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To understand this article one would have to be at least 40 or 45 years of age. Because it was in December of 1971 that the whole world was waking to a brand new day. President Nixon was in power at this particular time. I was released from the military in September of 1969 this was the age of the flower children, hippies, yippees, and whatever. Although I served in Vietnam I respected these young people with their idealistic views. I was on their side (so to speak)
President Nixon took an a bout face on his hard-nosed conservative right agenda back in December of 1971. He began working constructively at this time to bring to the young people what they were asking for PEACE and LOVE. It all began with the trip to China, then Russia, he was traveling all over the world bringing peace. And there was peace in 1972 for a period of time anyway. My question if peace was possible back then why isn’t it possible today?
Nixon and Chairman Mao
Nixon and Breshnev
I can recall this statement made by President Nixon on Russian television to the Russian people from memory. “Here goes" [Quote] “The American people are a great people, The Russian people are a great people, workingtogether we can accomplish great feats" [unquote] I may be incorrect on the word “feats" it probably was another word he used however I got my point across. He was simply speaking a language all people could understand and did enjoy hearing.
Nixon even attended church services with Premiere Leonid Brezhnev. So why can’t President Bush use the same strategy Nixon used and go speak to Osama Bin Laydin, Instead of putting out wanted posters declaring “wanted dead or alive?" this simply shows Bush’s stupidity.
Getting back to 1971, Johnny Cash was asked to sing at the White House in the late 60s. The Nixon staff requested he sing a song made popular by Merle Haggard called “Okie from Meskogie" which brought a dim light on drug users and war protesters. However, Cash declined to sing the song and sang a song he wrote instead titled “What Is Truth"
I am presenting the lyrics to the song in this article in the last stanza of this song Cash says it all when he sings “This old world's wakin' to a new born day" For I, for one do see how we are living in a totally different world today. Therefore, to you baby boomers out there read these lyrics and see if it doesn’t hit home with you.
Johnny Cash
The old man turned off the radio Said, "Where did all of the old songs go Kids sure play funny music these days They play it in the strangest ways"
Said, "it looks to me like they've all gone wild It was peaceful back when I was a child"
Well, man, could it be that the girls and boys Are trying to be heard above your noise? And the lonely voice of youth cries
"What is truth?"
A little boy of three sittin' on the floor Looks up and says, "Daddy, what is war?"
"son, that's when people fight and die" The little boy of three says "Daddy, why?"
A young man of seventeen in Sunday school Being taught the golden rule And by the time another year has gone around It may be his turn to lay his life down Can you blame the voice of youth for asking
"What is truth?"
A young man sittin' on the witness stand The man with the book says "Raise your hand" "Repeat after me, I solemnly swear"
The man looked down at his long hair
And although the young man solemnly swore Nobody seems to hear anymore And it didn't really matter if the truth was there It was the cut of his clothes and the length of his hair And the lonely voice of youth cries
"What is truth?"
The young girl dancing to the latest beat Has found new ways to move her feet The young man speaking in the city square Is trying to tell somebody that he cares Yeah, the ones that you're calling wild Are going to be the leaders in a little while This old world's wakin' to a new born day And I solemnly swear that it'll be their way You better help the voice of youth find
"What is truth?"
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» left by Lynaia from California (1 year 96 days ago.)
No. Poor gramer and sentence structure throughout. Meandering and pointless. Respond to this comment
» left by David Tanguay(7,911) David Tanguay (1 year 96 days ago.)
As I pointed out at the beginning of my article, if it doesn't make sense to you, you're either too young or you just never gave a damn. Respond to this comment
» left by Susan Thom(9,047) Susan Thom (1 year 95 days ago.)
good article david,
i worry about my 2 boys ever getting drafted. i wish there was peace. maybe it's coming,
best regards,
sue thom Respond to this comment
» left by David Tanguay(7,911) David Tanguay (1 year 95 days ago.)
Well so far susan we don't have a draft. But with Bush in office no telling what can happen. The man is nuts! Respond to this comment
» left by Steve Radford(779) Steve Radford (1 year 95 days ago.)
Good article David. The Johnny Cash lyrics are still relevant aren't they.
