General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: In case you were wondering, I AM NOT A FREEPER. [View all]JDPriestly
(57,936 posts)Last edited Tue Mar 10, 2015, 03:38 AM - Edit history (1)
pin proudly. But Eisenhower compared to today's Republicans looks like a Democrat. (Misstatement corrected on revision.) One of the big problems I have with Eisenhower's administration is his national security obsession. It is understandable considering his experiences in WWII, but he appointed the Dulles brothers to posts that I think they should not have been appointed to and oversaw an exaggerated response to the threat of Communism that may actually have strengthened the hold the communists had over Eastern Europe and the appeal Communism had in some parts of the world. Eisenhower, on the other hand, was moderate about the role of government in supporting a healthy economy. It was during his presidency that much of our network of interstate highways was built. I remember that clearly. I also remember community redevelopment programs during his time.
That's why I included him on the list. You are right that he was a Republican. But he was not the sort of rigid, right-wing Republican that dominates the Republican Party today.
Please do not misunderstand that I condemn all intelligence work by our government. Our government needs to know and analyze what is going on in the world. But I think that Truman and Eisenhower made mistakes in beginning our intelligence services. Of course, every president makes mistakes as do we all.