2008 Woodie Awards
War should require vote of people
Life's Tidbits
Larry Burge
Issue date: 10/19/07 Section: Opinion
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The year was 1966, two years after the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution that gave President Lyndon B. Johnson justification to intervene militarily in Vietnam. In March 1965, the first American combat troops had arrived and did not leave until after Jan.27, 1973, when a signed cease-fire agreement gave President Richard Nixon the excuse to withdraw U.S. forces. The conflict continued, however, until 1975 when South Vietnam surrendered.
I was 20 years old and watched the Vietnam events unfold on the nightly news. I did not agree with the war, but our government sent me a draft notice anyway. I was lucky. I was never sent to Vietnam. However, I served four years in the Navy, during which time I applied for and received a conscientious objector status.
Déjà vu. In March 2003, U.S.-led forces invaded Iraq and removed Saddam Hussein from power. The conflict continues in 2007 with no end in sight. I still do not believe in war as the answer to humankind's most pressing problems.
Two wars, 40 years apart, both voted for by the majority of Congressmen and Congresswomen and justified by lies from U.S. Presidents.
How can UA students stop needless wars such as these?
No one actually knows the future. However, the following process might help determine a path to settlements of disputes without wars' death and destruction.
First, study the steps that led to war, understand leaders' justifications and motives for going to war and finally, make war avoidance strategies.
The Walton Arts Center's Nov. 8 production of "TOP SECRET: The Battle for the Pentagon Papers," will provide some insight into the steps that led our country into the Vietnam War.
Former Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara's 1966 study on U.S. involvement in Vietnam is the issue of the play. Daniel Ellsberg, a former defense department employee who once supported the war, revealed to the American people in 1971 the series of mistakes and deceptions that led to the Vietnam War by sharing secret Pentagon documents with The New York Times.
I was 20 years old and watched the Vietnam events unfold on the nightly news. I did not agree with the war, but our government sent me a draft notice anyway. I was lucky. I was never sent to Vietnam. However, I served four years in the Navy, during which time I applied for and received a conscientious objector status.
Déjà vu. In March 2003, U.S.-led forces invaded Iraq and removed Saddam Hussein from power. The conflict continues in 2007 with no end in sight. I still do not believe in war as the answer to humankind's most pressing problems.
Two wars, 40 years apart, both voted for by the majority of Congressmen and Congresswomen and justified by lies from U.S. Presidents.
How can UA students stop needless wars such as these?
No one actually knows the future. However, the following process might help determine a path to settlements of disputes without wars' death and destruction.
First, study the steps that led to war, understand leaders' justifications and motives for going to war and finally, make war avoidance strategies.
The Walton Arts Center's Nov. 8 production of "TOP SECRET: The Battle for the Pentagon Papers," will provide some insight into the steps that led our country into the Vietnam War.
Former Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara's 1966 study on U.S. involvement in Vietnam is the issue of the play. Daniel Ellsberg, a former defense department employee who once supported the war, revealed to the American people in 1971 the series of mistakes and deceptions that led to the Vietnam War by sharing secret Pentagon documents with The New York Times.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
John Booth
posted 10/19/07 @ 2:25 AM CST
Follow the constitution!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Caroline
posted 10/19/07 @ 11:10 AM CST
I feel an amendment of this sort has great potential.
thomas franks
posted 10/22/07 @ 6:39 AM CST
The "war" in Iraq was over when Fallujah fell in nov 2004. You are a ridiculous hajjilover. All moslem nations have conspired against your country...they are all the enemy and you know it. (Continued…)
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