- The expression military–industrial complex (MIC) describes the relationship between a country’s military and the defense industry that supplies it, seen together as a vested interest which influences public policy. A driving factor behind the relationship between the military and the defense-minded corporations is that both sides benefit—one side from obtaining weapons, and the other from being paid to supply them. The term is most often used in reference to the system behind the armed forces of the United States, where the relationship is most prevalent due to close links among defense contractors, the Pentagon, and politicians. The expression gained popularity after a warning of the relationship’s detrimental effects, in the farewell address of U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower on January 17, 1961.
- Point Doughty Natural Area Preserve (dnr.wa.gov)
Located on the coast of Orcas Island, this 57 acre forested preserve protects natural examples of dry-site forest communities dominated by Douglas-fir, Pacific madrone, salal and ocean spray, representing the “rain shadow” vegetation that occurs in the San Juan Islands. Bald eagles feed and nest on the preserve and seals haul out on the rocky shoreline. A small state-owned recreation site on the point is used for marine mammal study, kayak and small boat camping, as well as outdoor education through nearby, privately owned Camp Orkila.