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Buddhism, another religion of peace.

That's odd. They usually seem to be.

Hmmmm. Now that you mention it, the Buddhists weren't peaceful in Vietnam, either. In the pocket of the North Viet Communists, agitating and manipulating to bring down the government of Diem, who was Catholic.

When a Buddhist monk burnt himself alive—something he had pre-arranged with a photographer, so the picture would be published in America—Diem's wife, Mme. Nhu, described it as a "barbecue."

I liked her style.

" When a Buddhist monk burnt himself alive—something he had pre-arranged with a photographer, so the picture would be published in America—Diem's wife, Mme. Nhu, described it as a "barbecue."

I liked her style."

I hadn't thought of that in years. I do remember our reaction to the monk was "What an idiot!" And Mme Nhu, well Mme Nhu was one tough dragon lady!

Now that you mention it, the Buddhists weren't peaceful in Vietnam, either. In the pocket of the North Viet Communists, agitating and manipulating to bring down the government of Diem, who was Catholic.

Yeah right. It was the Buddhists who were violent.

The Promotion of Catholic Totalitarianism

Having consolidated the State machinery with loyal Catholics, and feeling sure of their loyalty, not to mention of the tacit and indeed active support of his protector, the U.S., Diem took the second step to make his dream come true. He undertook a systematic and well calculated policy against the non-Catholic religions.
His policy was directed at the neutralization, disruption and finally elimination of the Buddhists or Buddhist inspired religions of Vietnam. These sects, many opposing each other on religious and political grounds, could nevertheless equal, and indeed effectively oppose any Catholic administration, had they created a united front.
Diem's policy was a subtle one. He encouraged their dissension. This he did by giving bribes, by sending agents in their midst, by promising official protection, and by denying the same to others. The result became apparent in no time. The religious sects fell into the Diem trap. They began to fight one another with increasing bitterness. This culminated with the internecine religious-political feud, between the Binh Xuyen, and the Hao Hao and the Cao Dai groups. Their enmity was not only religious, it was concretely real. Their battle was a bloody one. At one time various quarters of Saigon itself were devastated. The Buddhists set up a committee to give aid to the victims. Diem suppressed them at once.