Certain elements in the government, universities, and media were involved. Others in those same groups were not participants.
It is simplistic to say that "the government" orchestrated it all. At the time, the FBI was actively searching for subversives, and many in Congress supported the military. However, they were not equipped to combat the media, the universities, and people like George McGovern, all working together.
In addition, many people like me were under the impression that whatever we saw on the nightly news with Walter Cronkite was The Truth. How foolish we were!
Now many in this country know better. When the screed against military action begins (as we have seen on this thread) many of us, sadder but wiser, speak out.
And we will continue to speak out. We will not be intimidated by aspersions against our intelligence. We will not be cowed by those who pretend we are "un-cool." We will not be led down the path of destruction by silly Hollywood celebrities who are themselves being manipulated.
We are in a new world. Viet Nam is a sad story in our nation's history, but one which taught us many lessons.
And yes it is a new world,now many multi-national corporations have tied themselves into the mix so that they don't lose out when one or another group position themselves to order the peons around.I have no illusions,I am a peon but I'm squawking all the way.
Funny you should mention Walter Cronkite,I have a news clip of my husband piloting him around Viet Nam for one of Walter's Specials.