Ideas

M-Day in Retrospect

The announcement that President Nixon would deliver a major address on Viet Nam November 3 raised hopes that it might herald the end of the war, or at least the beginning of a definite disengagement process. The longer the war drags on, the more emotional we will tend to become and the more dissociated from the factors that brought on American involvement in the first place.

The October 15 demonstrations indicated that the American public is growing increasingly restless over our failure to extricate ourselves from Viet Nam. President Nixon probably recognizes this, but he leaves the impression that he is discounting the dissent. And that attitude gives his appeal for unity a hollow ring.

Vice-President Agnew likewise drove a deeper wedge when he complained that the demonstrators were encouraged by “an effete corps of impudent snobs which characterize themselves as intellectuals.” It is difficult to see what good purpose could be served by such invective, whether or not the characterization was accurate. Mr. Agnew might have done better merely to applaud the orderly and peaceful conduct of the demonstrators and at least for the time being let the issue rest.

So-called M-Day had a more rational orientation than previous Viet Nam protests, and this was an improvement. We doubt, however, that the war’s end can be hastened by demonstrations, and we are disinclined to resort to such tactics. Yet the urgency of the present situation should not be underestimated. There is a limit to how much this nation can afford to invest in the Viet Nam conflict, and we may have already passed a prudential point. God forbid that this war should be America’s undoing.

But as long as the Viet Cong refuse to make concessions, the “easy” way to end the war seems to be to effect an immediate unilateral pullout of American troops. That would be tragic. It would amount to handing South Viet Nam to the Communists on a platter, and closing the curtain on freedom. The leaders of South Viet Nam have left something to be desired; but the churches are open and the people enjoy liberties not available to their countrymen in the north.

What happens when the Communists take over? Who is to keep them from continuing to slaughter those who dissent from their principles?

Questions like these were not answered on October 15 in the streets. They seem not to occur to the dissenters. American policy cannot afford to have such blind spots.

Our Latest

News

Northern Seminary Presidential Installation Goes Awry

It’s unclear whether Joy Moore resigned her leadership at the suburban Chicago school.

‘The Chosen Adventures’ Educates Our Smallest Bible Scholars

The animated spinoff on the adult show is a heady attempt to disciple kids on the life of Jesus.

News

How Abortion Pills Change the Fight for Life

Texas pregnancy centers adjust their services as women increasingly access mifepristone by mail.

Review

Suffering Comes in Many Forms. So Does Theodicy.

Scripture attests to God’s distinct plans to wipe individual tears from individual eyes.

The Bulletin

Hamas Crackdown, Rural Hospitals, and Why Brides Wear White

Hamas punishes political enemies, the importance of rural hospitals, and how purity culture influences modern weddings.

Naomi Raine Isn’t Playing Games

The founding member of Maverick City Music is releasing new songs as a solo artist with an impressive roster of guests.

News

Shrinking Palestinian Christian Population Wary of Cease-Fire

“As people, we can live together … because this is what Jesus asked us to do.”

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube