washington, D.C.

Now a freshman congressman, West grew up in the inner city of Atlanta in a healthy, old-school style, twoparent home. Both of his parents are from southern Georgia. West’s father served in Gen. George Patton’s III Corps in the European theatre during World War II and worked in a Veterans Affairs hospital when West was growing up. His mother worked for 6th Marine Corps District headquarters.

“My hair has always been quite short and cropped closely,” West jokes. …

WEST GOES TO WASHINGTON

“Just because you retire from the military and take off your uniform does not mean that your service to this country has ended,” says West, who had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel by the time he retired from the military.

“The thing that has really shocked me is the amount at which people are willing to lie, have no problem doing it and know that they’re lying,” West says. “I just wish people would step back and really think about what the fundamental principles and values that established this great nation were, and we need to get back to that.”

What does Washington really need? West think it’s more members of Congress with military experience and values. He believes the core values of integrity, honor and character, the cornerstones of serving in the military, should be used as the cornerstones for serving in Congress.

“Once upon a time, 75-80 percent of the members of Congress were men that had served in combat, served in a uniform. I think this country would be even greater if we went back and tapped that resource of those men and women who have raised their right hand and were willing to lay down their lives for this country,” West says.

Although still new to the House of Representatives, West has made a name for himself among a sea of congressman. He’s been able to effectively push back on the Washington, D.C.- establishment and fight the Left at the same time. He’s done it by holding himself and members of his staff to high standards and by refusing to compromise on conservative principles.

COMPLETE THE REST OF THE STORY BY CLICKING HERE: TOWNHALL

Contagious Transformation Welcomes Rep Allen West 1/23/12 5:05 PM EST Don’t Miss It!

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Congressman Allen West (Rep) (FL) is hosting a Forum about Black Conservatism, to be moderated by Star Parker.

The Conservative Black Forum will discuss issues regarding unemployment in the black community, conservative values, and the social disparity in urban communities.  The forum will be an intimate and in-depth dialogue on the black conservative voice in the United States.

What:  Conservative Black Forum
When:  Monday, January 23, 2012
Time:  10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where: United States Capitol, House Small Business Committee, Rayburn 2360

The Following topics to be discussed included:

  • Perception vs. reality when it comes to Black Conservatism
  • Urban issues in the 21st Century
  • The black church and state
  • The true history of civil rights Conservative principles in the black community GOP outreach
Then immediately following this dynamic event Congressman Allen West will join us and  he will discuss the forum and these issues on Contagious Transformation!  Monday, at 5:00 PM EST
Congressman Allen West proudly and humbly serves the constituents of Florida’s 22nd district, encompassing parts of beautiful Broward and Palm Beach Counties along South Florida’s coastline.  Born and raised in the inner city of Atlanta, in the same neighborhood where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once preached, patriotism is in Congressman West’s blood. His father was a Corporal in the U.S. Army and served in the European theater of operations in WW II, and his mother, the outspoken and lovable “Snooks” West, worked as a civilian on a local Military Installation. “My father was proud of his own service, and believed that serving your country was the greatest of all honors,” West said.  “Both of my parents taught me that it was not necessary to rely on a government handout to achieve my goals. They wanted me to believe in myself and told me that in America, with hard work, all things are possible.”

Obama’s Defense Drawdown – Op-Ed by Congressman Allen West

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by Congressman Allen West – via Facebook

Mr. President, when will you learn? The military cannot continue to be the billpayer for fiscal irresponsibility. what’s driving 62 % of America’s debt is mandatory spending programs. We don’t need a repeat of task force smith! Read this op-ed for more info:

Wall Street Journal Editorial

Obama’s Defense Drawdown

President Obama yesterday put in a rare appearance at the Pentagon, flanked by the four service chiefs and his Secretary of Defense. Saying that now is the time to cash in a peace dividend, he unveiled plans for a significantly slimmed-down military. This dance was choreographed to convey strength. Everything else about it showed how domestic entitlements are beginning to squeeze the U.S. military.

