Free Exceptional by Dick Cheney

met with Khrushchev, and together they toured the first-ever American trade exhibit in the Soviet Union. Beginning in a model of an American kitchen and then carrying on into a modern television studio, Khrushchev and Nixon conducted a spontaneous debate about themerits of communism versus capitalism. It was an extraordinary event, portions of it captured on film, all of it conducted with the press corps hanging on every word. The two men sparred about everything from standards of living to kitchen appliances to missiles.
    In response to Khrushchev’s assertion that the Soviet Union met the needs of all of its citizens, Nixon explained the merits of freedom and choice. “Diversity, the right to choose, the fact that we have 1,000 builders building 1,000 different houses is the most important thing. We don’t have one decision made at the top by one government official.”Khrushchev argued that the American exhibit really wasn’t that impressive. “It’s clear to me,” he said, “that the construction workers didn’t manage to finish their work.” It didn’t matter, though, because, Khrushchev explained, the Soviets would soon be passing the Americans by in every way.
    In response, Nixon echoed a theme to which he returned throughout the day, the importance of people communicating freely: “I can only say that if this competition which you have described so effectively, in which you plan to outstrip us, particularly in the production of consumer goods . . . If this competition is to do the best for both of our peoples and for people everywhere, there must be a free exchange of ideas.” There were some areas where the Soviets were ahead of the United States and others where the situation was reversed, said Nixon. As Khrushchev interrupted to assert Soviet predominance in rocket technology, Nixon smiled, put his hand on Khrushchev’s shoulder, and said, “You must not be afraid of ideas.”
    IN HIS FAREWELL ADDRESS to the nation on January 17, 1961, President Eisenhower issued a warning about the “military-industrial complex.” His warning has sometimes been distorted by those claiming he opposed the establishment of such a complex. A full reading of his remarks reveals something quite different. “A vital element in keeping the peace,” Eisenhower said, “isour military establishment. Our arms must be mighty, ready for instant action, so that no potential aggressor may be tempted to risk his own destruction.” The threat America faced was so great that “we can no longer risk emergency improvisation of national defense.” It had become necessary, he said, to create “a permanent armaments industry of vast proportions. Added to this, three and a half million men and women are directly engagedin the defense establishment.” In other words, the military-industrial complex was created of necessity for the defense of the nation.
    â€œWe recognize the imperative need for this development,” Eisenhower continued. “Yet we must not fail to comprehend its grave implications.” These included the possibility of undue influence on our government. Eisenhower warned:
    In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. . . . We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together.
    Every president since has had to grapple with this fundamental issue. Without our armed forces, there would be no liberty. They are the ultimate guarantor and protector of our freedoms. But as our civilian leaders adopt policies to