Famous quote by William Kunstler

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Once the troops move into Cambodia, the colleges and universities of this country were on the verge of civil war. Many c
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"Once the troops move into Cambodia, the colleges and universities of this country were on the verge of civil war. Many closed down. The students were up in arms. And it looked very much like there were going to be real problems in this country"

- William Kunstler

About this Quote

The quote by William Kunstler refers to a vital period during the Vietnam War, particularly the U.S. intrusion of Cambodia in April 1970. This military action, purchased by President Richard Nixon, was intended to target North Vietnamese and Viet Cong sanctuaries and supply lines. Nevertheless, it intensified the currently intense public dissent within the United States, particularly among the younger generation, and triggered prevalent protests.

Kunstler's words highlight the unstable response in academia. By specifying that institution of higher learnings were "on the verge of civil war," Kunstler metaphorically highlights the intense cultural and political clash in between the trainee population and the government. During this time, universities ended up being centers of activism and dissent against what lots of viewed as an unjust and broadening war. The expression "students were up in arms" speaks to the active and often confrontational nature of these protests. Many trainees saw the incursion into Cambodia as an escalation of a war they already opposed, and this action was analyzed as an abandonment of promises to de-escalate the dispute.

The rising stress resulted in substantial interruptions in educational institutions, with numerous universities closing temporarily either due to demonstrations or as a preemptive step against possible violence. The most well-known incident reflecting these stress was the disaster at Kent State University, where on May 4, 1970, the Ohio National Guard shot into a crowd of demonstrators, eliminating 4 students and injuring nine others. This event exhibited the "real issues" Kunstler mentioned, showing a country deeply divided along generational and ideological lines.

Kunstler, a well-known civil liberties legal representative, catches the essence of a turning point in American history-- a time when internal conflict and civil disobedience reached a peak, exposing the profound social geological fault concerning war, governance, and civil liberties. His quote acts as a poignant tip of the power of student activism and the vital role it played in shaping public policy and opinion throughout the Vietnam War age.

About the Author

USA Flag This quote is written / told by William Kunstler between July 7, 1919 and September 4, 1995. He/she was a famous Activist from USA. The author also have 12 other quotes.

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