Biography of Robert McNamara, Vietnam War Architect

Robert S. McNamara (June 9, 1916–July 6, 2009) was a secretary of the U.S. Department of Defense in the 1960s and the chief architect and most vocal defender of the Vietnam War. He spent his later years as an elder statesman, apologizing for an escalation of the conflict that became known as McNamaras War. He strove to redeem himself by helping the worlds poorest nations. Before his death in 2009, McNamara wrote about the failures that would became his legacy: Looking back, I clearly erred by not forcing — then or later, in Saigon or Washington — a knock-down, drag-out debate over the loose assumptions, unasked questions and thin analyses underlying our military strategy in Vietnam. Fast Facts: Robert McNamara Known For: U.S. Secretary of Defense during the Vietnam WarBorn: June 9, 1916 in San Francisco, CaliforniaDied: July 6, 2009 in Washington, D.C.Parents Names: Robert and Clara Nell McNamaraEducation: University of California at Berkeley, Harvard Business SchoolSpouses Names: Margaret Craig (m. 1940–1981), Diana Masieri Byfield (m. 2004)Childrens Names: Robert, Margaret, Kathleen Early Years and Education Robert Strange McNamara was born on June 9, 1916 to Robert, the son of Irish immigrants, and Clara Nell McNamara. His father managed a shoe company in their hometown of San Francisco. The young McNamara was raised during the Great Depression, an experience that helped shape his liberal political philosophy. Later, he honed this philosophy at the University of California at Berkeley, where he studied economics. Next, he studied business administration at Harvard University, then went on to work for Ford Motor Company. He served as Fords president for a month until being tapped by President John F. Kennedys administration in 1960 to lead the Pentagon. Defending the Vietnam War McNamara was vilified by opponents of the Vietnam War for his seemingly unflinching support of the conflict in public, distorting the reality of the war and misleading the president. He used the statistical analysis techniques he learned at Harvard to try to measure success on the battlefield. According to the Vietnam Center and Archive at Texas Tech University, McNamara switched to using enemy body counts instead of territory or land based objectives to measure the American’s success in the war...[which] led to a war of attrition, a policy of inflicting massive casualties on the enemy. In private, McNamaras doubts about the mission grew along with the body count, and he questioned whether the war was actually winnable. Eventually, he raised such concerns with President Lyndon B. Johnson, with no success. McNamara resigned as secretary of Defense in 1968 following his failed attempt to both negotiate a settlement in the Vietnam War and convince Johnson to freeze troop levels and stop bombings. Clark Clifford, an adviser to Johnson, succeeded McNamara. McNamara went on to become president of the World Bank. Famous Quotes I deeply regret that I did not force a probing debate about whether it would ever be possible to forge a winning military effort on a foundation of political quicksand. It became clear then, and I believe it is clear today, that military force - especially when wielded by an outside power - cannot bring order in a country that cannot govern itself. We burned to death 100,000 Japanese civilians in Tokyo - men, women and children. LeMay recognized that what he was doing would be thought immoral if his side had lost. But what makes it immoral if you lose and not immoral if you win? We of the Kennedy and Johnson administrations acted according to what we thought were the principles and traditions of our country. But we were wrong. We were terribly wrong. You dont ... correct a wrong by apologizing. You can correct a wrong only if you understand how it occurred and you take steps to ensure it wont happen again. Later Career McNamara served as the World Bank president for 12 years. He tripled its loans to developing countries and changed its emphasis from grandiose industrial projects to rural development.After retiring in 1981, McNamara championed the causes of nuclear disarmament and aid for the worlds poorest nations. He fought what he described as the â€Å"absolute poverty — utter degradation† in  Africa, Asia and Latin America. Legacy McNamara died on July 6, 2009, in Washington, D.C. His legacy will forever be intertwined with the Vietnam War and tainted by his loyalty to the presidents he served rather than the American people. The New York Times condemned McNamara in a devastating editorial, writing: â€Å"Mr. McNamara must not escape the lasting moral condemnation of his countrymen. Surely he must in every quiet and prosperous moment hear the ceaseless whispers of those poor boys in the infantry, dying in the tall grass, platoon by platoon, for no purpose. What he took from them cannot be repaid by prime-time apology and stale tears, three decades late.†

Uniforms--One Less Distraction Essay - 1451 Words

