The psychological change that takes place in most men when they move into positions of great power is a phenomenon that has been commented on by philosophers through the ages. Shakespeare declaimed: "Upon what meat does this our Caesar feed, that he … [Read more...] about Pitfalls of Personal Diplomacy
The Lessons of Vietnam — June 1975
Phu Quoc Refugees
When the French were defeated at Dien Bien Phu and the Geneva Agreement of 1954 cut Vietnam in half, one million Roman Catholics. in North Vietnam fled to freedom in South Vietnam. Among them was Tran Thi Nam, a woman then 87 years young in her … [Read more...] about Phu Quoc Refugees
Why Vietnam?
The tragedy called the Vietnam War has run its course. The United States poured into it eight years of effort, the lives of 50,000 of our finest young men, the good health of another 300,000, $150 billion of our hard-earned tax money, and the honor … [Read more...] about Why Vietnam?
Corrupt Dictators
Former Vice President Ky of Vietnam, a has-been politician who hasn't been important for years even in his own country, dominated the American newscasts one day recently by issuing a statement in Guam charging that President Thieu was "corrupt." … [Read more...] about Corrupt Dictators
Vietnam Investigation
Many Americans are so emotionally exhausted by the tragic news of the Vietnam debacle that it is easy to accept the request of President Ford not to "engage in recriminations or attempts to assess blame." However, those who do not learn the lessons … [Read more...] about Vietnam Investigation
Kennedy Assassination
The Warren Commission appointed by President Lyndon Johnson to investigate the assassination of President John Kennedy, spent ten months working on its assignment, heard the testimony of 552 witnesses, and issued a report concluding that Lee Harvey … [Read more...] about Kennedy Assassination
Cambodia
On April 1, Vietnam's Ambassador to the United States said sadly: "Probably it is safer to be an ally of the Communists, and it is fatal to be an ally of the United States." It took only 19 days to prove that statement was no April Fool's joke or … [Read more...] about Cambodia
Creeping Socialism?
During the Roosevelt and Truman years, Republican candidates used to hold forth on a subject called "Creeping Socialism." This was defined as the growth of big government, with higher and higher taxes, a bigger and bigger national debt, more and … [Read more...] about Creeping Socialism?
Portugal
One of the time-tested strategies for winning any battle - military, political, or athletic - is the doctrine of diversion. The quarterback fakes a pass to the right, and then throws to the left. The classic expression of this doctrine in … [Read more...] about Portugal
