Trillion Dollar War Machine w/ Ben Freeman | MR Live
Deconstructing the Trillion Dollar War Machine and Pushing for Cuts
Learn how the expansion of the Military-Industrial Complex drives perpetual conflict and bankrupts the US, and discover the surprising first steps needed to dismantle this trillion-dollar system.
Short Summary
- The US Military-Industrial Complex (MIC) has expanded far beyond Eisenhower’s original warning, now deeply embedding itself in media, Hollywood, and the entire tech sector via massive lobbying. [0:27:28]
- Expensive legacy programs, exemplified by the F-35 jet, waste billions while declining in operational effectiveness, proving that increased spending does not equal increased security. [0:32:02, 0:46:55]
- The Pentagon budget has surpassed one trillion dollars, yet it consistently fails mandatory financial audits, suggesting a criminal racket structure. [0:53:08]
- This discussion identifies overseas military bases as the most politically palatable initial area for budget cuts, as domestic bases have too strong of a local constituency. [0:49:04]
This segment analyzes Ben Freeman and William Hartung's work on "The Trillion Dollar War Machine." The hosts review evidence showing how entrenched corporate interests leverage political connections and media influence to ensure runaway military spending continues, regardless of battlefield results or domestic economic pain. The conversation pivots toward actionable strategies for shifting the system from a "war machine" to a "peace machine."
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Top Comments (10)
Social democracy works far better than unfettered capitalism.
The u.s. has high rates of poverty, homelessness, & food insecurity....but at least we got a kick ass trillion dollar military! 🤮
1:05:29 polymarket style betting adapted by CNN news polls is part the "Enshittification" of everything. See Cory Doctorow's new book...
Thanks for having Ben on! This message is SO important to get out to the voting public.
In the the Fox Business clip, while this woman was stumbling over her explanation of things, I expected to hear "crime crime!"
How do we get more people watching this??
Wow. That Fox “News” segment was painful. “Let me opine on something about which I know absolutely nothing.”
Emma with the hard sell... 6:08
Fewer vs. Less. Fewer people. Less water.
Superb program! I loved listening to Ben Freeman. I'm putting his book on my list. Listened in only steps from the industrially ravaged Gowanus Canal.
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Top Comments (10)
Social democracy works far better than unfettered capitalism.
The u.s. has high rates of poverty, homelessness, & food insecurity....but at least we got a kick ass trillion dollar military! 🤮
1:05:29 polymarket style betting adapted by CNN news polls is part the "Enshittification" of everything. See Cory Doctorow's new book...
Thanks for having Ben on! This message is SO important to get out to the voting public.
In the the Fox Business clip, while this woman was stumbling over her explanation of things, I expected to hear "crime crime!"
How do we get more people watching this??
Wow. That Fox “News” segment was painful. “Let me opine on something about which I know absolutely nothing.”
Emma with the hard sell... 6:08
Fewer vs. Less. Fewer people. Less water.
Superb program! I loved listening to Ben Freeman. I'm putting his book on my list. Listened in only steps from the industrially ravaged Gowanus Canal.