Ok the moment I've been waiting for is finally here. Nursing school!!!!! I start tomorrow. I'm scared out of my mind. It's in me... it's in my blood... it's who I am but I'm still scared. I'm sure I'll do fine but I'm out of my mind with anxiety. The good news is that I'm more than half way to becoming an RN now. I'm riding down the hill now. And I'm not consuming myself with a bunch of boring subjects that I don't give a damn about.
My mom is here in GA and that's nice. I don't see her too often. I think she's having a blast just playing lazy and hanging out with the boys. I had the day off and went to pick up Cody's trumpet. Yes! Cody's playing the trumpet! He's in 6th grade and he's SO loving it.
We celebrated Colin's 3rd birthday Saturday. We had a blast. It was a Spiderman party. He's all into Spiderman. I paid an arm and a leg for the whole shindig. I had red and blue streamer things everywhere, a spiderman table cloth, a spiderman cupcake cake... I also bought him a betta fish that was red and blue. We call it Spiderfish ("Spiderfish Spiderfish. Swims wherever a spiderfish swims...") Lots of people came by... it was me, my mom, Marty, Cody, Colin, Marty's dad "Pop", his wife Eleanor, their dog Odie, Marty's mom Bobbi and her husband Norman, Marty's brother Andy, his wife Laura, their kids Abby and AJ, my best friend Kenzie (who I'm currently pictured with) and her kids Gabby and Jayden. He got all kinds of Spiderman toys. He's on cloud nine!!
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Friday, July 27, 2007
Sajjid Zahir Chinoy Final
Sajjid Zahir Chinoy’s speech was a rather remarkable one, like many commemorative speeches. It was given completely extemporaneouly, and given the quality of the speech, it can be assumed that he was very seasoned in speeches. He starts off his introduction very brief after thoroughly addressing both the audience and, most importantly, the University of Richmond’s Class of 1996.
He starts his speech out by creating a fantastic visual of his time and place. You feel as though you can picture the exact night that he is boarding the plane bound for the United States. The inflection in his voice varied dramatically and kept your attention. His pitch varied considerably when he needed to stress importance in certain topics of his speech. His addition of humor into his speech was just right. It kept the audiences attention, but didn’t go overboard.
He made a fantastic transition from his own thoughts of culture and how it applied to his life to cultural differences all over the world. He proceeded to describe different occasions when he spent time with various people he knew from the Unviersity of Richmond, experiencing major American holidays for the first time. To have the opportunity to share this with someone of a different culture was such a beautiful and moving experience. The differences didn’t matter between them and all the wars and conflicts in the world didn’t exist. He perfectly explained it when he said, “The commonality of the human bond far transcends these superficial differences.”
He makes fantastic contrast in his speech when he goes from emotionally moving and touching experiences in the United States to the slaughter of 300,000 in Bosnia in just a few years time. The reasons for the massive numbers were so petty. Simply because they were different. Nevermind the fact that they were all human beings, with the potential to learn and experience their differences like Sajjid Chinoy did.
He continues to describe the fighting between Hindus and Muslims in which 2,000 Indians were killed. He put it in perspective describing that they were fighting simply over a building. Something that could be built anywhere. But those lives could never be brought back.
And he explained how the only thing missing in his life-changing experience and the experiences of people in these war torn countries is that the people at the University of Richmond were accepting of their differences and embraced them. It would have been easy not to be sensitive to him.
In the end, he wraps up his speech by reiterating his initial question and provides the answer. He encourages the Class to take experiences such as his own out into the world to help make it a better place and to share their wisdom with the world. He ends by thanking the Class, I believe for both their attention during the speech, but also for the experiences of a lifetime and the lessons he learned from all of them. It is a fantastic extemporaeous speech, one of the best I’ve ever heard.
He starts his speech out by creating a fantastic visual of his time and place. You feel as though you can picture the exact night that he is boarding the plane bound for the United States. The inflection in his voice varied dramatically and kept your attention. His pitch varied considerably when he needed to stress importance in certain topics of his speech. His addition of humor into his speech was just right. It kept the audiences attention, but didn’t go overboard.
