Why We Fight

In 1961, President Dwight D. Eisenhower gave his farewell address to the nation. He used the occasion to issue a warning to the American people about the dangers of the growing influence within the U.S. of a "military-industrial complex":

"This conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American experience. The total influence -- economic, political, even spiritual -- is felt in every city, every State house, every office of the Federal government. We recognize the imperative need for this development. Yet we must not fail to comprehend its grave implications. Our toil, resources and livelihood are all involved; so is the very structure of our society.

In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist."

In 2005, filmaker Eugene Jarecki used Eisenhower's warning as the jumping off point for a brilliant documentary entitled "Why We Fight". The prescience of Eisenhower's warning, especially in light of Vietnam and Iraq, is remarkable. Although much has changed in the four years since the film was produced, it's message is still very relevant and Eisenhower's prediction is more haunting now than ever.