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MONDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1969
THE DAILY NEBRASKAN
PAGE. 3
Goodell,
Hruska discuss war moratorium
N.Y. Sen. Charles E. Goodell and Neb. Sen. Roman
L. Hruska are both Republicans, but In many respects,
the similarity ends there.
When appointed to the Senate in 1968 to fill the
unexpired term of the late Robert F. Kennedy, Goodell
had the image of a moderate-conservative. Lately,
he has become more liberal. Hruska, on the other
hand, has always been known as conservative In
his 15-year senatorial career.
Omaha's Hruska gained national prominence this
year when he ran first for the minority whip position
in the Senate, and then minority leader following
Everett Dlrksen's death. Hruska lost both bids.
In ten years as a congressman and 13 months
as senator, Goodell has been a prominent civil rights
advocate, as well as an active proponent of equal
wage-rates for women.
Perhaps their major point of difference is on
the number one issue of the day Vietnam. Hruska
has supported the action of President Nixon in
Southeast Asia.
Goodell exhibited dovish tendencies when picked
for the Senate, but has now gained the reputation
as a staunch critic of the war. Several weeks ago,
Goodell introduced a Senate resolution that would
order withdrawal of all American troops from Vietnam
by Dec. 1, 1970.
In exclusive telephone interviews, Daily
Nebraskan staff members talked with Sens. Goodell
and Hruska to get their up-to-date assessments of
the war in Vietnam and the potential effects of Wednes
day's moratorium.
Daily Nebraskan Senator, you have proposed a
resolution that would force withdrawal of all United
States troops from Vietnam by the end of 1970. What
are the chances this will be approved?
Goodell At the moment there would not be
anywhere near sufficient votes to pass it in the United
States Senate, but I intend to offer it anyway as
an amendment to the appropriate bill when it comas
to the floor toward the end of the year. I think
the ultimate chances of passage depend on the reaction
of the public, the way the moratorium is handled
to rally public opinion against the war. I think its
quite conceivable that within a very short time we
could have sufficient votes.
Daily Nebraskan Sen .Goodell has proposed a
resolution that woul force withdrawal of all United
States troips from Vietnam by the end of 1970. What
do you think of the proposal and what are the chances
this will be approved?
Hruska Critics of the war and critics of President
Nixon's policies for ending the war are no doubt
sincere in the expression of their views in ending
the war in Vietnam. I trust that it is understood
that I am equally sincere when 1 say that I disagree
with Sen. Goodell's proposal for an arbitrary withdraw
of all U.S. troops in Vietnam by the end of 1970.
I do not believe that this is the time to adopt the
defeatest attitude that has been reflected by recent
proposals by some senators.
These proposals might have the effect of un
dercutting and destroying peace negotiations in Paris.
This type of arbitrary cutoff only leads to the con
clusion that we will be in Vietnam until the end
of 1970. I do not believe this is true. It is my belief
that the senate will reject this self-defeating proposal
and it is my hope that the President's constant efforts
to achieve peace will soon bear fruit and we can
soon arrive at a lasting and honorable peace
throughout the world.
Dally Nebraskan Some people have said that
If the forced withdrawal was approved, it would be
nothing more than a defeat for the United States.
Is this true?
Goodell I don't regard it as a defeat. I think
Vietnam clearly is not going to be a victory in any
sense. We cannot win a victory in Vietnam by any
military means. I think what my legislation would
do would be to give notice to the South Vietnamese
that one year hence they will carry the entire burden.
This legislation would reverse immediately our
military strategy from combat high-kill ratio used
In forcing the North Vietnamese to make concessions
at the bargaining table. This military strategy hasn't
worked for six and one-half years and its not going
to work in the future.
Hruska Yes. I believe that if this would pass
It would only serve to give the enemy renewed
, strength and encouragement. If they knew the United
States would be gone regardless of what happens
by the end of 1970, they would prolong their present
efforts and emerge victorious.