He made a fantastic transition from his own thoughts of culture and how it applied to his life to cultural differences all over the world. He proceeded to describe different occasions when he spent time with various people he knew from the Unviersity of Richmond, experiencing major American holidays for the first time. To have the opportunity to share this with someone of a different culture was such a beautiful and moving experience. The differences didn’t matter between them and all the wars and conflicts in the world didn’t exist. He perfectly explained it when he said, “The commonality of the human bond far transcends these superficial differences.”
He makes fantastic contrast in his speech when he goes from emotionally moving and touching experiences in the United States to the slaughter of 300,000 in Bosnia in just a few years time. The reasons for the massive numbers were so petty. Simply because they were different. Nevermind the fact that they were all human beings, with the potential to learn and experience their differences like Sajjid Chinoy did.
He continues to describe the fighting between Hindus and Muslims in which 2,000 Indians were killed. He put it in perspective describing that they were fighting simply over a building. Something that could be built anywhere. But those lives could never be brought back.
And he explained how the only thing missing in his life-changing experience and the experiences of people in these war torn countries is that the people at the University of Richmond were accepting of their differences and embraced them. It would have been easy not to be sensitive to him.
In the end, he wraps up his speech by reiterating his initial question and provides the answer. He encourages the Class to take experiences such as his own out into the world to help make it a better place and to share their wisdom with the world. He ends by thanking the Class, I believe for both their attention during the speech, but also for the experiences of a lifetime and the lessons he learned from all of them. It is a fantastic extemporaeous speech, one of the best I’ve ever heard.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Letter to President Johnson - History Assignment
Dear Mr. President,
I am writing in response to your request for my input with regards to the ongoing conflict in Vietnam. Although there is no perfect answer I can give you, I will provide to you the best course that I feel should be followed.
With the invention and popularity of the television, this war is the first to be brought into Americans’ living rooms. Once peaceful dinnertime meals are being interrupted by the violence of this war. People see what the media puts out there, which abstractly is not always the complete and total truth. Do not let the media dictate the direction of this war. Walter Cronkite is not the General here, do not allow him to steer this war. Public opinion is important, even more so with regards to reelection. But do not let it cloud your judgment. War is never a pretty thing and is to be avoided whenever possible. This is not something we want to initiate unless there is absolute necessity. There will be civilian casualties. Get as many people out as you can and then attack full-force. The international community will be dealt with later. Our allies will stick with us. Once the full impact of our victory is learned, we will be viewed in a positive light.
The attacks need to come on the Vietcong quickly. We are giving them a chance to watch and learn. They can be in a position to study us and, given their knowledge of the area, learn how to overcome us easily. We need to surprise them with an all out attack. Make it impossible for the Chinese and Russians to further supply the Vietnamese and focus attacks on supply routes near the border. Worry less about the number of lives lost on their side, and worry more on bombing strategic locations. Power plants need to be taken care of, as well as industrial locations. Focusing on key military installations before they are completed would work to our advantage.
Also, keep in mind what worked in Europe with the last World War, which proved very successful. It is an unfortunate consequence of war, but civilian lives will be lost. The more we can keep the numbers down the better. Attack key cities now. If we allow this war to continue ineffectively, the total number of civilian lives will turn out to be higher. So make the attacks quick, hard, and decisive.
In conclusion, it is the military that needs to make the decisions on how we should proceed. It is not the politicians looking to be reelected and benefiting themselves, and the media’s place to run this war, and boosting their ratings. If we are to win this war, it will be with a firm hand and an iron will. Speak regularly with the public in numerous addresses to update them. Give the media something to follow. Do not allow people to make their decisions based on selective information given by the press.
I am writing in response to your request for my input with regards to the ongoing conflict in Vietnam. Although there is no perfect answer I can give you, I will provide to you the best course that I feel should be followed.
