November 10, 2013

I just finished a wonderfully crafted book by Evan Thomas, Ike’s Bluff, which chronicles the Eisenhower presidency and the physical toll it took on him.

I found it particularly interesting because during Ike’s presidency, 1953 – 1961, I was in high school and college, relatively sheltered from the politics of the era, never realizing the reason for the peaceful, prosperous times we enjoyed.

The book relates the story of a war-weary man who faced daunting challenges – Korea, Formosa, Red China, Khruschev, and at home, Joseph McCarthy. His “rubbery face and loopy smile” hid a determination to keep the country out of another, potentially nuclear, war by hiding his conviction never to use atomic weapons behind a balustrade of contradictions thus confusing our enemies and politicians alike. He understood and resisted the entreaties of generals and admirals who, without exception, favored more military intervention around the world.

He knew, and understood well, the mind set of military leaders who continue measuring their personal worth by the number of men in their command and the expensive weapons under their control. Keeping the world, including his generals, friends and family, confused about his willingness to use weapons of mass destruction was Eisenhower’s greatest gift to the country. Our enemies, knowing his military background, dared not fire the first shot.

Until reading this informative work, I, like many others, felt Ike’s most valuable contribution to the country was the interstate highway system; though I remember well his parting speech in which he warned the country about the ‘military-industrial-complex’ that had the power to destroy the world. That final speech is worth remembering as our current leaders continually fail to reduce government spending, intimidated by the third-rail of defense budgets. Again we hear howls of despair from generals fearful of losing pet projects and members of congress rant against base closings in their district. But – do we really need F-35s configured differently for the Air Force, Navy and Marines? Their specious arguments seem self-serving in light of the success of unmanned aircraft. But, what else can we expect from men whose self-worth is so fragile that they must wear ribbons on their chest and gold braid on their sleeve to remind themselves how important they are: And – politicians who are paid by defense contractors.

Where have all the soldiers gone, long time passing?
Where have all the soldiers gone, long time ago?
Where have all the soldiers gone?
Gone to graveyards, everyone.
Oh, when will they ever learn?
Oh, when will they ever learn?

Thanks, Peter, Paul and Mary – for the reminder.  And thanks to Evan Thomas for unveiling the agonies endured by a great man for the sake of his country.