Daily Nebraskan It seems that President Richard
Nixon is sounding more and more like former Presi
dent Lyndon Johnson when it comes to the Vietnam
War. Does anybody know where Nixon stands on
the war?
Goodell I don't know of anybody who knows what
his so-called peace plan is. We all are aware that
President Nixon wants to get out of Vietnam. But
that does not meet the question head-on. Everyone
would like to get out of Vietnam. We have to face
reality and I think its going to be painful whenever
we get out. Vietnam was a tragic mistake and we
must take harsh measures, direct measures, that are
necessary to get us out.
I am not convinced that President Nixon will
take those measures at the moment. My proposal,
however, is different since I call upon members of
Congress to share responsibility with the President
to take action to get us out of Vietnam ourselves.
Congress has the power to declare war, we have
the power to raise armies, to supply the money or
withhold the money from the military. That's why
I'm offering my resolution to withdraw all military
personnel from Vietnam by Dec. 1, 1970.
Hruska People should know very well where the
President stands. He has outlined his stand on May
14 television speech to the nation and it has not
changed. He has proposed de-escalation of the war
and Vietnamization of the war as quickly as the
South Vietnamese forces are ready to take their place.
He has tried to persuade the Hanoi government to
offer reciprocal withdraws and has asked for plans
to have a freely elected government in South Viet
nam. During the first nine months of the Nixon ad
ministration the President has announced significant
troop withdraws and has cut from the draft more
than 50,000 men who otherwise might have been
drafted before the end of the year. In the first eight
months of the Johnson administration the troop levels
in Vietnam increased from 23,000 to 125,000. Thus
the Nixon program, which is in progress, is criticized
as being too little by former high officials of the
Johnson admisistration, an administration which not
only initiated massive military hostilities but moved
in one direction more troops and continued escala
tion. This is not Nixon's policy.
Daily Nebraskan At the moment, is President
Nixon following any type of plan or is he just fumbling
through?
Goodell Well at the moment I would say his
plan is to continue military pressure on North Vietnam
to force concessions and to gradually withdraw troops
and hope the North Vietnamese will respond and
we can reach a sort of de facto peace. At the same
time he wants to involve the Pentagon's plan for
a continued presence of American military men in
Vietnam well into the 1970's.
Hruska It is evident that the President's plan
to end the war is now in progress. The president
has announced that 60,000 Americans be returned
from Vietnam. Also as a result of the withdraws
and draft cuts, 50,000 Americans who might have
been drafted before the end of the year will not
be drafted. The President wants to withdraw all
American troops from Vietnam as quickly as the
South Vietnamese forces are ready to take their place.
For eight years the previous administration has cooly
and calmly increased the draft, troop commitments,
military spending, and the casualties.
I do not think now we should listen to those
same voices raised to hysteria shouting for arbitrary
withdraw. Steady hands securely tied the knot of
the war and steady hands are going to be required
to unravel it. We must give the President credit
for changing the direction of the war. We are starting
to de-escalate, Vietnamization of the war is taking
place, men are returning from Vietnam, draft calls
have been canceled, draft changes have been propos
ed, there have been cutbacks in defense spending,
and most important, casualty rates are declining.
Certainly, President Nixon is moving faster to end
the war than the previous administration and certainly
II PIPNT WORK FoR MjwtujW AioBocY MtfBri THE flM ANMOte
he is moving faster with his peace plan than any
of his critics could move in achieving a lasting and
honorable peace throughout the world.
Dally Nebraskan Several senators have men
tioned escalation. Is this a viable alternative to; Viet
nam policy? ,.,,.
Goodell It's unthinkable and it does not hav
any substantial support.
Hruska At this time, the President has rejected
a military escalation of the war. He has changed
the direction of the war from escalation to de-escalation
and is having significant results. I see no reason
for escalating the war.
Dally Nebraskan President Nixon has said .the
October 15 moratorium will have no effect on Vietnam
policy. Is this true?
Goodell-No, I don't think it's true. I think 'the
President used some unfortunate language on .that.
