Ike's Farewell Address

[J.Mencalice]

Given the turmoil that currently exists and will continue for the next 9 months over the contest for the presidency, I feel it's time to inject into the VRCC's general board a true example of what it means to be presidential.  The projection of statesmanship, respect for the office, and public civility is sorely lacking in 2016 as I see it from the contenders for the office of chief executive.

I present to you all the draft and corrections that Dwight D. Eisenhower wrote for his farewell speech to the nation when leaving the presidency in 1961.  We should take his wisdom, council, and warnings that he garnered from his five decades of service to the country he loved.  Not a long read, but read it well and understand that his words are as applicable today as they were some 55 years ago.  It's one of my favorites from a man who certainly knew the definition of war, but valued peace and the prosperity that accompanies it.  A greater American than he's ever been given credit for being.

https://www.eisenhower.archives.gov/research/online_documents/farewell_address/Reading_Copy.pdf

Hope that it spurs some reflection in the group.

[mike72903]

In today's atmosphere he never would have been president.  Someone would have found he had played semi-pro baseball thereby making him ineligible to go to West Point.  By the way he knew this and kept it secret.  So in retrospect to how things turned out aren't most of us glad that that lie escaped detection.  Just like everyone else he was human and realized that.  He said (I think it was him) "There are no extordinary men, only ordinary men placed in extrodinary circumstances"
When he died there was an editorial cartoon of a National cemetery with rows of crosses disappearing off into the distance.  Out of one grave there was a word bubble with the words "Psssst,  it's Ike himself, pass the word".  I still get chills when I recall it.  

[J.Mencalice]

Let me give you a little taste to get you started:

"It is the task of statesmanship to mold, to balance, and to integrate these and other forces, new and old, within the principles of our democratic system--ever aiming towards the supreme goals of our free society."

[Romeo]

Reading this brought tears to my eyes. What a great American, living in a great America. My sadness in seeing what we've become can not be overstated, and is surpassed only by my longing forthose halcyon days long past.

[Alpha Dog]

So much to ponder in this farewell address from such a wise man who was a natural choice for president after leading the greatest coalition of forces ever seen.  I have for many years heard of his message to beware of the military/ industrial complex.  Today you could add the media to this.  These notes spell this out quite well.   Also living in the now instead of the future and squandering resources, makes me wonder what he would think of 19 trillion debt, and no funds in social security.  Also noticed there was very few if any me me me, I    I     I, hay look at me as has been the custom in last 7 years.
Chuck

[The emperor has no clothes]

So much to ponder in this farewell address from such a wise man who was a natural choice for president after leading the greatest coalition of forces ever seen.  I have for many years heard of his message to beware of the military/ industrial complex.  Today you could add the media to this.  These notes spell this out quite well.   Also living in the now instead of the future and squandering resources, makes me wonder what he would think of 19 trillion debt, and no funds in social security.  Also noticed there was very few if any me me me, I    I     I, hay look at me as has been the custom in last 7 years.
Chuck

We were truly blessed to have Eisenhower as our General and President. I wouldn't add anything to his addresss. Including the media.

[J.Mencalice]

So much to ponder in this farewell address from such a wise man who was a natural choice for president after leading the greatest coalition of forces ever seen.  I have for many years heard of his message to beware of the military/ industrial complex.  Today you could add the media to this.  These notes spell this out quite well.   Also living in the now instead of the future and squandering resources, makes me wonder what he would think of 19 trillion debt, and no funds in social security.  Also noticed there was very few if any me me me, I    I     I, hay look at me as has been the custom in last 7 years.
Chuck

Keep goin'...