Times Of Change - for 5/22/07

A DUBIOUS CRUSADE - James A. Warren
Look up both words in the title of the short essay. What do they mean?
dubious - doubtful; crusade - a military expedition
Relate the title to the reading. What is Warren saying?
The American people don't really trust the government with foreign affairs.
How do you think this will relate to the rest of our study of Vietnam?
It will relate to the rest of our study because we will see the American opposition to the involvement in Vietnam.
HISTORY - Thuong Vuong-Riddick
What is the overall theme of Vuong-Riddick's poem?
Everybody is essentially fighting each other. The cause of the war is basically war itself.
THE GULF OF TONKIN RESOLUTION - M. Hirsh Goldberg
What is the main thesis of the essay?
The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution was based on a lie. The war wasn't an actual war, either.
What was the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution?
It said that the president can take "all necessary measures" to protect American forces.
What evidence does the author give to support his thesis?
Congress never declared war, therefore it was not an actual war.
How does this link to the theme of the first reading, "A Dubious Crusade?"
Both of the pieces of writing bring about controversy about the Vietnam War.