Mike asked, "When did the anti-Vietnam movement begin, did it make any real
difference and how long did it take to make that difference? "
My daughter, an 18 year-old freshman at a jesuit university, wrote me the
following letter a few days ago:
"Hi Pop,
I am really excited to write you and tell you about a group that I am getting
involved in. Have you ever heard of the School of the Americas. Well, it is
a school in Georgia that takes lots of people from Mexico and South America
and basically trains them in terrorism. Then these people return to their
countries and train their military, etc., all of the horrible tactics that
they learned in the U.S. In return these people terrorize and oppress their
own people. How horrible! Every year people from all over the country go to
Georgia to protest outside of the school, and some even "cross the line" that
protesters are forbidden by law to cross. While in Georgia people are also
educated about other injustices that are occurring around the world, such as
sweat shops, etc... I watched a movie on the School of Americas and what the
monsters they have produced have done to their countries. I watched people
being murdered and terrorized. I saw the school where they were trained. And
I saw millions of peaceful protesters stand up and "fight" for what they felt
was a worthy cause. I saw these peaceful Americans "cross the line" and I saw
them arrested. It made me think of you and your protest against the Vietnam
War. At that moment I have never been so proud to be your daughter. I felt
a power and security. And at that moment I realized how many of your
positive characteristics I have. Daddy we are not exactly alike, but we are
driven by the same passions, the same drive for justice. And I can honestly
say that I understand you much better than I ever have before. Pop, I admire
you. Not just because you protested once long ago, but because for the last
18 years I have watched you stand up for what you thought was right. I don't
think that I have ever witnessed you pass up the opportunity, to correct what
you saw as unfit. But I have also witnessed a very kind and forgiving
individual as well. It seems like whenever I got my self into the worst
trouble you showed me the most mercy and understanding. I believe that I am
such a strong individual because I have had such a strong role model. I also
understand that being so outspoken (as we both are) is not always
appropriate, so my goal is to do my best to make positive changes in this
world with my strong will. Sometimes I wonder if I would have the strength to
do some of the things I have or want to do, without you. So, Thanks Pop. You
are truly my hero.
Oh, I leave for Georgia November 16, wish me luck.
Katie"
So, I guess the anti-war movement made a difference.
