Vietnam+Questions

Vietnam Questions:

Since the Vietnam War divided the citizens of America, were you considered a hawk or a dove? What made you choose this specific type and did you stay the same throughout or did you change?


 * Hawk. I feel it was necessary to support our country once we commit to war. War is a terrible thing and must be entered into with great cause. But once the decision is made, it is essential for our country to support the men and women assigned to carry out our action whether one agrees or not. History has shown this was a poor decision I believe and is a stak example of why it is so important to get such a decision connect for this decision is till very much with us today.**

Did you yourself consider the bombing of North Korea and sending troops to any conflict that did not threaten the U.S. in any way right or wrong? Why?


 * We have many treaties/relationships throughout our the world that are in the strategic best interest of the USA. Therefor we have committed our support and resources to our friends and all allies, regardless of the fact that we may not be directly in the line of fire. Freedom is a most precious commodity and America is the beaker of Freddom for the world. Threaths come in many fasheom, and communism is one of them. South Korea is free of communism today because of own efforts, a great trading partner with America and offers their people one of the worlds great economies in which to live and work.**

Did any other of your family members received a draft number or was it just you alone? Do you remember your draft number specifically?


 * Just me and yes I remember my draft number, number #51. Recovery draft number is one of those moments in your life you NEVER forget as your life will change forever as your know it without any input. When President Clinton could not recall his draft number when asked, I found that to be disingenuous. Intelligent individuals simply do not forget such things.**

What was your reaction of doing the military draft? What did you like and not like about doing the draft at the time that you were eligible?


 * I would suggest few individuals want to give up their life of choice and freedom. It was very sobering to participate in something that has the potential of life alteration. For individuals not choosing the military as a career path, such a commitment is concerning given that you had no intention of going down such a path just several years prior. It was also difficult to see your friends so affected as well.**

Did you even dare to try to find your way out of the draft, like protesting with others or burn you card? Why or Why not?


 * No. I am an American. If my country asks for my service, I'm in. Personal sacrifice is subservient to America's needs when it comes to protecting Americas commitments. For without it, there would be no America.**

Did you know anybody who had one of the very first numbers? If so, was your reaction towards him?


 * Yes, #1, Shock Harvey. He put his ones own goals, own family and friends on hold at a single moments time is shocking. The reality of it all fueled disbelief as well.**

Since you attended Marquette for collage, was that your way of avoiding the draft, or were you one of the traditional type and would join the military if you number was chosen to go next?


 * Marquette had nothing to do with the draft. In 1973 they suspended the draft and I was not called up. if I was called, I would have served. protesters and draft dodgers were not my favorite groups. Disagreeing with own government can be a positive development, but campus bombings, shooting students and running to Canada are not constructive activities.**

At Marquette, were there teach-ins? If so, did you attend them? Why or Why not?


 * Few. I did not participate in them as I prefer a more civil way of making my thoughts and ideas know. Such action rarely spin dialogue for constructive discussion or action. I had no interest in associating with their actions or activities. Simply not my style.**

Did any of your friends who also had draft numbers find a way to protest? If so, did you still hanged out with them or did they try to force you into do the protests with you?


 * Sure they did. I am not easily forced into doing anything I do not want to do -- therefore I did not participate. I was brought with the idea of personal responsibility and that has been wit me a long time.**

Did you and your family support the war in any way? Did you trust the president that was running the country during the time you were in collage? What was the one thing that you still remember that impacted you as a person?


 * We supported the troops -- my father was in the army during the Korean conflict so the Asian theater was well known in our home and the difficulty in fighting a war so far away. It was also not lost on us what had happened to others who stuck their nose in Vietnam's mess.

I did not trust President Johnson nor Nixon. Nether were men who inspired confidence in my opinion and both left office in disgrace for different reasons, but Vietnam was a common link.

Never enter a war, nor commit troops to a war you are ill prepared to win. "The Wiz" kids were not up to the task. We lacked a clear vision on what we intended to accomplish and how to do it. In reality we never lost a battle, yet lost the war. A lesson I will never forget.**