Re “Defense industry watching Warren” (Page A1, Nov. 12): So, the Massachusetts Defense Technology Initiative believes that Senator-elect Elizabeth Warren “has an obligation” to the defense industry? The outcome of the election suggests otherwise.
Warren’s victory over Senator Scott Brown, despite the contribution of 30 times more money to the Brown campaign from defense firms, should send a strong message. The people have spoken. We need to cut defense outlays regardless of short-term economic ramifications.
Comments
Warren's victory is great nresd for Hamas, Hezbollah, the Muslim brotherhood, Iran, and terroridtys everywhere
Senator Scott Brown received the contribution of 30 times more money to his campaign (vs Elizabeth's) from defense firms. We must remember this if there is a special election (caused by a Kerry appointment, for example) and Brown runs again.
Not only a smart woman with a heart and courage, but a fairly attractive one for her age, I must say. Pretty eyes, and full lips....love those in a woman.
The problem with weapons is they produce no wealth of sustaining value. Defense is important but an at all costs approach to weapon strategy is a strategy to impoverish the nation. When a bomb explodes or a plane crashes or various pieces of equipment are mothballed there is substraction not addition to the wealth of citizens of the nation. For days the "Iron Dome" system given to Israel to intercept mortors presents a disturbing example. The mortors uses by Palestinians come at a cost of $500 apiece while each Iron Dome intercepter missile costs $100,000. Something is very wrong with this picture. The products of human labor are evaporating into the sky instead of a full throated well financed peace process that will be more enduring. For too long the words of General Eisenhower's warning about the military industry have gone unheeded and unfortunately have only gotten worse. For some reason these have no qualms about being "government sponsored." Must we keep piddling away our prosperity for little return.
As much as you leftists hate the big guys, big oil and defense spending you will be wise to understand at least defense spending helps employ lots of middle class workers. Defense spending still provides some of those old fashioned middle class manufacturing jobs. Not just at the Raytheons or General Dynamics but at a whole host of small shops making the parts for these defense systems. You can earn a decent $20 + an hour working at a machine shop making parts for the big guys.