Is it time for another Ike?

"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." - President Eisenhower

Is it time for another president like Ike? Our military budget is exponentially growing every year, while our country continues to deep dive into the $21 trillion + debt.  Across this great nation, our infrastructure is falling apart.  In Flint, Michigan, infrastructure has deteriorated so much that the water is contaminated to the point where water bottles were given out to residents.  American education is no longer the best in the world and teacher's pays are worse than you think.  While the quality of life in America has suffered, the profits of the military-industrial complex (MIC) have skyrocketed since the Cold War.

When will the American public say "enough is enough" and address the massive elephant in the room? The US military cannot sustain the military-industrial complex forever. When a jet or a missile in the government costs 3-4 times the lifetime earnings of an American, the government cannot continue its shopping spring at the MIC Mall. The current national debt divided among US citizens equals to an approximate $64,000+ per citizen when an average US household doesn't even have $5000 in their savings account. This gross overspending on the defense budget that is directly related to the MIC has to be addressed.

The first step to solving a problem is by acknowledging the issue. Currently, a handful mega-corporations hold monopolies on the MIC. Companies such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman hold the ability to price gauge. These companies have also mastered the art of lobbying with countless campaign contributions and donations to politicians in and out of D.C. Furthermore, the fact that these companies have operations across the country allows them greater influence.

By acknowledging the the existence and influence of the MIC, our country can move forward to a future where taxpayer money can be used to address issues that affect citizens on a daily basis. This is not a call against the military, but a democratic check to balance the current issue the MIC has developed. No country should need to spend more money on their defense budget than 10+ of its allies combined and still feel insecure. Military contracts to the MIC should be more transparent and the current monopolies should be shattered and allow smaller companies access to the market to promote capitalism.