Area Residents Generally Ready For Military Action

Area Residents Generally Ready For Military Action

By Paul Poljan

“If they need me, they can have me."

This was the feeling expressed by several persons on Main St. when asked for reactions to President Johnson’s decision to double the draft and escalate the war in Viet Nam.

John Fickle, 21, of Livonia put it in those words. He is the father of two children but is “standing in the wings” in case he is needed for his country.

"We cannot afford to get annihilated. He (President Johnson) is there and what he says is good enough for me. If this doesn’t push the Communists against the wall, nothing will. If we don’t stop them now, we never will," he added.

"I’m about that age," said Tim Minick, 20, of 860 McKinley, Chelsea. “I think they should have a few more over there and get this thing over with. I think they should do something. I didn't see where they were making headway.”

Dale Williams, 20, of 2384 McKinley, Ypsilanti, said, "I'm 1-A and it’s all right with me. We are definitely doing the right thing. I’d give him (the President) whatever it takes. I have a cousin in Viet Nam, one in Korea and a friend in the Dominican Republic, and if they think they will need me, I am ready to go.”

“I think it’s a good idea. For the teen-agers getting in trouble, the service would straighten them out a little,” said Tom Jewell, 25, of 50081 Mott Rd., Belleville.

Jewell spent four years with the Marine Corps and is now in the Air National Guard. He said, “If they asked for volunteers, I would go.”

Ross Noble, 72, of 724 W. Washington, said, "It looks as if he (the President) is going to have to do it. I don’t think there is any other way.” Noble said he missed going into World War I by 10 days but had two brothers who fought in the conflict.

“If they would declare war it might be something to work for,” said Harold Stewart of University Towers who has a one-year-old son. "We are wasting American lives now. It’s just like the loss of lives in Korea.”

"I'll enlist if they declare war,” he added.

David Bloom, 20, of 6115 Dixboro Rd., said, “I had expected this. I think it is unfortunate that we have to absorb useful manpower in the armed forces. People who might have gone into the Peace Corps are now getting drafted. It is unfortunate that they are taking from a positive good to give to a negative good.”

"I think they should use the old-timers instead of drafting inexperience. It is not really right to send greenhorns over when the oldsters have been practicing for years," said Michael O'Neill, 17, of 1134 Granger. He said he had a friend who was killed last week in Viet Nam.

John Tongren, of 808 E. Ann, a student, observed, "I think it's obnoxious. This is a vast misuse of resources. I do not think we should escalate the war. Ideals are fine but you can't impose another government on another people.