National Guard and Tear Gas During Demonstrations

Discussion in 'Vietnam War' started by tlspiegel, Oct 27, 2015.

  1. tlspiegel

    tlspiegel New Member

    I worked at a book store on State Street in Madison, Wisconsin during the Vietnam war protests and demonstrations. Leading up to the Capitol Building there was a section of retail stores.

    I sat at a desk near the front of the store doing some paperwork. National Guard Troops in Army Tanks patroled the streets, along with many police.

    The demonstrations took place daily. They were loud, scary, and the tension in the air was palpable. Riots broke out often, and crowd control was nearly impossible.

    One day tear gas was thrown from cannisters and the gas exploded near the book store. Our eyes were burning fiercely with temporary blindness from the irritation, and it affected our nose, mouth, and lungs. It was difiicult to breathe, and we coughed and sneezed at the same time.

    The good thing is after a while the nasty effects went away, as it was temporary. But, I'll never forget how awful that was.
     
  2. vashstampede

    vashstampede Active Member

    At least back in the days people were less brainwashed. Television were less controlled, so the real footage of the war was often on full display instead of just some manipulative propaganda we see every day these days. That's why back then there were more war protesters.

    On the other hand, I am all for peaceful protest. Riots are bad. Protesting in peacefully, and orderly manner would have caused no problem with the police or the national guard. The violence is not needed to get the voice out. When you gather large enough numbers, you have made the point.
     

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