Chapter 18: JFK and RFK Meet about Vietnam

Chapter Summary:

     This chapter illustrates the behind the scenes communications between brothers John and Robert Kennedy, from the devious process in which Bobby was made Attorney General, to the "politically sensitive issue of Vietnam, which could involve the United States in a long-term military operation in Southeast Asia." John consistently opposed the involvement of American troops in overseas conflicts, especially volatile and unstable ones, unless an imminent threat was posed to the country. However, "questions about instability in South Vietnam mounted and advisers urged JFK to use American power to ensure the survival of an anti-Communist government," and JFK was forced to make a decision. The narrator imagines conversations between JFK and his most trusted and loyal ally discussing the best course of action. John was reluctant to involve American troops in Vietnam because of the obviously "dangerous and unprofitable terrain," and he didn't want to be drawn into a long-term conflict "at a cost in blood and treasure." He was also apprehensive because as he didn't want to use U.S. military troops, his solution (send military advisers to train and help the Vietnamese people fight their war) had to be kept on the down low, because if America seemed to be too involved in helping Vietnam, if the country seemed in danger of defeat, he would be backed into a corner by domestic pressures to increase the American support in the country, which is exactly what he planned to avoid. He took great pains to make sure the involvement was kept mostly from the public, and only confided in his brother Bobby, who loyally agreed and understood his thoughts. Soon, JFK began to speak of a coup in Vietnam which would lead to the "greater stability" the U.S. needed "as a prelude to pulling out [their] advisers." However, in the unsuccessful coup, one of Kennedy's friends was slain, and he felt much responsibility for encouraging the coup, which "divided the government [in America] and in Saigon." Next the narrator poses the question of how might Kennedy have handled the situation in Vietnam had he served a second term? 

Chapter Reflection:

     I like how the narrator connected this moment in history to how Kennedy might have felt about a modern event, the Iraq war. The overarching theme throughout the chapter expressed by both Kennedy's was a reluctance of involvement in other countries' political developments, especially unstable countries where involvement will probably do more harm than good. I like JQA's quote, "Do not go in search of monsters abroad." The brothers' personalities also seemed to work together very well, as JFK's leadership and wisdom were supported by his brother's loyalty, understanding, and serious dedication. I liked seeing a recreated thought process of the both of them during this historical event, and I'd like to learn more about the background information that led up to and was going on at the time.