Believe Quote by Gore Vidal
“Many people in the United States happen to believe that United States policy is wrong in Vietnam and the Vietcong are correct in wanting to organize their country in their own way politically. This happens to be pretty much the opinion of western Europe and the other parts of the world.”
About This Quote
The statement highlights a perception that U.S. involvement in Vietnam was misguided, while the Vietcong's desire for self-determination aligns with broader global sentiment, especially in Western Europe.
In simple terms: U.S. policy seen as wrong; Vietcong seen as right.
Key Takeaway
Global opinion often opposes dominant power narratives.
Themes
political legitimacy
anti-imperialism
national self-determination
global consensus
Western Europe perspective
Mood
critical
reflective
skeptical
Type
political commentary
historical observation
When to use this quote
- debates on foreign interventions
- comparisons of insurgent legitimacy
- analysis of media narratives
Key Concepts
U.S. foreign policy
Vietnam War
Vietcong
Western public opinion
Practical Applications
- policy critique
- historical education
Questions to Reflect On
- How does public perception shape foreign policy outcomes?
- What factors cause divergent views on legitimacy?
![“I, for one, will not have [the Vietcong] insulted by any comparison to the forces of Zarqawi, the Fedayeen Saddam, and the criminal underworld now arrayed against us. These depraved elements are the Iraqi Khmer Rouge.” quote by Christopher Hitchens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3a4/christopher-hitchens-117_comparison_i-for-one-will-not-have-the-vietcong-ins_525735.jpg)