At first glance, fashion might seem to have very little to do with learning, but as the saying goes, â€Å"The clothes make the man,† or in this case â€Å"The clothes makes the student†Ã¢â‚¬â€ mandatory uniform policy has made a distinct difference in many schools everywhere. Throughout the last decade, the implementation of such rulings has been on the rise, bringing about waves of debate among students, parents, and teachers. Today, as the number of incidents related to bullying, teen suicides, and gang violence continue to escalate, it has become necessary for educators to provide students with emotional and social support, as well as the traditional academic curriculum. In the interest of reducing these negative effects, school uniforms became a†¦show more content†¦An educational institution was not intended to be a platform for students to parade fashion, wealth or privilege. Too often, kids are preoccupied and obsessed about popularity, social stand ings, and how they can fit in. How children dress themselves often separates the haves from the have-nots. Households that are struggling to make ends meet are not financially able to keep up with fashion trends and can be targeted for bullying. When peers are dressed in uniforms, the social class distinction becomes much less obvious, prejudice and discrimination will lessen; which ultimately create a less hostile environment. As a result, school uniforms will compel students to spend their time expressing themselves through other channels; such as art, music, sports, and academic achievement. Critics of school uniforms insist they do not improve academic performance, behavioral outcomes, or attendance. Yet, there are several empirical studies that will state quite the opposite. A study conducted in an elementary school in Florida, indicated the average number of juvenile referrals and violent occurrences were significantly reduced between pre-uniform policy and post-uniform policy (Han 3). A second study that took place in Texas, involving two middle schools; revealed a decrease in disciplinary reports and problem behaviors of both severe and minor nature (Hughes 51). A mandatory dress code helps to prevent the presentation of gang insignias or colors, therefore,Show MoreRelatedUniforms are One Less Distraction696 Words   |  3 Pages At first glance, fashion might seem to have very little to do with learning, but as the saying goes, â€Å"The clothes make the man,† or in this case â€Å"The clothes makes the student†Ã¢â‚¬â€ school uniform policies seemed to have made the difference in many schools throughout the world. Over the last decade, the implementation of such policy has been on the rise, bringing about waves of debate among students, parents and teachers. Today, more than ever before, the role of a teacher has become much more complexRead MoreFeeling Proud to Wear School Uniforms Essay1015 Words   |  5 PagesStudents Sh ould Wear Mandated School Uniforms A uniform is a standard set of clothes that is worn by a group of people. These people may be members of an organization or a group of people having the same ideas. There are thousands of kinds of uniform in the world. Police officers, firefighters, doctors, lawyers, security guards, and even McDonald’s workers wear uniforms when they are on duty. School uniforms are a controversial discussion among schools today. Many schools have already adopted aRead MoreWhy School Uniforms Should Be Required.727 Words   |  3 Pagesdebate that whether school uniforms should be worn or casual clothing is as good. And like most of the popular debate in the world it has no concrete answer, it totally depends on a person’s beliefs actually. For some it is a benefit for others a disadvantage. I believe public schools should require students to wear uniforms. First wearing school uniforms promotes good discipline. Second it reduces distractions. Thirdly it is a far less expensive to buy school uniforms than many other clothes. Read MoreSchool Uniforms Should Be Implemented Throughout K 12 Public Schools1258 Words   |  6 PagesBobby Mishra Mrs. Bezemek Apps of Comp 24 November 2014 School Uniforms According to a study done by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) said that the popularity of school uniforms are clearly on the rise. Now more schools have uniforms rising from 28 percent to 49 percent in thirteen years (Tucker). School uniforms can help improve behavior leading to safer schools and safer communities. School uniforms can also lead to an increase in academic behavior leading to betterRead MoreThe Benefits of School Unifroms Essay628 Words   |  3 Pageswhat you have to wear every morning? It would be if schools required uniforms School uniforms are a great help to students in many ways. Uniforms help to prevent bullying and harassment, save money for parents, and kids won’t have to worry if what they are wearing follows the dress code. School uniforms have recently become more popular in modern times because it help children focus on their schoolwork without the distraction of whether or not their clothes are