What is so complicated about stopping the spread of communism?.............THAT was the reason the US gov gave for their intervention into the Vietnamese civil war...............



Epilogue

EM: After you left the Johnson administration, why didn't you speak out against the Vietnam War?

McNamara: I'm not going to say any more than I have. These are the kinds of questions that get me in trouble. You don't know what I know about how inflammatory my words can appear. A lot of people misunderstand the war, misunderstand me. A lot of people think I'm a son of a bitch.

EM: Do you feel in any way responsible for the War? Do you feel guilty?

McNamara: I don't want to go any further with this discussion. It just opens up more controversy. I don't want to add anything to Vietnam. It is so complex that anything I say will require additions and qualifications.

EM: Is it the feeling that you're damned if you do, and if you don't, no matter what?

McNamara: Yeah, that's right. And I'd rather be damned if I don't.


Robert S. McNamara served as President of The World Bank from 1968 to 1981.