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Garry Wills, writer and historian, discusses his book "John Wayne's America: The Politics of Celebrity." He explores the popularity of John Wayne that took him from an actor and made him into an American symbol. He explores how the symbol of John Wayne is used by white male politicians to influence their decisions and how that affected the Vietnam War. Wills gives a biography of John Wayne, including the many influential people in his life such as his working partner, John Ford.
Content Warning: This conversation includes racially and/or culturally derogatory language and/or negative depictions of Black and Indigenous people of color, women, and LGBTQI+ individuals. Rather than remove this content, we present it in the context of twentieth-century social history to acknowledge and learn from its impact and to inspire awareness and discussion. While reading a passage from his book, Donald Duncan questions why he and other military personnel are in Vietnam. He finds other men that feel the same way, too,
Donald Duncan shares a letter that was written in response to American aid to the Vietnamese people. In conclusion, Duncan offers his reflections about why he was against the Vietnam War.
"The New Legions," is partly an autobiography of Donald Duncan's time spent in the military, in the special forces in Vietnam. Duncan, a former master sergeant, explains how the military teaches its men how to kill. He further explains how the sole purpose of special forces is to go into a country and organize its people against unpopular governments.
Discussing the book, "Fear and Loathing: On the Campaign Trail '72." Includes a clip of Ron Kovic speaking at the Nixon campaign headquarters, courtesy of KPFA/Pacifica Archives.
Daniel Ellsberg, political activist, discusses the creation and use of the atomic and hydrogen bombs. He discusses his family including how his son helped him leak the Pentagon Papers and has since protested with him, including being jailed. He also talks about his father who quit his job over the creation of the hydrogen bomb and how his father's choice helped him to decide to release the Pentagon Papers.