With the invention and popularity of the television, this war is the first to be brought into Americans’ living rooms. Once peaceful dinnertime meals are being interrupted by the violence of this war. People see what the media puts out there, which abstractly is not always the complete and total truth. Do not let the media dictate the direction of this war. Walter Cronkite is not the General here, do not allow him to steer this war. Public opinion is important, even more so with regards to reelection. But do not let it cloud your judgment. War is never a pretty thing and is to be avoided whenever possible. This is not something we want to initiate unless there is absolute necessity. There will be civilian casualties. Get as many people out as you can and then attack full-force. The international community will be dealt with later. Our allies will stick with us. Once the full impact of our victory is learned, we will be viewed in a positive light.
The attacks need to come on the Vietcong quickly. We are giving them a chance to watch and learn. They can be in a position to study us and, given their knowledge of the area, learn how to overcome us easily. We need to surprise them with an all out attack. Make it impossible for the Chinese and Russians to further supply the Vietnamese and focus attacks on supply routes near the border. Worry less about the number of lives lost on their side, and worry more on bombing strategic locations. Power plants need to be taken care of, as well as industrial locations. Focusing on key military installations before they are completed would work to our advantage.
Also, keep in mind what worked in Europe with the last World War, which proved very successful. It is an unfortunate consequence of war, but civilian lives will be lost. The more we can keep the numbers down the better. Attack key cities now. If we allow this war to continue ineffectively, the total number of civilian lives will turn out to be higher. So make the attacks quick, hard, and decisive.
In conclusion, it is the military that needs to make the decisions on how we should proceed. It is not the politicians looking to be reelected and benefiting themselves, and the media’s place to run this war, and boosting their ratings. If we are to win this war, it will be with a firm hand and an iron will. Speak regularly with the public in numerous addresses to update them. Give the media something to follow. Do not allow people to make their decisions based on selective information given by the press.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Assignment for Public Speaking Class - Preliminary work for advertising
Introduction
• Establish Need (Hectic Lifestyle/Connecting to listener)- For a lot of women, time is a precious commodity. Women often work outside of the home, attend college, move kids from one sporting event to another… only to feel the frustration of housework piling up at home.
• Establish Need (Not enough money for full time help) Housekeeping services are available to some women, but what about the woman on a budget who can’t afford a housekeeper or a nanny?
o Solution – What if there was a way to take some of the pressure off without breaking the budget?
o Solution - Imagine giving up just one dinner at a restaurant a week to have all of your laundry picked up at your home, cleaned, ironed, folded AND delivered back to your home? For so many women this would be a dream come true, right?
Bailey’s Laundry Service.
• Founded by two retired schoolteachers and their granddaughter – college student.
o They weren’t looking to get rich, they just wanted to bring in some extra money.
o It started out in their home, doing laundry services for some family friends. Expanded.
• (Turning Point – Appeal to emotion) They realized the personal impact they had on people’s lives.
o Letter from a new client, Sophia.
o Husband was deployed overseas - three children and no family nearby to help.
o Navy wife
o Works two jobs to help make ends meet - exhausted at the end of the day to a house that needed cleaned and laundry that needed to be washed.
o The van arrived promptly at her house, picked up the clothes, and returned at the specified time that SHE chose.
o The clothes were clean, they were folded, and smelled so fresh.
o Extra couple of hours at the end of the night to spend with her kids. Keep in mind these kids missed their father and truly valued the time they had with their mother.
• Hidden value of service - $30 for that peace of mind.
• Even that one day of service was all she needed to take a deep breath and let someone else take care of things for a change.
Service Information
• Slipcovers, comforters, and dry cleaning of course come at a small extra charge of $2.00 an item, but what’s $2?
• Starch, bleach, and launder in Baby Soft upon request.
• All you have to do is place those items in a separate bag. When they pick up your items you simply request it and note will be taken.
• (Bonus) Complimentary mesh bags for the storage and transport of your clothes for the next service.
• As a special thank you first time customers receive 10% off their total.