At any rate, the Vietnam moratorium is going -to
extend far beyond the students on campuses. I believe
spearheading it, and I certainly commend them for
it.
Hruska Many people have suggested that the
President said he would ignore the expressions of
the Oct. 15 demonstrations. The President said nothing
of this sort. What he actually said was, "I cannot
be affected by what happens on Oct. 15." It appears
to me the President meant that no matter how loud
the voices, how raucous the demonstrations, we .canuot
be diverted from pursuing peace in a satisfactory
way. I believe he said he could not be affected iy
proposals from the Oct. 15 demonstrations thaOay
on our terms." -
Daily Nebraskan Officials of the moratorium
have suggested that another be held on Nov. 5 " and
another Dec. 15. Do you approve?
Goodell Yes I think continuing the moratortwms
until we must appraise the situation it
goes along, however, and see what progress w are
waking. There may be other ways we can expand
and reach the public and focus public ophrion
the way that it will assist us in getting out of Vietaam.
completely.
Hruska All of us in Congress iti
concerned about Vietnam as is the PresideddHie
people- of the nation and the students who are caMtng
that .these proposals for the moratorium only ma&iafy
the disunity In our country and encourages the engjny
to hold on as long as he can. It would be my hope
that we could unite in support of the Pr'esidCJJt's
peace plan and not adopt the defeatest attitude which
would only prolong the war and destroy -any
negotiating position we have. The moratu2im
war on the American way of life or on constitutimial
government, a war on a truly democratic society..!!
Dally Nebraskan What is going to happjr in
Congress on moratorium day?
Goodell Well they may have an agenda.Hwt I
don't believe there will be any official business.TEere.
I will spend most of the 14th and 15th on unijjjsity
campuses speaking in support of the moratorium
mm
Hruska I am sure we will continue to carry
out the work of Congress.
Dally Nebraskan The Vietnam war has dragged
on now for at least five years depending on how
you look at it. What will happen in the eomingnjon
tlis? Goodell Nobody knows what is going to happen
in the months ahead. The President's policy Hs? to
depend entirely on North Vietnam and that'sShy
I think its time we had a policy where we declare
what we are going to do. We should tell the Soutli
Vietnamese government, which is a very corrupt
government that imprisons all its opposition, that
they had better straighten out, expand their popular
base and take the other reform measures that,, are
necessary to their survival.
Hruska The war has dragged on for many years
but in the past few months there has been a definite
change of direction in the carrying on of the war.
There is a very strong possibility that within the
next few months there will be more troop withdraws.
It is my hope and belief that the President's constant
efforts to achieve peace will soon bear fruit and
we can soon arrive at a lasting and honorable peace.
Former NU students write of Canadian residence
These letters came to The Nebraskan from
NU graduates who chose to protest the Vietnam
w ar by moving to Canada.
Dryden, Ontario, Canada
Oct. 19, 1909
I am proud of my country my newly adopted
one, that is.
People here seem more accepting, less
materialistically inclined. Canada Is now home for
any wiie and I. It gives a person from the States,
as they are called up here, a feeling almost
religious. I suddenly realize the threat of tyranny
no longer haunts everywhere I turn.
The one statement I would have to make after
scrutinizing Canadian people and politics Is that
they watch "big brother to the south" and learn
from his mistakes.
I work for a good radio station in NW Ontario.
I like my surroundings completely Canada Is
not too different from the U.S. I'm disc jockey,
newsman and salesman all in one.
I like the people yes, even the over 35's
In this town of 8.000. There is an atmosphere
that 99 per cent of the residents put forth you
came to work for our radio station and we happily
accept you This pervades in personal and business
acquaintances.
I, like two of my friends now "dodging the
draft," came to Canada because it Is the only
alternative for a happy life. The Selective Service
is the mos inhuman organization In the supposed
free country. I feel I do ,not owe anything to a
country that in common terms Is just as "full
of it" as the USSR or Red China. In "he words
of Dr. Benjamin Spock, "I will not be duped."
