Analysis Of George Mcgovern's Essay 'Where I Stand'

As a result of the rising interest rates, military spending, and the government’s economic policy, people seriously began to question the way the government handled America’s funds. In George McGovern, “Where I Stand” Newspaper Interview on June 26, 1972, George shares his opinion about the government’s spending, as well as the best course of action moving foreward. “By no longer underwriting the appalling waste of money and manpower that has become such a bad habit in our military establishment; By rejecting the purchase of weapons which are designed to fight the last war better, with almost no relevance to today's threat.” This statement from George shared the view many felt in regards to Americas economic standpoint; stop spending billions
on war. These examples truly demonstrate how Americas involvement in the war unbalanced an already faint economy. Our involvement in the war in Vietnam brings to life many important issues that transcend the three we identified today. The Vietnam war, along with many other wars, are all examples of the human struggle for dominance, and the belief that the way we live is the way that everyone should live. Only through acceptance of other cultures and traditions can this problem be abolished, we must be willing to accept that not everyone is inclined to do the same things we do, or even speak the same language we speak. It pains my heart to see, in the modern world, these struggles fought with little hope of conquering them. Citizens should not have to fear having their families deported, or not being able to re-enter the country due to their ethnicity. Through the Vietnam War we can learn that although we may be different, acceptance and solving our problems in a peaceable way among nations is always preferable to spending billions, and losing brave young men. Sir Newton was correct in his findings that every action has an equal and opposite reaction, his findings are also true in the case of the Vietnam War. Little did President Johnson know that when he brought forth the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, that he would lead America into a struggle that would last almost two decades, and ultimately end in defeat. Johnson could not have known how much the war would heighten the social, economic, and political issues of the time, how much America would hurt because of his choices. In a world of actions and reactions, I sincerely hope that everyone will be cognizant of their choices, especially when it comes to war.