It was a long time ago!

       That's my excuse and I'm sticking with it, because it was a long time ago! When did I decide that our role in the war in Vietnam was a mistake?  It was fairly early. Entering seminary 1964, I recall vigorously disagreeing with a classmate who advocated sending more American troops. "That's easy for you to say from the security of your divinity deferment" I said. "If you feel so strongly enlist." Having been discharged from the Marines two years previous it was clear to me who would pay the price of increased deployment.  Quite early in the escalation I became convinced that we were intervening in a civil war. The war has been an interest of mine and partial explanation for my travels to SE Asia, and also why teaching in Hmong school is so attractive. 

        It was a long time ago, it is true. Having just finished Doris Kearns Goodwin's biography of Lyndon Johnson, for which she received a Pulitzer, I'm humbled both by what I didn't know and what I've forgotten. Johnson, fixed on the notion that stopping communism in SE Asia was preventing World War III, became obsessed persevering. Kearns, who once worked as an aide to Johnson, had extraordinary access for this biography. Yes, so much of what she writes I either didn't know or have forgotten. 

      It's a good book, packed with information and, while not scintillating, it is certainly informative. 

Takk for alt,

Al

                         Five Hmong and one African student(s).