Absolutely right. War demands men of merit at the helm. When the risks of incompetence include utter annihilation, parasites are routed rapidly. In addition, w

Absolutely right. War demands men of merit at the helm. When the risks of incompetence include utter annihilation, parasites are routed rapidly. In addition, war demands investment in the most rational enterprises at the state level. The biggest of which? Science and technology (Manhattan, Apollo, etc.). There is no time or resources for consumerism and advertising. The civilization that is the most efficient, and invests most rationally, will win. Compare this with modern publicly funded research, which is receiving cut after cut and appears doomed to stagnation and decline. Contrast a president like Eisenhower with Obama based on political platform, policies enacted, and individual merit. Absolute night and day, and a concise yet poignant case study on the decline of American society.