• Tide clean and Snuggle soft clothes
• Establish Need (Hectic Lifestyle/Connecting to listener)- For a lot of women, time is a precious commodity. Women often work outside of the home, attend college, move kids from one sporting event to another… only to feel the frustration of housework piling up at home.
• Establish Need (Not enough money for full time help) Housekeeping services are available to some women, but what about the woman on a budget who can’t afford a housekeeper or a nanny?
o Solution – What if there was a way to take some of the pressure off without breaking the budget?
o Solution - Imagine giving up just one dinner at a restaurant a week to have all of your laundry picked up at your home, cleaned, ironed, folded AND delivered back to your home? For so many women this would be a dream come true, right?
Bailey’s Laundry Service.
• Founded by two retired schoolteachers and their granddaughter – college student.
o They weren’t looking to get rich, they just wanted to bring in some extra money.
o It started out in their home, doing laundry services for some family friends. Expanded.
• (Turning Point – Appeal to emotion) They realized the personal impact they had on people’s lives.
o Letter from a new client, Sophia.
o Husband was deployed overseas - three children and no family nearby to help.
o Navy wife
o Works two jobs to help make ends meet - exhausted at the end of the day to a house that needed cleaned and laundry that needed to be washed.
o The van arrived promptly at her house, picked up the clothes, and returned at the specified time that SHE chose.
o The clothes were clean, they were folded, and smelled so fresh.
o Extra couple of hours at the end of the night to spend with her kids. Keep in mind these kids missed their father and truly valued the time they had with their mother.
• Hidden value of service - $30 for that peace of mind.
• Even that one day of service was all she needed to take a deep breath and let someone else take care of things for a change.
Service Information
• Slipcovers, comforters, and dry cleaning of course come at a small extra charge of $2.00 an item, but what’s $2?
• Starch, bleach, and launder in Baby Soft upon request.
• All you have to do is place those items in a separate bag. When they pick up your items you simply request it and note will be taken.
• (Bonus) Complimentary mesh bags for the storage and transport of your clothes for the next service.
• As a special thank you first time customers receive 10% off their total.
• Tide clean and Snuggle soft clothes
Friday, April 13, 2007
Brown Decision Papers - US History Class Assignment
The Brown Decision Papers were a collection of the decisions made by the Supreme Court in 1954 (Brown vs Board of Education of Topeka) and of individual students affected by these decisions. The Supreme Court ruled that the previous Court’s decision (Plessy vs Ferguson 1896) of “Separate But Equal” educational facilities for African American’s was unconstitutional.
Document 1 describes the reasoning behind the Court’s decision. They felt that a child cannot obtain an equal education when denied the opportunity to attend public schools with other children, simply because of their skin color. An African American, provided he is equal physically and mentally, is no different than any other child and should be afforded the same opportunities educationally. Attending a separate school would not be considered equal.
In the Papers, several African American children give their views on receiving an education in desegregated schools. One child felt that you were able to learn more and participate in sports. At that time, although he was on the team, he wasn’t able to participate in all games because of the outrage of the people within the community. Although this was completely wrong and unfair, he was just excited to have the opportunity to play when we could. This was something he wasn’t able to do in segregated schools.
Another girl gives a description of how she felt more “normal”. She was accepted by most of her peers as a person, rather than a “Negro”. In her particular situation, she was not able to participate in the sports. The camps that the children attended were still segregated.
A girl in the Deep South in May 1966 rode to school with five other children and several reporters. Upon arriving at the school, one of the reporters was assaulted by someone from the waiting crowd. When the children got off of the bus, the principal told them that the school was full and they could not attend that school. He claimed that the school would be in violation of the fire code. The children later came back with a court order to find themselves alone. Fortunately, they finished out the school year and graduated.
Unfortunately, even though the Court ruled for desegregation, there were still many white southerners angry over the decision. In March 1956, the Southern Manifesto on Integration was written and signed by over 100 members of Congress. They felt as though the Constitution never granted education and the Supreme Court overstepped their boundaries by making the ruling as they did. They were very determined to have the ruling overturned.
