Is America Becoming a Militaristic Society?

In this first panel at the First Convocation on the Challenge of Building Peace, attendees are asked, "Is America Becoming a Militaristic Society?"

The event is hosted by Congressman Clark Macgregor who introduces the following panelists, followed by a question and answer discussion:

Richard G. Hatcher, Mayor of Gary, Indiana
Marcus Raskin, Co-director of the Institute of Policy Studies
Gus Tyler, Assistant President of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union
Jack Valenti, President of the Motion Picture Association of America
Daniel Walker, Vice President, Montgomery Ward Inc.
Edward Stokes, Director of African Affairs for the US National Student Association

"Our panelists... will explore the extent to which the needs, the thinking, the priorities of the military and related institutions have shaped our nation's economy, society, and foreign policy."

Each speaker makes short remarks with the following guiding questions in mind: What is the extent and power of the military industrial complex and can it be controlled? Can the military make a useful contribution to solving domestic problems through training, social science, or research? Is there an American inclination to try to address the problems by hardware, technology, and force? What arrangement or forces could bring about a reorientation in American attitudes and priorities?

Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection

WNYC archives id: 151019
Municipal archives id: T7118