Goldwater and Johnson should have done more talking. I know, because I spent a year in Viet Nam. I still remember the dead every day that I am alive.
Regards. War is always the last resort.
I don't think anyone disagrees with that. I think the issue is whether or not you can fight a "limited war" and Johnson and McNamara thought. That cost us a large percentage, if not the majority, of the casualities (on both sides).
If the time comes to fight, no half measures.
We must learn the lessons taught by Thucydides.