The problem with the Court’s decision is that often it was not enforced. The children were forced to fend for themselves when attending school. No one was there to defend them. They were called names, treated badly, and shut out.
The treatment that some of them had to endure was beyond absurd and uncalled for. But because of their perseverance and determination many of these children found themselves with the education they so badly desired. The Brown Decision proved to be the most important decision made by the Supreme Court for countless numbers of African Americans throughout the United States.
Document 1 describes the reasoning behind the Court’s decision. They felt that a child cannot obtain an equal education when denied the opportunity to attend public schools with other children, simply because of their skin color. An African American, provided he is equal physically and mentally, is no different than any other child and should be afforded the same opportunities educationally. Attending a separate school would not be considered equal.
In the Papers, several African American children give their views on receiving an education in desegregated schools. One child felt that you were able to learn more and participate in sports. At that time, although he was on the team, he wasn’t able to participate in all games because of the outrage of the people within the community. Although this was completely wrong and unfair, he was just excited to have the opportunity to play when we could. This was something he wasn’t able to do in segregated schools.
Another girl gives a description of how she felt more “normal”. She was accepted by most of her peers as a person, rather than a “Negro”. In her particular situation, she was not able to participate in the sports. The camps that the children attended were still segregated.
A girl in the Deep South in May 1966 rode to school with five other children and several reporters. Upon arriving at the school, one of the reporters was assaulted by someone from the waiting crowd. When the children got off of the bus, the principal told them that the school was full and they could not attend that school. He claimed that the school would be in violation of the fire code. The children later came back with a court order to find themselves alone. Fortunately, they finished out the school year and graduated.
Unfortunately, even though the Court ruled for desegregation, there were still many white southerners angry over the decision. In March 1956, the Southern Manifesto on Integration was written and signed by over 100 members of Congress. They felt as though the Constitution never granted education and the Supreme Court overstepped their boundaries by making the ruling as they did. They were very determined to have the ruling overturned.
The problem with the Court’s decision is that often it was not enforced. The children were forced to fend for themselves when attending school. No one was there to defend them. They were called names, treated badly, and shut out.
The treatment that some of them had to endure was beyond absurd and uncalled for. But because of their perseverance and determination many of these children found themselves with the education they so badly desired. The Brown Decision proved to be the most important decision made by the Supreme Court for countless numbers of African Americans throughout the United States.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Mondays Suck
Well alot has happened since the last time I posted in my blog to actually say something. Of course, the most notable was the passing of Baby Meriah. She is my husband's niece, Jessica's, daughter. Let me tell you a little about Jessica. I met her 6 years ago at a family dinner. I believe it was Christmas. I am so shy when it comes to people I don't know. Ok, throw me in a situation with about 50 loud people who happen to be my new boyfriends family. I want to make a good impression and earn their respect. But this is like My Big Fat Greek Wedding shit going on! LOL But when I'm overwhelmed I shut down and hide. So I went to the couch. Now, don't get me wrong. He doesn't have a bad family. I love them all dearly, even though I'm sure there's a few who couldn't care less about me. Their loss, I still love them. Anyways... so I retreat to the couch. In comes this real pretty girl who is probably like 14, but looks 20. She sits next to me, sweet as can be and just starts chatting. Turns out we liked alot of the same things. Ok... I like this girl!! Although family gatherings continued to be intimidating to me I was always happy the few times Jessica actually was able to show up.
So imagine my surprise when 6 years later I find out she's going to have a baby of her own! Wow! If anyone can do it it's Jessica. I ended up finding her here on myspace and we emailed each other back and forth about a million times. It was so good to talk to her again. She traveled alot between Atlanta and Indianapolis so I hardly got to see her. Since my main drive in life is to be a Midwife I enjoyed talking to her about her pregnancy and reassuring her that "cesarean's are a breeze". Ok, it was for me both times LOL
I still remember the night I got the call from Marty's step-mother (Jessica's grandmother) that Jessica had her baby. I was on cloud nine!!! It was late at night, well, around 10 or 11. I couldn't sleep cause I had the adrenaline rush. I was so happy everything worked out good.
