Question

Recall Noam Chomsky's speech about the role of the United States in the Vietnam War, which you analyzed in this lesson, and read the opening sentences of Chomsky's speech, below.

I think it's probably a good thing that this meeting comes at the end of a week of terror in South Vietnam. I know I was much shocked by it--I'm sure you were. It's hard to know what one can say about the events of the past week. My own reaction is one of horror at the terrible slaughter, of awe at the amazing heroism of those who are officially designated as our enemies, of guilt that we still permit this horror to continue. Even now, even after this week, no one doubts that in some hideous sense of the word, we can still obtain a victory--we can still win in Vietnam. But if the men in Washington are still at all rational, they must realize that this can only be a victory of the graveyard.

What does the start of the speech tell you about Chomsky's point of view?

He believes that the United States will win the Vietnam War soon if it stays the course.

He believes the United States is wrong to remain involved in the Vietnam War.

He believes the Vietnam War was a good idea in the beginning but is now doomed to fail.

He believes that Vietnam as a society is not capable of choosing peace over war.

Answer 1

He believes the United States is wrong to remain involved in the Vietnam War.

Evidence: Chomsky expresses horror and guilt at the slaughter, admires the enemy's heroism, and says any U.S. "victory" would be a victory of the graveyard — implying continued involvement is morally wrong and futile.