Times of Change - for 5/23/07

JACK SMITH - RON STEINMAN
What challenges does Jack Smith face as a soldier in Vietnam?
-clueless on what war was actually about
-dirty conditions
-saw many of his friends die
-ambushes
-reluctantly have to kill people
-you are always scared
-hot weather
How does Smith's attitude towards war change?
In the beginning of the story, he was enthusiastic about joining the army and he didn't really think about the consequences of actual war. However, near the end of the story, he has really experienced war and sees how awful it can be .
I FEEL LIKE I'M FIXING TO DIE - JOE MCDONALD
What is the song asking the "big, strong men" to do?
It asks them to fight in the war.
The "generals?"
Stop the spread of communism.
"Wall Street?"
The home front to donate to the war.
"mothers?"
Encourage their sons to join the Army.
Four lines:
1. To have your boy come home in a box
2. Don't ask me i don't give a damn.
3. Whoopee! We're all gonna die.
4. When we've blown 'em all to kingdom come.

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.

KOREAN WAR - things you should know

1. From 1945 to 1950, there was a huge tension between North and South Korea fueled by the government.
2. In 1950, Stalin of the Soviet Union had a burning desire to spread communism over all of Korea.
3. The first shots of the Korean War were taken in 1950, when the North spontaneously attacked the defenseless South.
4. Throughout the Korean War, the United States supported South Korea, while the Soviets funneled money and weapons to communist North Korea.
5. The Chinese ruler thought that America was using South Korea to expand into China and other parts of Asia. So, he sent more troops into North Korea.
6. Winter in the Korean War was hell for many soldiers.
7. General MacArthur threatened to use 50 atomic bombs on the North Korean forces.
8. South Korea was greatly out-numbered and out-supplied.
9. General MacArthur wanted to go to an all-out war, and expand the war into China.
10. In 1953, North and South Korea agree to a truce, but fighting continued for two more years.

MLK Readings

Why does the author feel that whites owe blacks the greatest debt?
The author feels that whites owe blacks the greatest debt because they were racist against them for so long.
Was King "the right man at the right time"?
I think that King was partly the right man at the right time, but i also think that he was incredibly intelligent and that not many people could have done what he did for the united States of America.
Would King be upset with the current use of his most quoted line?
Yes, he would probably be upset because it is not always used in a Civil rights context.

Has MLK's "dream" been realized?

While it is undeniable that African-Americans have been more involved in the labor force, it is also unfair to not recognize the great difference of employment between African-Americans and whites. Positively, the African-American employment rate has improved since the 1980's. About six million more African-Americans have began working since 1980. On the other hand, 66 million whites are working, while only about 16 million blacks are currently employed.

Would you have been able to use civil disobedience and non-violence?

It would be hard for me to use civil disobedience and non-violence, but I think I would do it. The thing i would be most afraid of is the punishment that would await after the lawbreaking. Also, not being able to fight back would be extremely hard. However, i would have motive enough to keep using civil disobedience. It would feel like i was getting my point across and helping so many more people than myself.

Unit 8 Preview

I am looking forward to learning about times in history which greatly affect how we live today.