We were fighting over there to protect rubber and oil businesses" (Wheeler/Becker 281). Certainly, as long as student deferments were used, it could be legitimately argued that there was a definite distinction between those who could afford college (and get good grades) and those who could not or chose not to.I believe that Vietnam had an enormous impact on America. It most definitely altered America's image of itself. No longer were we unstoppable, impossible to defeat. Never again will we be led blindly into war. The American people are going to question anything that puts American lives at stake. Before committing American lives to war politicians are going to have it hanging over their heads, is this going to be another Vietnam? Does the possible end justify the means? The means being American lives, American youth. If that end is only American credibility then I do not believe that it does.Our nation has changed in important ways and learned valuable lessons because of the Vietnam experience. One hopes we will never again fight without the national will to win. An incremental approach is dangerously ineffective. We must not sacrifice lives to "send messages." War is always a human failure and should be a last resort. Before we engage in war, we should have a clear national security interest, defined and obtainable objectives, plans for the application of all military force necessary to reach those goals, an exit strategy, and leadership willing to mobilize popular support. We can not police the world, but America must remain willing to sacrifice when and where necessary. It is the price of our freedom and our way of life....
