Parallels of Vietnam and Iraqi War: We must not let history Repeat itself.

President Lyndon B Johnson stepped into office when emotions were high and president approval was even higher. The second red scare was not far behind the United States and the fear of communism “reds” was more prevalent than ever. With the assassination of John F. Kennedy America was united and willing to finish the beloved Kennedy’s mission to stop the overtake of South Vietnam and the spread of communism.
The charismatic former president JFK was assassinated in 1963 prompting Johnson to become the President of the United States and start from where JFK left off. Kennedy was fighting the spread of communism in Vietnam with limited military action. His determination to stand firm against the spread of communism, was backed with fear many had from the “red scare”. Kennedy continued the previous administration's policy of military help for the Southern Vietnam Government, furthermore reassuring South Vietnamese people political and economic freedoms. Kennedy sent military advisers to the area and Special Forces which escalated tensions dramatically.
The fight against communism was taken over by Johnson on November 22, 1963 the day Kennedy lost his life. Generally we see that if tragedy strikes all Americans, such as a death, or terror attack unification is certain and approval ratings for the current president skyrockets. President Johnson had to fight the communism fear at home with the fight of communism in Vietnam. But, not everyone was convinced that sending American troops into war was the right answer. America’s military involvement in the Vietnam War was opposed by many, that was until the Gulf of Tonkin attack, this attack was what Johnson needed to entrench; young and old, fathers and sons deep into Vietnam.
The Gulf of Tonkin attack was when two U.S ships were attacked off the coast of Vietnam in neutral water, even though much speculation today questions whether these attacks were justified or even occurred, but one things certain, Johnson’s decision to use this situation as a reason to move deeper into Vietnam and his decree of a series of air strikes against North Vietnam territory. Johnson hoped that America’s attacks from the air and undeniable presence of combat troops on the ground would be provisional pending North Vietnam’s exhaustion and desire of peace talks, which we now know was not the case. The lack of troops in South Vietnam meant more American troops, thus the draft began which coincided with anti-war movements.
When looking back on past wars, movements, or influential people, many critiques can be made on what should have been done, and the actions that needed to be taken. But, with mistakes occurring in the present we are blind and voiceless, and seldom look back to history for the answers. In reflection now we notice that much could have been done to have avoided going deeper into the quagmire. The U.S. involvement in the area escalated the problems between the North and South Vietnamese people. The United States crucial mistake began while Kennedy was in office and then continued to worsen, we never should of brought special forces or troops to Vietnam before the war even began. The United States backed North Vietnam into a corner by surrounding them with troops and naval ships, thus making them feel threatened. Special forces should have been substituted with negotiators and the U.S ships on the coast of Vietnam should not of occupied coastal waters.
Many parallels can be drawn between the Iraqi war and Vietnam war, but only time will tell if history will repeat itself or history will be made. Lets make history!!