History redux: Richard Clarke = George Ball

[Faygo Kid]

George Ball was Undersecretary of State in the Kennedy and Johnson administrations, and a lone voice opposing the war in Vietnam when Johnson needed to hear more of them. He stayed as long as he could, serving honorably, until he knew his voice was no longer being heard. He had 30 years in, and it was very difficult to come forward and oppose the war, and the Administration he had served - just like Clarke. If you want to read one of the greatest books in and about American history, read "The Past Has Another Pattern," by George Ball. The context given what we have seen today will blow you away.

[Faygo Kid]

1. Well, it's a good post anyway. Read the Ball book - you won't regret it.

[bpilgrim]

2. thanks for the tip

sounds like a good book, especially considering the times.

i always had faith that the real patriots, even in the GOV, would step up, as they always had in the past, men and women, when their people needed them, it's an american tradition and always gives me hope.

can sure use a double dose right now ;->

CLARKE :toast:

peace

[Faygo Kid]

4. There are, and always have been, great Americans. Ball was one.

I only wish all DUers would check this book out. The "Establishment?" Yeah, I'm 52, that was our term, and he was. But a great citizen of the world, and a brilliant book, and a damned fine read. Thanks.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

5. Helen Thomas said just that....

she said that someone in government always steps forward and does the right thing.

Until recently, I had begun to doubt her. :)

[Teddy_Salad]

3. It is a good post.....

....I'd never heard of Ball (have only lived in the US for 6 years) but the book does sound interesting. I'll check it out.

I only hope there are a few more George Ball's and Richard Clarke's coming out in the near future to spill the beans on Bush and his band of thugs.

[MidwestMomma]

6. I recently watched a HBO movie about LBJ and the Vietnam war

I think it was called the Path to War. That's pretty much how George Ball was portrayed. Thanks for the book recommendation. I'll have to pick it up.