cool enough. Kids want to fit in withRead MoreThe Bright Side Of School Uniforms. Education In The United1597 Words   |  7 PagesThe Bright Side of School Uniforms Education in the United States from Kindergarten all the way to 12th grade is known for its free education system. That’s right, students all over the country are given the opportunity to retrieve a high school diploma for free. Education in this country is so important that schools around the country are pushing their board of education to propose the policy of school uniforms nationwide, as they believe school uniforms have a very beneficial and positive effectRead MoreShould Kids At Middle School Students Wear Uniform?1462 Words   |  6 PagesShould Kids in Middle School Students Wear Uniform? In the best interest for students, I strongly believe that our children in Middle school should wear uniforms. Uniforms are an easy way to distinguish who your children are. Parents spend more money on school clothes for their kids to look nice each year. It is not easy being a parent of a child that worries so much about what people think of them. There would be no possible way for kids to get bullied by what they are wearing because everyoneRead MoreSchool Uniforms Have the Potential to Resolve Student Stress760 Words   |  3 Pagesstudent stress levels. One solution to address this problem has been to require students to wear uniforms. School uniforms eliminate students stress because everyone wears the same outfit and there is no differentiation among students. Uniforms allow students to focus on their school work. In 2011, a survey showed that 44% of guardians saw that their child was more focused on school after the implementation of school uniforms (Lalwani, â€Å"Facts A bout School Uniforms†). I. Uniforms Make Schools a SaferRead MorePros And Cons Of School Uniforms712 Words   |  3 PagesStates and around the world is one huge thing. This epidemic among schools is the fact that students have to wear uniforms for their schools. However, some parents and students may disagree with wearing these uniforms. I am one who supports the statement that students should not wear these uniforms for their schools. The next paragraphs will explain the pros and cons of not wearing and wearing school uniforms. I personally think that students shouldn’t wear school uniforms, but there are some benefitsRead MoreUniform Policies in Schools Essay1038 Words   |  5 PagesWhether or not school uniforms should be required by schools has been debated for quite some time. School uniforms would be vastly helpful to both schools and students. School uniforms would bring students closer together and decrease trend based distractions and bullying. The debate over uniforms in public schools is a much larger issue than simply what children should wear to school. It touches on issues of school and overall grade improvement, freedom of expression, and the culture wars. Although

Dulce et Decorum est by Wilfred Owen Experiences Free Essays

In his time he also composed some war poetry. His incredible works also Inspired others to write war poetry e. g. We will write a custom essay sample on Dulce et Decorum est by Wilfred Owen: Experiences or any similar topic only for you Order Now Siegfried Sassoon. However the most famous poem that Owen is renowned for is ‘Dulce et Decorum Est’ ‘Dulce et decorum Est’ Is a poem written by Wilfred Owen describing his experiences of WWI. The poem is titled ‘Dulce et decorum est’ meaning â€Å"it is sweet and fitting to die for one’s country’ though the poem talks about something very opposite thus mocking the statement and making it a sarcastic comment focused on those who ncourage conflict and proclaim It as being glorious. ‘Dulce et Decorum Est’ reveals the truth behind conflict the grief and suffering It causes. The author with the use of graphic imagery and diction tries to convey the horrors of conflict and war. It also shows the futility of conflict and in a quite explicit manner the true reality of death! The ideas the poet wants us to consider are the horrors of war and Its sheer and utter futility. Owen also wants us to think about the propaganda that is put forward by the government and how it differs from the exact reality of conflict. The poet is trying to say if you do get through the war you must experience mental torture and live with guilt ALL your life long! We know this when Owen writes â€Å"In all my dreams. before my helpless sight he plunges at me guttering, choking, drowning†. Owen is telling us that he is haunted by the men that died in the gas attack and he can’t help them no matter how much he wants to. This poem has a miserable and gloomy atmosphere to it Just like the earth which has an ozone layer around it. In this war poem the mood is very grim and poignant too. There is an effective use of simile†¦ â€Å"like a devil’s sick of sin† because it compares the situation to the devil. The devil Is known to be first cause of sin but even If he Is â€Å"sick† of it then it MUST be very catastrophic! There is also