NCJ Number
31648
Date Published
1971
Length
4 pages
Annotation
AN ANALYSIS OF THE DIFFERENT STRATEGIES AVAILABLE TO THE MORATORIUM MOVEMENT - A VIETNAM WAR PROTEST THAT TOOK PLACE IN 1969-70.
Abstract
THE FIRST STRATEGY, TO EXPRESS THE POPULAR SENTIMENT, ASSUMES (INCORRECTLY, ACCORDING TO THE AUTHOR) THAT A GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE WILL REACT TO THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE. THE SECOND STRATEGY, OPPOSITION POLITICS, WILL FAIL BECAUSE THE ELECTORAL PROCESS IS NOT RESPONSIVE TO THE PEOPLE. THE THIRD STRATEGY, CONFRONTATION, IS NAIVE IN ITS UNDERESTIMATION OF THE GOVERNMENT'S MILITARY AND POLICE POWER, AND IS VULNERABLE TO GOVERNMENT ALLEGATIONS OF THEM AS PROVACATEURS OF VIOLENCE. THE ONLY EFFECTIVE COURSE FOR THE MORATORIUM IS TO ASSUME THE DIMENSION OF A GENERAL STRIKE.