After she had her baby I would hear people talk about how she was a fantastic mother and I was so proud of her. Yeap. I knew she could do it. But then I got a call from Marty that Jessica's baby was sick in the hospital up in Indianapolis. Ironically she was sick with the same thing my cousin's (once again, ironically, named Jessica) one-month-old baby had. Strep pneumonia. I followed her situation over the last 2 or 3 weeks just praying that Meriah and Jessica would get a break. It never came. Meriah passed away Friday afternoon at 5:30pm.
It just pisses me off cause Jessica doesn't deserve this. I believe God has a plan and a reason for everything. But it just never makes sense. I hear she's not doing too bad considering. But right after a death is a weird time. It's like you're still in shock. You haven't really experienced life without that person not around. You're so busy planning the funeral that you don't have time to grieve. Everyone is there for you. There are flowers and cards everywhere. Phone calls galore. Visitors non-stop. Then everything quiets down. That's when it hits you. It's like the show is over and something is missing.
I HATE DEATH!!! It's so cruel and unforgiving. It's like evil in the pain it inflicts, but is still by the hand of God. Soon we find our comfort zone and find ways to cope. We turn out stronger and live to tell the tale. I guess just like I'm doing right now. I've endured the loss of my grandmother, my daughter, and a few other close family members and miscarriages. It never gets easier and you just wait for the next one to go.
Much love to Jessica and Meriah.
So imagine my surprise when 6 years later I find out she's going to have a baby of her own! Wow! If anyone can do it it's Jessica. I ended up finding her here on myspace and we emailed each other back and forth about a million times. It was so good to talk to her again. She traveled alot between Atlanta and Indianapolis so I hardly got to see her. Since my main drive in life is to be a Midwife I enjoyed talking to her about her pregnancy and reassuring her that "cesarean's are a breeze". Ok, it was for me both times LOL
I still remember the night I got the call from Marty's step-mother (Jessica's grandmother) that Jessica had her baby. I was on cloud nine!!! It was late at night, well, around 10 or 11. I couldn't sleep cause I had the adrenaline rush. I was so happy everything worked out good.
After she had her baby I would hear people talk about how she was a fantastic mother and I was so proud of her. Yeap. I knew she could do it. But then I got a call from Marty that Jessica's baby was sick in the hospital up in Indianapolis. Ironically she was sick with the same thing my cousin's (once again, ironically, named Jessica) one-month-old baby had. Strep pneumonia. I followed her situation over the last 2 or 3 weeks just praying that Meriah and Jessica would get a break. It never came. Meriah passed away Friday afternoon at 5:30pm.
It just pisses me off cause Jessica doesn't deserve this. I believe God has a plan and a reason for everything. But it just never makes sense. I hear she's not doing too bad considering. But right after a death is a weird time. It's like you're still in shock. You haven't really experienced life without that person not around. You're so busy planning the funeral that you don't have time to grieve. Everyone is there for you. There are flowers and cards everywhere. Phone calls galore. Visitors non-stop. Then everything quiets down. That's when it hits you. It's like the show is over and something is missing.
I HATE DEATH!!! It's so cruel and unforgiving. It's like evil in the pain it inflicts, but is still by the hand of God. Soon we find our comfort zone and find ways to cope. We turn out stronger and live to tell the tale. I guess just like I'm doing right now. I've endured the loss of my grandmother, my daughter, and a few other close family members and miscarriages. It never gets easier and you just wait for the next one to go.
Much love to Jessica and Meriah.
Friday, February 2, 2007
Vietnam Way - History Assignment
The United States became involved in the war against the North Vietnamese and the Viet Cong in 1959 under the presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower. The North Vietnamese were under communist control, which threatened South Vietnam, which was a United States ally. The United States was in a position to stop the spread of Communism throughout the world and soon took an interest in Vietnam. When Lyndon B. Johnson became president after John F. Kennedy’s assassination he appointed William Westmoreland to be the commander of the US army.
