1968 Iowans Were Spilt Like Today On Vietnam

During the mid-1960s, the Vietnam War caused significant division within the community, with differing viewpoints on the war's purpose and the nation's role. Letters to the editor illustrated the stark contrast between those who saw the war as a fight for freedom and those who questioned its necessity and morality, with the resulting divisions and societal changes still impacting the present day, particularly in areas of family structures and drug culture.

Vietnam War Division

• 00:00:00 By the mid-1960s, the Vietnam War sparked a growing sense of unease and division within the community. Some questioned the war's purpose and the validity of US involvement, while others believed it was crucial to fight for freedom and against Communism. This war was unlike previous ones, with goals appearing unclear and purpose debated.

Patriot's View

• 00:01:26 Fred Burum, a WWII veteran, believed that defending against Communism was crucial and that avoiding the draft was unacceptable. He argued that freedom isn't free and each generation must fight for it, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling one's duty to protect the nation and the freedoms it provides.

Counter-Argument

• 00:03:07 Reverend Anthony Blankers countered Burum's viewpoint, expressing concern that opposing the war could lead to accusations of being Communist. He questioned the effectiveness of war in solving international disputes and suggested that alternative solutions, like conference tables, might be preferable to the destructive consequences of war.

Legacy of the 1960s

• 00:06:04 The 1960s saw a shift in societal values that still impacts modern America. Problems like fractured families and the rise of drug culture can be traced back to this era. The speaker believes the counterculture's embrace of drug use, promoted by music and societal changes, led to a widespread problem that continues to affect individuals and the nation today.