JFK and Vietnam

Submitted by Keith McLennan (Australia), Nov 25, 2013 at 07:14

"JFK would have continued to resist a US war in Vietnam."

If that is so, why would LBJ have been so determined to "nail that coonskin to the wall", as he told the troops in Vietnam they should do? I think it's more likely that with his determination to out-do Eisenhower in confronting Communism and his interest in the Green Berets and counter-insurgency, JFK would have followed the same course as his Vice-President did after him. After all, almost the first thing he said in his inaugural address was:

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty. This much we pledge—and more."

What is that if not a summons to a crusade?

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