In the period following WWI, the US reduced the size of its army from over 4 million to less than 200,000 and Republican Gerald Nye, echoing sentiments of his colleagues, said "we shall see that war and preparation for war is not a matter of national honor and national defense, but a matter of profit for the few". It was, of course, an obtuse perspective: despite the terrible hardships WWI imposed upon most of its participants, the interwar years saw the growing threats that led to WWII, and the Neutrality Acts that resulted from such sentiments followed rather than preceded Hitler's rise to power. But it does show the astonishing degree to which things have changed. Can anyone even begin to imagine a Republican making such a statement today?
And in addition: Republicans are notably supportive of expanded police power, the exercise of military power, and the protection of the interests of private corporations and wealthy individuals, as well as paying vast sums of tax payer money (through direct subsidy and tax breaks) for these items. If we think historically, can we think of any governments that were corporatist and expansionist militarily and in the presence of domestic security? Do we really wish to follow in their footsteps?
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