Vietnam, Kent State, Jackson State . . . Forty years later, and what have we learned? In 1970, Obie Benson and Al Cleveland were composing "What's Going On?" (the Marvin Gaye hit), the Temptations sang "Ball of Confusion," and Edwin Starr sent up "War." 18-21 year olds couldn't vote but young men could be drafted, and the Vietnam War spread into Cambodia courtesy of Tricky Dick Nixon. It's not like today is much better, only now without a fresh soundtrack, no draft and a time when ingrate youths can -- but usually don't -- vote. Iraq? Afghanistan? Oil spills? Not our problem, apparently. History is all bunk anyway, right? Why even lift a finger?
Lynch Street: The May 1970 Slayings at Jackson State
Kent State and May 4th: A Social Science Perspective
Today's Rune: Defense.
1 comment:
Seriously read Hard Times by Studs Terkel. The generational similarities between them of the Roaring Twenties and the Dirty Thirties and the flower children (who went on to become the titans of capitalism) of the 60's are so bang on.
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