The government lied to us about Vietnam... it had no strategy for the winning the war. That was apparent to every one by 1968. Its true the Left's reasons for opposing the war had more to do with self-interest than the fact the aim was far from unjust. Could it have been different? What can be said for sure was that Vietnam above all was the beginning of the end of the American people's trust in the ability of public institutions to get things done right.
True but...uh if my history is correct wasn't the largest buildup of the war performed by a Democrat (LBJ) so I don't believe that the left can wash there hands of Vietnam...as far as Dr. King is concerned, getting your message across without recrimination is a lot easier if you are a martyr...