a great use of sibilance. This is effective because when said it will put emphasis on â€Å"sick† to explain how awful of a level the conflict had escalated to. There is a deathly air of resignation around which makes the reader lament the death of the soldiers. Owen’s choice of diction is used to create great effect. When he uses a simile in the irst line â€Å"like old beggars under sacks†. Soldiers are supposed to be fit men and a comparison with old beggars indicates that they have been brought down to such a level that they are now equal of hunched, tired, unfed, homeless and old people. Even their uniforms have lost their militaristic crispness, as Owen describes them as â€Å"sacks. † This picture is a definite contrast to the idealized marching formations of ‘OF3 mood. Owen again shows the tiredness of the soldiers in the last line of that stanza when he say â€Å"Of gas shells dropping softly behind† which is very contrasting from ow gas shells actually drop. They make a loud hissing noise and can be heard from far. Thus Owen shows that the soldiers’ senses had dulled. Only a completely exhausted soldier with no strength could be in this state of mind to not have heard the gas shells. Another rather unusual choice of diction is†¦ â€Å"coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge†. The simile coughing like hags suggests the men were unhealthy. The fact that Owen compares them to hags who are old ugly women suggests that the war has made youthful and healthy into good for nothing women ho have a permanent coughing fit due to old age and illness. â€Å"But limped on, blood- shod. All went lame; all blind;† gives the feeling that these men have become dehumanized and are reduced to an animal-like state. Thus arousing the question as to how could this is glorious. A side theme is highlighted in the first stanza: as to how do young and robust men with bright futures reduced to old ragged men benefit the nation! The graphic and vivid imagery used by Owen in the poem, gives the reader a feeling of horror and makes them question as to how humans could do such atrocities. In lines 9-14 there is a change of pace. First the repetition of the monosyllabic word/ onomatopoeia â€Å"gas† which echoes the sound of gun fire and then the oxymoron,† ecstasy of fumbling†, seems a odd choice of diction, but later turns out to be perfect, as Owen uses it to describe the controlled panic instantly awakened with keen awareness- of youthful men with Just seconds to find a gas mask. Owen uses a metaphor when he says â€Å"As under a green sea I saw him drowning†. This is an extended metaphor which is used to a great extent because it enhances the reader’s nderstanding of the feeling of being trapped by poisonous gas. This man dies gruesomely after he inhales the gas, ironically showing how helpless and powerless a human is against a man made weapon. In the next stanza Owen uses a metaphor â€Å"guttering, choking, drowning†. This is a very gruesome image for life flickering out. These graphic images are very disturbing but play a very effective role in the persuasion of readers to think that conflict is very futile and horrific. Owen uses one of the most descriptive, gruesome and horrifying imagery in the last stanza. When he ses phrases like â€Å"white eyes writhing in his face,†, â€Å"at every Jolt the blood†, â€Å"come gargling from the froth corrupted lungs/ obscene as cancer bitter as cud†. Phrases like these can scare the hardest of men. The graphic images displayed are profoundly affecting and can never be forgotten. Owen’s use of excellent imagery can sway many readers into believing that wars are the worst things that can happen and how dreadful a death a human could face. Owen ties the poem when he says in the last two lines â€Å"the Old lie: Dulce et Decorum est pro patria mort†. When Owen has inished his sentence, we understand that there is nothing â€Å"sweet and fitting† to die for ones country. Owen thus creates a Juxtapose, leaving the reader with the feeling of disgust and repulsion. And also shows that conflict can lead to such horrendous and tragic consequences. poem, making war seem absolutely horrid and revolting, which is Just what Owen wanted to do. Reading this poem left me gasping and shocked. The fact that Owen talks about the illnesses the men endure, within the simile â€Å"coughing like hags†. This helps me to see that the men were in horrendous conditions. The poem shows the harshness of war and absolutely condemns the saying that â€Å"it is sweet and fitting to fight for one’s country’. Owen’s graphic vivid imagery and diction completely ousts all positive words and feelings towards conflict. The fact that I know that Owen was killed one week before the completion of WWI makes it all the poignant as well as the fact that many people are currently indulged in conflict, as we speak, around the world. It makes me ponder on the fact that war will always be glorified and unfortunately, there will always be conflict! How to cite Dulce et Decorum est by Wilfred Owen: Experiences, Papers