Here
is a 1954 letter from then-President Eisenhower to his brother. Note
particularly the fourth paragraph:
Now it is true that I believe this country is following a dangerous trend
when it permits too great a degree of centralization of governmental
functions. I oppose this--in some instances the fight is a rather
desperate one. But to attain any success it is quite clear that the
Federal government cannot avoid or escape responsibilities which the mass
of the people firmly believe should be undertaken by it. The political
processes of our country are such that if a rule of reason is not
applied in this effort, we will lose everything--even to a possible and
drastic change in the Constitution. This is what I mean by my constant
insistence upon "moderation" in government. Should any political party
attempt to abolish social security, unemployment insurance, and eliminate
labor laws and farm programs, you would not hear of that party again
in our political history. There is a tiny splinter group, of course,
that believes you can do these things. Among them are H. L. Hunt (you
possibly know his background), a few other Texas oil millionaires,
and an occasional politician or business man from other areas. Their
number is negligible and they are stupid.
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