The Generals Go Shopping

Clinton's weakness spells good news for weapons merchants

President Clinton doesn't mind taking on the Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy, but the last thing he needs just now is to open a second front against the military-industrial complex. And that is what he was facing after the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in a closed-door meeting with him, threatened to go over his head to Congress to get a bigger budget. So, clever politician that he is, Clinton last week signaled his support for an increase in military spending of as much as $15 billion, or 5%, a year.

That reversal evoked smiles not only at the Pentagon but also on Capitol...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!