In 1965, the United States started a full-scale aerial attack on North Vietnam. By the end of the year, there were nearly 200,000 troops fighting in the war. By mid-1966, there were approximately 430,000. Westmoreland believed that the North Vietnamese could be defeated in no time at all, within a few years of that time. The final battle didn’t occur until 1975; long after President Johnson’s presidency was over.
Walter Cronkite was a well-respected journalist for CBS news during the Vietnam War, who, for a while, was in support of the war. But on February 27, 1968, he made a personal speech that would affect the president in a very profound way. After an attack on the US embassy in Saigon he felt that the United States was not able to win the war in the way that they wanted to. In fact, he felt that there was essentially a stalemate. Continuing would mean the war would escalate and the enemy would always match us.
Clark Clifford was the Secretary of Defense during the Johnson administration. He was very pro-war and was in support of the president’s decisions. He also gave Johnson advice when it came to the war, most notably regarding the request for more troops. Eventually, he pushed for the withdrawal of the troops.
There are also a number of similarities between the mission in Vietnam and the current mission in Iraq. For one thing, support for the war started out strong. Eventually it became very unpopular. Protests soon began and the nation was torn. President Johnson began with high approval ratings and found himself with low ratings with the unpopularity of the war. President Bush decided to run for reelection, and won, whereas President Johnson found himself haunted by the war and chose not to run for reelection.
Troops were having a hard time fighting the enemy because he blended in so well with everyone else. Killing innocent civilians became an ill effect of the war. Another similarity is that of the locals. The locals welcomed the troops and seen them as saviors. The same thing is going on in Iraq; the people there appreciate what our troops are doing for them. The news media’s front line coverage of the war was new. People all over the world seen up close the death and destruction of the war. It seemed very real.
The war finally ended in 1973, with the withdrawal of the last of the United State’s troops. Saigon eventually ended up succumbing to the Viet Cong in 1975.
In 1965, the United States started a full-scale aerial attack on North Vietnam. By the end of the year, there were nearly 200,000 troops fighting in the war. By mid-1966, there were approximately 430,000. Westmoreland believed that the North Vietnamese could be defeated in no time at all, within a few years of that time. The final battle didn’t occur until 1975; long after President Johnson’s presidency was over.
Walter Cronkite was a well-respected journalist for CBS news during the Vietnam War, who, for a while, was in support of the war. But on February 27, 1968, he made a personal speech that would affect the president in a very profound way. After an attack on the US embassy in Saigon he felt that the United States was not able to win the war in the way that they wanted to. In fact, he felt that there was essentially a stalemate. Continuing would mean the war would escalate and the enemy would always match us.
Clark Clifford was the Secretary of Defense during the Johnson administration. He was very pro-war and was in support of the president’s decisions. He also gave Johnson advice when it came to the war, most notably regarding the request for more troops. Eventually, he pushed for the withdrawal of the troops.
There are also a number of similarities between the mission in Vietnam and the current mission in Iraq. For one thing, support for the war started out strong. Eventually it became very unpopular. Protests soon began and the nation was torn. President Johnson began with high approval ratings and found himself with low ratings with the unpopularity of the war. President Bush decided to run for reelection, and won, whereas President Johnson found himself haunted by the war and chose not to run for reelection.
Troops were having a hard time fighting the enemy because he blended in so well with everyone else. Killing innocent civilians became an ill effect of the war. Another similarity is that of the locals. The locals welcomed the troops and seen them as saviors. The same thing is going on in Iraq; the people there appreciate what our troops are doing for them. The news media’s front line coverage of the war was new. People all over the world seen up close the death and destruction of the war. It seemed very real.
The war finally ended in 1973, with the withdrawal of the last of the United State’s troops. Saigon eventually ended up succumbing to the Viet Cong in 1975.
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