Tom Hutu
Romans and former countrymen, HAIL!
Speak not lightly of Canada nor think it a
distant dreary land. The American nation may
peter out somewhere in North Dakota . but a
distinguished, technologically advanced civilization
does indeed lie outside the northern boundary of
your country. It is of Canada that I speak, Uvij
other civilization, tills other land, this alternative
free and beautiful place.
More than 100,000 of your brothers, cousins
and countrymen have discovered this joyous place.
(And that figure's no put on!) Forsooth! It has
great cities which reek of gasoline. And death.
And taxes.
Sculpture by distant Eskimos flourishes, but
they remain a mysterious people In the north.
I have flown 450 miles to the north of here, picked
wildf lowers at the banks of the Nelson River (a
mighty Missouri of the North) and still not seen
an Eskimo. They are a mysterious, very distant
people.
Cut lo! The Supremes laid the Motown sound
on us this summer in a sweaty box of an arena.
And next year, there will be a pop festival like
unto those which destroyed New York State and
the Isle of Wight.
Have you dug it?
If not, come hither. We'll consider the matter
over coffee at King's Drive In. You'll be right
at home, almost.
John DleU
Dear NU:
The Milander portion of the Canadian im
migration movement is well and looking fine. My
wife and I have now completed our final medical
examinations (paid by the Canadian government)
and within a matter of weeks we will become
official landed Immigrants.
It almost seems anti-climatic to know we will
soon become officially landed. Since our arrival
in the country, we have quickly become a part
of the normal living pattern of the natives. Seldom
does anyone recognize us as from south of the
border. When discussion leads to our origin, it
usually includes a "Why In the world would you
come to a place like Manitoba?" (Sounds familiar,
l ight, Nebraskans?)
We have yet to experience any hostility or
coolness to coming to Canada because of the Viet
nam war. This includes people In their 20s to
those In the 60s. Most react with curiosity and
Interest.
Wages aren't too great, but It's no problem
to make ends meet. Both Mary and I are working;
slie as a secretary, myself as editor of the weekly
newspaper here in Morris. Together we earn ap
proximately $600 a month. However, there are good
chances of my moving up in wages in newspaper
w ork in Winning when the right time comes.
The cost of living Is somewhat higher.depending
on where you live in Manitoba. Winnipeg generally
has higher pay, but then, more expenses. Smaller
Pi n
WORK FOR
Iff
f''"i"ni r &&k rsssi
M II I 'Swama
towns like Morris prove short on housing facilities
and somewhat costly at that. To the north of Win
nipeg, practically into the wilderness in some parts,
the opportunities are promising if one can tolerate
the remoteness, lousy roads and the longer. win
ters. There Is little talk among Canadians about
the wur. Most of the older types consider It just
another oue of the United States' shows of
superiority against the bad guys (known to. all
good American patriots as the Communists). But
even the ultra-conservatives don't seem to care
too much.
Younger, college-age types appear to be very
ignorant about the real tragedy of the Vietnam
blunder. They are very curious and appear easily
persuaded by the anti-war cause, almost out of
courtesy.
Nonetheless, some 100 students from the
University of Manitoba and the University of Win
nipeg demonstrated Oct. 1 at the Emerson,
Manitoba border crossing In opposition t6 the
nuclear bomb test In the Aleutians. Many of them
went just for kicks, but still showed concern for
the militaristic madness that has overtaken the
United States.
As for my two good friends in" the area who
preceded me in emigrating to Canada, they" 'are
both doing fine. Friend No. 1 In Winnipeg was
recently Indicted In Omaha. His reaction to It all:
"It's so good to be free."
Friend No. S in Ontario wrote recently "and
seemed concerned that I w as so close to the border.
He explained that the wind sometimes blows,. from
the south and the atmosphere here might not be
too pleasant. Actually, let him rest assured that
the air Is pure and fresh.
And the living is really great.
Douglas R. Mllnuder
Box 082
AlorrU, Manitoo
