Did the founding fathers and early 20th century presidents really see a large standing Federal military as a threat to domestic freedom and international peace?
If so, why don't we still, today, when Pentagon receives 1/4 to 1/3 of total annual Federal budget and routinely exempts itself and its operations from scrutiny of elected officials.
2006-08-07 17:16:29 · 9 answers · asked by postquantum 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
It doesn't matter, our army is splintered, they are leaderless with Powell gone. Any attempt to invade another country would be pulling the last card from our side deck, and would be bad for moral. The Pentagon spends money on outrageous defense systems all for nothing, money wasted on gasoline and equipment that gets blown up by an IED or some RPG in Iraq.
2006-08-07 18:14:52 · answer #1 · answered by segenovmoltock 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The founding fathers did see a standing military as a threat. Think about how easily a military leader could become a dictator. By the government simply declaring martial law, the military takes power and the constitution is "temperarily" in effective. Who's to guarantee that the military leaders give power back to the people. It is scary when you think about it. However, the founding fathers did intend for us to have a standing Navy. A Navy can provide for our defense, but being limited to water, can not directly threaten our own freedom.
2006-08-08 00:51:42 · answer #2 · answered by Derek M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good question. Considering that we have the worlds most well trained and equiped army, has this prevented us from being invaded? The history of the Twentieth century seems to have dictated a federal answer to threats worldwide. I doubt that even the founding fathers could have foreseen the world that we live in today.
2006-08-08 00:38:33 · answer #3 · answered by GJ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
True; it is the legacy of WW II and the Cold War. We no longer have the ability to train and build an army to respond to invaders, we are no longer isolated. Attacks come within minutes not months or years as in the past.
The founders were right but the threat of immediate destruction makes us change.
2006-08-08 00:24:16 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They're not exempt for congressional oversight.
How do you think the people found out about the $42 toilet seats and the $125 screwdrivers?
2006-08-08 00:21:47 · answer #5 · answered by da_lizard_of_ozz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no the federal military is not a threat. Unless your a terrorist org.
2006-08-08 00:36:07 · answer #6 · answered by ole_lady_93 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's the legacy of WW2 and the cold war.
2006-08-08 00:20:22 · answer #7 · answered by michinoku2001 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do want the democrats in charge? we all will be chanting islam in a very short amount of time!
2006-08-08 00:23:14 · answer #8 · answered by pahump1@verizon.net 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well dont tell everyone now gezzzzzz you want to stir things up more.
2006-08-08 16:46:10 · answer #9 · answered by mike L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