Special Interests and War : How to Control and Slow the Growth of the Military-Industrial Complex

Right now in America there is too much profit in defense and war. The special interests of the military-industrial complex, even in peace times is 6% of GDP. And with the war in Afghanistan and Iraq it is approaching 8% of GDP. How do we slow , stop and reverse this ugly and dangerous part of our economy? There is only one realistic path. The jobs and profits that are created by the likes of Lockheed-Martin, General Dynamics etc have to be replaced . Preferably replaced by an eco-sustainable industrial base that is earth and people friendly.

A legislative move that would start the U.S. on that sane and sustainable path would be the establishment of a new mechanism for authorizing war. It would be taken out of the hands of the president and Congress. War should only be authorized by a majority of voters in favor through a NATIONAL REFERENDUM. Surely wars would become more rare. That new hurdle would cause the military-industrial complex to wither and shrivel. They would have no choice but to deversify out of their present armament industry focus.