PROTEST AGAINST THE WAR IN VIETNAM

In: The annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, Band 382, S. 56-63

Abstract

Dissatisfaction with US policy in Vietnam has increased from early criticism by the Left to the point where nearly 66.6% of the people have expressed their disapproval. This dissent is undoubtedly one factor in President L. B. Johnson's decision not to seek re-election. Protest by the Right is based on the conviction that the Johnson administration has refused to seek 'victory' in Vietnam. Protest from the Center & Left is more complicated. A useful, if somewhat arbitrary, categorization divides the arguments into 2 groups: those based on conceptions of nat'l interest, & those based on the alleged illegality &/or immorality of Amer actions. Within the 1st group, protestors have argued either that the war in Vietnam is not worth its costs in men & material or that it is simply unwinnable. Within the 2nd group, there is a division between the many who are horrified by the means used by the Armed Forces & the few who reject the admin's ends (ie, a non-Communist South Vietnam). Within the smaller group is a still smaller segment of the pop ideologically commited to communism. Finally, protest of all kinds must be seen within the context of a widespread dissatisfaction with US society above & beyond the specific ills resulting from the present war. HA.