May 4, 1970 - Kent State University. Vietnam War Protest & National Guard Tragedy: Learn about the 1970 campus shooting, Nixon's war expansion, and student activism. #TOEIC 450 #Eiken 2 #CEFR B1
Ah, but Diane, I think we have learned a lot. People have responded far more quickly and in greater numbers than what happened during the Vietnam War. When you think about it, the response - within 100 days - has taken the expertise of people who have been through the 60s, the Occupy movement, BLM, and at other times. People now can look back at history and see that, if sustained, putting pressure on government leaders does, indeed, have an effect.
James, I covered "Ohio" a couple of years ago. I'll post the link here. The song today (and many that I cover), is by David Rovics. He's like the Phils Ochs of the 21st century. I think he writes a song every day, all based on what is happening - or not - in the world. Do a search on YouTube to listen to his songs. He also has a Substack.
Thank you, Jeff, for posting this! I have covered many of these, but there are a few songs on that list that I wasn't familiar with. I will add them to the queue and one day hope to explain them. Great resources here everyone. Please have a look!
The Viet Nam War made me an activist for life. I still remember vividly that smoggy Los Angeles afternoon when my brother received his 1A draft notice in the mail. My brother was away at college, I was still in high school. My mother came in from the mailbox in tears holding the draft notice. I went from a child to an adult in less than a heartbeat.
I would like to take issue with one lyric in the song. I wasn’t demonstrating for the US’s defeat, I just wanted to bring our boys home.
I can only imagine the deep fear and anxiety you and your mother felt. And I agree about that one line in the song. I don’t think most people wanted the U.S to lose. They just wanted the horror to end. Thank you for sharing your story.
As a songwriter, I applaud the sentiment. As a college kid who wrote his English term paper on Kent State, I see some inaccuracies. But a song is not a documentary. And as a remembrance, it is well worth a listen.
We all need to realize that what went before can happen again.
As a very young child I remember my mother shooing us from the room when footage of the Vietnam war were broadcast on our tiny black and white TV. Not until many years later did I understand why? I've read books and seen much footage since, of course.
And, we never learn do we... there seems to exist an inherent need for some countries to interfere in others.
Ah, Susie. One step forward, three steps back it seems at times.
I was allowed to watch. I was around 10, I guess... I remember lying on the floor in front of the TV, watching Walter Cronkite talk about the "progress" of the fighting, the numbers of killed and casualties, watching history go by but not comprehending the whys or the context. My family never talked about it as I recall. There was no discussion, but maybe that's because I was in the room.
Turbulent times. I hope today’s protests remain peaceful because god help us all if there is shooting.
I hope so, too, Cecilia.
A very sad anniversary. And look where we are now...you'd think we'd have learned a thing or two by now.
Ah, but Diane, I think we have learned a lot. People have responded far more quickly and in greater numbers than what happened during the Vietnam War. When you think about it, the response - within 100 days - has taken the expertise of people who have been through the 60s, the Occupy movement, BLM, and at other times. People now can look back at history and see that, if sustained, putting pressure on government leaders does, indeed, have an effect.
I hope that effect comes soon, Louise. People in Gaza are starving.
That is the month I graduated high school.
Funny, never heard of it. Probably most famous is Neil Young’s “Ohio”
James, I covered "Ohio" a couple of years ago. I'll post the link here. The song today (and many that I cover), is by David Rovics. He's like the Phils Ochs of the 21st century. I think he writes a song every day, all based on what is happening - or not - in the world. Do a search on YouTube to listen to his songs. He also has a Substack.
Ohio: https://louisehaynes.substack.com/p/song-about-1970-kent-state-shootings
And here's another by Holly Near:
https://louisehaynes.substack.com/p/it-could-have-been-me
MY PROTEST SONGLIST…’OHIO’ #1
https://open.substack.com/pub/jeff515p0/p/mayday-mayday-mayday?r=1n8kl4&utm_medium=ios
Thank you, Jeff, for posting this! I have covered many of these, but there are a few songs on that list that I wasn't familiar with. I will add them to the queue and one day hope to explain them. Great resources here everyone. Please have a look!
Will do !
The Viet Nam War made me an activist for life. I still remember vividly that smoggy Los Angeles afternoon when my brother received his 1A draft notice in the mail. My brother was away at college, I was still in high school. My mother came in from the mailbox in tears holding the draft notice. I went from a child to an adult in less than a heartbeat.
I would like to take issue with one lyric in the song. I wasn’t demonstrating for the US’s defeat, I just wanted to bring our boys home.
I can only imagine the deep fear and anxiety you and your mother felt. And I agree about that one line in the song. I don’t think most people wanted the U.S to lose. They just wanted the horror to end. Thank you for sharing your story.
As a songwriter, I applaud the sentiment. As a college kid who wrote his English term paper on Kent State, I see some inaccuracies. But a song is not a documentary. And as a remembrance, it is well worth a listen.
We all need to realize that what went before can happen again.
Thank you for your comments, Rick. Songs are so important, for remembering history and as lessons for the choices we make in the future.
As a very young child I remember my mother shooing us from the room when footage of the Vietnam war were broadcast on our tiny black and white TV. Not until many years later did I understand why? I've read books and seen much footage since, of course.
And, we never learn do we... there seems to exist an inherent need for some countries to interfere in others.
Ah, Susie. One step forward, three steps back it seems at times.
I was allowed to watch. I was around 10, I guess... I remember lying on the floor in front of the TV, watching Walter Cronkite talk about the "progress" of the fighting, the numbers of killed and casualties, watching history go by but not comprehending the whys or the context. My family never talked about it as I recall. There was no discussion, but maybe that's because I was in the room.