Eisenhowers Farewell Address - Term Paper Example

Eisenhower’s Farewell Address Introduction Dwight D. Eisenhower was elected to presidency in the year 1952. Prior to being elected he had served as Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Europe during the time of World War II. He was the first Republican elected to the seat of presidency in a span of twenty years. Five decades ago, on January 17th 1961 President Dwight D Eisenhower gifted the nation words of wisdom concealed in his Farewell Address. This was an address that he worked on for a period of two years. In itself, it is a vision and a masterpiece addressing the need for balance in all aspects of our undertakings. Today, we are going to go on an odyssey, exploring in detail the constituents of the Farewell Address – the words and thoughts of Eisenhower. Why? - The theme in the address The farewell speech delivered by Eisenhower on the last night of his post as president was centered on subjects vital for citizens of any country aspiring towards progress and better quality of life. He reflected on important issues like time, defense, intricacies between military and industries, vigilance and use of wise judgments pertaining to the need of time. But what underlined each arena of the subject that he touched was the counseling for balance as a common denominator. He emphasized on the need to weigh each matter in the light of priorities, need, necessity, consequences and its implications. Hence, laying stress on the prominence and demand of balance in each context. In his speech his concern for the threat to American liberty at the hands of Communism and Soviet Union was clearly discernible. He made reference to the four wars that took place in the twentieth century three amongst which involved the United States of America. His point was not only to have the ability to encounter such danger but also to do so in a manner that did not put American liberty in jeopardy. He also feared that in accordance with the progress in the modern age perpetual expansion of the federal state would pose a threat to the ideals along which the American society had worked for ages. He repeatedly accentuated the need to hold the precarious line of balance in regard while taking decisions that would not only affect domestic but also foreign policies, and reminded the listeners that proposals must be considered in a broader prospect. Prospects that would take into account the consistency, maintenance, efficiency and balance between as well as within national programs. The reason behind stressing repeatedly on the need for balance was essentially made because of potential threats inherent in a big government. However that was definitely not all. Eisenhower identified in his speech several other foci that could culminate in imbalance. One of many was to condemn the use of material assets belonging to the future generations as mortgage and hence desecrate the valuable elements and symbols of political history and spiritual heritage. Amongst his greatest concerns was to not become enslaved in the web created by “scientific- technological elite”. He also referred in his speech to another potential source of imbalance, the attainment of uncalled for and undesirable influence of the military-industrial complex, cautioning here on the misplacement of power and its potential to weave disasters. What? – The type of document The farewell speech of Eisenhower was a piece that issued caution to the nature while addressing matters of grave concern that were controversial but significant to touch at that point in time. His speech centered on his concern regarding dissemination of peace in the world and the need to develop friendly international ties and relations. Furthermore, his calling of attention towards the military and the domestic arms industry and the possibilities and implications associated with it along with the need for surveillance demonstrated the need for judicious decisions. His address was not only limited to that point in time but was a vision that talked about issues that could alter the course of future. What gave significance to this document was the intrinsic experience of Eisenhower’s own experience in the military. Eisenhower’s speech makes one wonder why he chose to include the subjects he did at the time. The answer to this is not straight forward but what is noticeable is that the text he focused on dealt with aspects that at that point in time needed to be addressed and reinforced. The history of wars had novel lessons for American citizens and politicians to learn. It had also brought forward new paradigms of power, might and subjects that held in themselves a potential to be destructive if not handled wisely and judiciously. He spoke further that if we were not careful the treat of Cold Wars arising may mar the nation and lead it towards becoming a garrison state. Hence, stressing on these was significant as was the need to ensure that the augmenting military power did not direct matters relating to foreign policies. Analysis Fifty years down the line now that we look back we realize that Eisenhower was both right as well as wrong. Some believe that the warnings issued by Eisenhower had been late in making their presence, while some believe that his words still hold true. We realize that the military-industry complex that he was concerned about is far smaller than what it was in the year 1961 and that in comparison to the same year we now spend far less of a proportion of our GDP on defense. His fear of Communism posing threat to liberalism in America proved to be trivial with the collapse of Soviet Union three decades from the time the speech was made. By no means did he mean that spending on defense was perilous but what he feared was that the democracy may be sacrificed if policies were directed by the strengthening military. He was concerned that this may become a matter of national insolvency- the primary threat to a free society. And this is a fear that still holds true in the times of today. At the time of his presidency America was prospering with good employment opportunities, an ever developing infrastructure, better housing facilities and economic growth. Although Eisenhower could have bid the nation farewell by glorifying his high public rating, instead he chose the occasion to talk about matters of more import. He urged the citizens of America to be more responsible with their actions and to be more perceptive of each other as well as a nation together. His advice to the nation and politicians regarding broadening the horizons of thoughts and considerations while devising policies and scrutinizing proposals were subjects of significance and practicality that was not restricted to the times in which we lived fifty years ago but are ideas that are applicable to date. Conclusion His words reinforced important lessons for all mankind. Although various debates have been raised, many controversies and arguments wedged over this farewell address, his address did contain matters that are necessary for our country’s sovereignty, liberty and prosperity. The counseling for balance holds true as witnessed by the unfolding of events since 1961. Works Cited Like Washington, Eisenhower’s Farewell Address Counseled Balance. 17 January 2011. 22 April 2011 . Milburn, John. Papers Shed New Light On Eisenhower's Famous 'Military-Industrial Complex' Farewell Speech. 12 October 2010. 22 April 2011 . NPR Staff. Eisenhower's Warning Still Challenges A Nation. 16 January 2011. 22 April 2011 . Read More