It must feel like a real slap in the face for some.
It might be worse for those who aren't prepared, aren't already 'supported' by business - but 100% worse for people with a big ego.

Bitman

I'm sure he had in mind exactly what we're seeing today.  A largely unaccountable industry that profits from war and chaos around the world, with enormous influence on the public spending, and thus perpetuating the cycle of war and violence.

One thing that does interest me most in all of this, is wondering

whether Presidents really have any real hold on 'the levers of power' or whether the general perception of them, and their abilities, is really an illusion?

As an individual, the President is very powerful. He has more access to levers of power than any other single individual.  But even they cannot easily stand up against the entrenched interests of entire industries with many many people in their pocket.

bitcoin

What did Eisenhower have in mind when offering his final speech?

I'm sure he had in mind exactly what we're seeing today.  A largely unaccountable industry that profits from war and chaos around the world, with enormous influence on the public spending, and thus perpetuating the cycle of war and violence.

> One thing that does interest me most in all of this, is wondering
> whether Presidents really have any real hold on 'the levers of power' or whether the general perception of them, and their abilities, is really an illusion?

As an individual, the President is very powerful. He has more access to levers of power than any other single individual.  But even they cannot easily stand up against the entrenched interests of entire industries with many many people in their pocket.

