In his 1961 farewell address, President Dwight D. Eisenhower warned of the dangers of the military-industrial complex: 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.
You must remember, Joe Biden has been at this 47 years. He is old guard. Of course he is going to do status quo in multiple areas. But considering the hell we been through the past 4 years, I will give him this one. It doesn't even compare.
He retired in 2016. We shall see what happens. Where do you find Defense Sec'y without baggage? As you clearly state they go to these companies. We need someone to flex muscle at Russia, not purr up against Putin's leg.
I just want to get Trump outta here before he does more damage. Congress has the power to handle this and hopefully they will.
Thank you for addressing this Judd. I’ve seen much hand-wringing from the far left Berniecrats that I tend to dismiss as concern-trolling. It’s nice to hear a more balanced opinion from a source I have more faith in
Interesting that at a different moment in time, Kamala Harris would have been the first to grind up Mr. Austin like the giblets in turkey stuffing in any confirmation hearing.
I would also add that Raytheon and its ilk are also benefiting from DoD's program to make unused and "obsolete" military equipment available to local PDs, a built in give-away to the military-industrial complex...one might argue that General Austin, as a Black man whose community has been ravaged by militaristic police departments, might understand this reality better than others, but the risk is too great...I think Biden is doing really well and maybe Austin will withdraw, but I hope that, in addition to saving health care and addressing economic inequality, Biden's other great legacy will be to push legislation outlawing the revolving door from ANY high level administrative job to ANY relevant industry for a period of time...see NYC's conflict of interest rules. Thanks for this article.
The technical eligibility issue is one thing, but the apparent reinforcement of the lobbyist-appointee revolving door and the willingness to disregard the tenets of the party platform are another and troubling.
You must remember, Joe Biden has been at this 47 years. He is old guard. Of course he is going to do status quo in multiple areas. But considering the hell we been through the past 4 years, I will give him this one. It doesn't even compare.
He retired in 2016. We shall see what happens. Where do you find Defense Sec'y without baggage? As you clearly state they go to these companies. We need someone to flex muscle at Russia, not purr up against Putin's leg.
I just want to get Trump outta here before he does more damage. Congress has the power to handle this and hopefully they will.
Make those donations to Ossof and Warnock today!
Thank you for addressing this Judd. I’ve seen much hand-wringing from the far left Berniecrats that I tend to dismiss as concern-trolling. It’s nice to hear a more balanced opinion from a source I have more faith in
I believe Austin only retired in 2016, which is why a waiver is required. Your article states he retired seven years ago.
Thank you for this reporting! I'm weary of some vociferous critics of Biden, but I trust your take.
Interesting that at a different moment in time, Kamala Harris would have been the first to grind up Mr. Austin like the giblets in turkey stuffing in any confirmation hearing.
Excellent article, Judd. Thank you
I would also add that Raytheon and its ilk are also benefiting from DoD's program to make unused and "obsolete" military equipment available to local PDs, a built in give-away to the military-industrial complex...one might argue that General Austin, as a Black man whose community has been ravaged by militaristic police departments, might understand this reality better than others, but the risk is too great...I think Biden is doing really well and maybe Austin will withdraw, but I hope that, in addition to saving health care and addressing economic inequality, Biden's other great legacy will be to push legislation outlawing the revolving door from ANY high level administrative job to ANY relevant industry for a period of time...see NYC's conflict of interest rules. Thanks for this article.
The technical eligibility issue is one thing, but the apparent reinforcement of the lobbyist-appointee revolving door and the willingness to disregard the tenets of the party platform are another and troubling.
Michele Fluornoy would be a better choice perhaps.
Any idea if any (and how many) failed to get Congressional waiver to serve as Secretary of Defense?