Had the American public been fully informed about the war from the beginning and given the chance to have a public debate, would the general public have supported Johnson's decisions in 1964 given the anti-communist feeling of the nation?
I honestly think...no. It wasn't until after the public experienced the overwhelming devastation and loss of life (and even so, a little after that exposure) that anti-war sentiment peaked, unfortunately by then damage and death have already been dealt...anti-communism was what got America in the war...face, ego, glory, and a thirst for victory kept America in it.
If the American public would be capable to be fully informed and process such information, I think they still would have been for the war because of its anti-communist feelings. Often times, we see that high strung emotions are much more powerful and convincing that the straight facts. Especially so, since the effects and extent of the war weren't entirely predictable, as nothing ever is completely and not too many people believe prophesies til they come true. In other words, what ponpon said.
I honestly think...no. It wasn't until after the public experienced the overwhelming devastation and loss of life (and even so, a little after that exposure) that anti-war sentiment peaked, unfortunately by then damage and death have already been dealt...anti-communism was what got America in the war...face, ego, glory, and a thirst for victory kept America in it.
ReplyDeleteIf the American public would be capable to be fully informed and process such information, I think they still would have been for the war because of its anti-communist feelings. Often times, we see that high strung emotions are much more powerful and convincing that the straight facts. Especially so, since the effects and extent of the war weren't entirely predictable, as nothing ever is completely and not too many people believe prophesies til they come true. In other words, what ponpon said.
ReplyDelete