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To the Point

Why Aren't Americans More Directly Engaged in the Iraq War?

Anti-war protests are being prepared for this weekend, but they may be only a shadow of the demonstrations against the war in Vietnam. A good example is university campuses, which were hotbeds of protest during the 1970's.

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By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

Anti-war protests are being prepared for this weekend, but they may be only a shadow of the demonstrations against the war in Vietnam. A good example is university campuses, which were hotbeds of protest during the 1970's. Today, the war in Iraq has divided Americans almost as much but you wouldn't know that by visiting campuses. Previous conflicts were fought in part by Ivy League graduates and others in America's ruling elite. They signed up or they were drafted. However, the volunteers in Iraq come mostly from rural and lower-middle class America. Although the war is bitterly controversial, are most Americans disconnected? Is there a growing lack of commitment to public service or active citizenship? We hear from students at a state university and private military college, a former congressman and the author-father of a former enlisted serviceman.

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

  • KCRW placeholder

    Ben White

    Junior, University of Wisconsin at Madison

  • KCRW placeholder

    Steve Robitaille

    Senior, Norwich University

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    Tom Andrews

    National Director, Win Without War

    NewsNationalPolitics
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