The only part I take exception to is the comparison of Nixon's visits to Russia and China with Bush's position toward Osama Bin Laden. Nixon was meeting with heads of state. Bin Laden is head of a terrorist organization.
» left by David Tanguay(7,911) David Tanguay (1 year 95 days ago.)
I understand this Steve, however he is human. Just as I mentioned Breznev attending church services with Nixon. why doesn't Bush make an effort to unite with this man? They believe they are the good guys and we are the bad guys. If Bush believes he has the Lord on his side he would attempt to meet with Bin Laden. The Lord preached peace and Love nobody hears those words when they go to church. Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (1 year 94 days ago.)
Wonderful but idealistic article, Mr. Tanguay. Although I am not a fan of our current President, to think that he should peacefully sit and negotiate with Bin Laden is absurd. Laden is evil as are his followers with their goal primarily to destroy America. Respond to this comment
» left by David Tanguay(7,911) David Tanguay (1 year 94 days ago.)
I respectfully disagree, I believe the major source of evil in the world has been defeated. There was a great deal of evil occurring right here in our own country. I believe we only hear what our government wants us to hear. Bin Layden is not an evil man perhaps if we would listen to what he has to say we could learn something from him. (whats wrong with idealism?)
» left by John Murphy from PA (1 year 94 days ago.)
Mr. Tanguay, I am the above Anonymous. Idealism is fine and we certainally need it, however Bin Laden and all of his type have no respect for life. Their God differs from our and therefore there is no middle ground to attain. Even God Himself has displayed anger in certain circumstances and in order to protect our own, we must be willing to do so at all costs. Our internal problems within the old US of A is another thing, however and we are our own destroyers in that area. Respond to this comment
» left by David Tanguay(7,911) David Tanguay (1 year 94 days ago.)
Mr. Murphy, when you use the word "our own" Our nation is composed of every religion in the world including Muslims. My Lord preached love for our neighbor and our enemy. Talk about respect for human life we drop 1,000 pound bombs on not only the enemy but innocent lives are lost by us. If you want to discuss more on the issue would you click onto my contact author above. Respond to this comment
» left by John Murphy from PA (1 year 94 days ago.)
Mr. Tanguay, when I refer to our own, I am referring to every human being residing in America including all races and all religions. America, once the greatest force in the world, has now dropped to the most pathetic force in the world, and as I stated, it is we who are destroying ourselves. This is a country of many and not a minority nation however the exclusion of God anywhere is apparent and for that we will surely suffer. Respond to this comment
» left by E. Raymond Rock(1,851) E. Raymond Rock (1 year 94 days ago.)
Thanks David. You have definitely seen something, and that something has awakened you to the divisions we create among ourselves, particularly religious and idealistic divisions. I only hope that we can get beyond our small opinions and fearful clannish behavior some day. Many don’t understand this.
Great article. (I tend to look past grammar and structure and not judge one’s heart by technicalities). If we go to war with Iran, and wage or even risk nuclear war with Russia and china, I will look back at your article and say “Touché, David!”
Tyrants must always be resisted, but there are intelligent ways to do that.
Best…………..e
» left by David Tanguay(7,911) David Tanguay (1 year 94 days ago.)
Yeah e, there have been many tyrants in our own country. Some of us misuse and take advantage of the freedoms we were born with, to satisfy our own selfish and egotistical needs. who have no sense of responsibility to their fellow man. "Thank you for commenting" Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (1 year 91 days ago.)
The Truth is: All Citizens of the World still today seek peace, decent paying jobs, health and wellness support when needed, personal religious and cultural expression, and the liberties and freedoms for their Families and communities to live decent, safe, with dignity, and have adequately secure and financial lives. - Many do not know of the connections between the Bush's and Ben Ladins, which go back at least 3 generations. Talk without substantive action / proof is just talk, even when confessing falsely of being a so-called Christian. Can any wonder why Youth ask: "What is Truth"? - When Liers Lie to get elected; - and should be impeached for vote fraud, when their promises are just lies, not Truth. Many today believe that the true terrorists and their war-profit cronies are in DC. "What is Truth"?! - Support Our Youth, Elderly, Disabled, and less-fortunate. JW Respond to this comment
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