Anti-War Voices

 Throughout much of the United States history anti war voices have not occupied the forefront of American journalism. This trend can be seen not just here at home, but also in countless countries across the globe. One of the main reasons for this is the fact that it can be seen as un-patriotic; and in a country like the United States, where patriotism has been of high importance historically, having an opinion that does not support the men and women fighting for our freedom is not popular.

The silencing of anti war voices in America is not a new topic of conversation. During the civil war in 1862, Abraham Lincoln suspended the writ of habeas corpus. This meant that citizens of the Union could be arrested and thrown in jail without legal grounds; if an individual was suspected of not supporting the war or spoke out against the government they could be thrown in jail without cause, representation, or a trial. This act violated the first, fifth, and sixth constitutional amendments but was the first real time the US government can be seen legally, and blatantly silencing anti war voices. 

 

When discussing anti war voices it is hard not to look at the US police action in Vietnam. Despite the fancy name the United States  presence in Vietnam during the 1960’s carries all the hallmarks of war; armed conflict, two different states, death, and so on. The war in Vietnam sparked tremendous outrage from the American public, and although the anger was mostly with American leadership at the time, most of the outrage ended up being aimed at the troops themselves. Thousands of troops who fought for American Ideals, who were just following orders, came home to an onslaught of hateful messages that turned them into the bad guys. It wasn’t just protests and spectacles, but these anti war ideas had infiltrated popular culture; songs, media, television, movies, all painted these dedicated Americans as villains. This vilification lead to alienation, depression, and even suicide amongst many veterans. When looking back on the actions of many in the 1960’s, and knowing the effects of these actions, it is a widely held belief in America that it is important to support the US military.