This self-inflicted attack on defense comes at a strange time. True, the U.S. cut deeply after World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Cold War—and in each case came to regret it soon enough when new threats emerged. But peace doesn’t characterize our time. Mr. Obama yesterday wielded his familiar line that “the tide of war is receding,” which will please his antiwar base but will come as news to the Marines in Afghanistan or the Navy ships patrolling the tense Strait of Hormuz.

The Pentagon shouldn’t be immune to fiscal scrutiny, yet this Administration has targeted defense from its earliest days and has kept on squeezing. The White House last year settled with Congress on $450 billion in military budget cuts through 2021, on top of the $350 billion in weapons programs killed earlier. Defense spending next year will fall 1% in nominal terms. The Pentagon also faces another $500 billion in possible cuts starting next January under “sequestration,” unless Congress steps in first.

Taken altogether, the budget could shrink by over 30% in the next decade. The Administration projects outlays at 2.7% of GDP in 2021, down from 4.5% last year (which included the cost of Iraq and Afghanistan). That would put U.S. outlays at 1940 levels—a bad year. As recently as 1986, a better year, the U.S. spent 6.2% of GDP on defense with no detrimental economic impact.

What’s different now? The growing entitlement state. The Administration is making a political choice and sparing Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, which are set to hit nearly 11% of GDP by 2020. And that’s before $2.6 trillion for ObamaCare, which will surely cost more.

These entitlements are already crowding out spending on defense and thus reducing America’s global standing, following the tragic path that Europe has taken. The difference is that Europe had the U.S. military in reserve. Who will backstop America?

We’re told that Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, who came into office last summer, says he doesn’t want to go down in history as the man who “hollowed out” America’s military. But the security trade-offs foisted on him by the White House will leave the military a less formidable, ready and dominant force in a still very dangerous world.

Part of the problem is that military personnel costs are exploding on pace to exceed the entire defense budget by 2030, according to Andrew Krepinevich of the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. It’s hard to make the political and moral case to reduce benefits for veterans and soldiers, but here’s where Mr. Panetta could show mettle on Capitol Hill, especially by reforming military health care. The bulk of any defense budget is better spent on equipment, training and research.

Specific cuts will be spelled out in detail in the next Pentagon budget. The Navy, Air Force and Marines are flying old planes and waiting on the next generation F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jet, which comes with stealth technology. Previous Pentagon chief Bob Gates justified ending F-22 purchases by pointing to the F-35. But now the F-35 will likely be further trimmed and delayed.

After a decade of war, all the services need to replace worn-down equipment. U.S. nuclear submarines, missiles and bombers purchased during the Reagan buildup are reaching the end of their service lives. They need to be replaced, but they probably won’t be soon.

Mr. Panetta and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Martin Dempsey, tried gamely yesterday to dress up these cuts not as a drawdown but as a “strategic shift.” The Pentagon will spend less on the infantry to nation-build—now so unpopular—and will switch instead to defend the Pacific and new threats from cyberwarfare and in space.

But where are the resources to match the ambitions, such as new ships to patrol the Pacific? The planned reduction in troop strength is an “acceptable risk” (in General Dempsey’s words) since this Administration doesn’t plan to fight ground wars or pursue any Afghan-style “stabilization” missions. Too bad Commanders-in-Chief don’t get to choose history’s next surprise.

The real message to the world is that the Administration wants to scale back U.S. leadership. This was part of the rationale behind the White House’s reluctance to take the initiative in the Middle East last year, as well as the attempts to mollify Iran’s mullahs and Russia’s Vladimir Putin. Now the Administration plans to draw down troops and America’s profile in Africa, Latin America and Europe. The Navy can easily match Iran’s threats in the Persian Gulf now, but what about in 10 years?

President Obama ended his remarks yesterday by quoting Dwight Eisenhower on “the need to maintain balance in and among national programs.” The line comes from his 1961 Farewell Address, better known as the “military-industrial complex” speech. Mr. Obama’s new defense posture brings to mind another Eisenhower line, offered two years earlier: “Weakness in arms often invites aggression.”