Firelight Chat Replay: Dismantling the Military Industrial Complex

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Sharra – Last night's Firelight Chat tackled the need to dismantle the military industrial complex, completely rethink our approach to foreign policy, and begin waging peace. Marianne's guest was Stephen Semler, co-founder of the Security Policy Reform Institute and a deeply respected foreign policy expert in the progressive space. If you missed our latest episode, click below to watch it on our website, Marianne2024.com. Watch now >>  When President Dwight D. Eisenhower coined the phrase "Military Industrial Complex" in his farewell address in 1961, he presciently warned us against the tremendous risk of merging private, profit-seeking enterprise with public policy like waging war.   But even Eisenhower would surely be stunned by the behemoth that is today's defense industry – and the degree to which our politicians are financially beholden to and in service of that industry.   Between 2002 and 2021, $15.8 trillion went to the Pentagon. Of that, $8.2 trillion – more than half – went to the private sector through military contractors.   As sure as the Sun rises and sets, the Pentagon budget increases every single year under both Republican and Democratic presidents. It's time to set a different standard. If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately: Donate $25  Donate $50  Donate $100  Donate $250 Donate $500 Other Amount There are roughly 800 US military installations in at least 80 countries around the world. So many of us realize the outsized power of Northrop Grumman, of Boeing, of Raytheon, and yet so many of us feel powerless to change it. But we are not powerless. As president, Marianne will establish the U.S. Department of Peace, dedicated to the promotion of justice and democratic principles to expand human rights and strengthen nonmilitary means of peacemaking. In short, we will begin to wage peace. This week's conversation is about the overreach and the outsized power of the military industrial complex and its control over U.S. foreign policy. Stephen brings fascinating insights and inspiring ideas about how we begin to change that. Please watch the interview and share widely. When you're finished, please give generously to the campaign so we can get Marianne elected to initiate a season of repair for America – and the world. Thank you! Team Marianne Shop official Marianne Williamson merchandise.   Paid for by Marianne Williamson for President ©2023 Marianne Williamson for President, all right reserved   Our mailing address is: Marianne Williamson for President 1901 Harrison Street Oakland Suite 1550 Oakland, CA 94612 United States If you wish to receive fewer emails from the Marianne Williamson for President campaign, please click this link.   We're sad to see you go, but if you believe you received this email in error, or you no longer wish to receive our emails you can unsubscribe using the link below: unsubscribe