Yes, some of us are here, who could talk about the changes brought about by de-segregation and affirmative action. But it ain't pretty, and most prefer not to talk about it. There is an understandable unwillingness among many whose careers were adversely affected by those events. Sometimes it is best to take the 5th amendment.

That's interesting. But, I had in mind the society as a whole ----- American society was changing rapidly in the 50s-70s.......a veritable reformation of American society --- and during that time we had a draft where all, if I remember correctly, all were represented except those who could pay their way out....

USINKOREA:
I think American Society in the 50's-60's & 70's deserves a new thread. Don't you? You may draw some old fogeys over there if they are willing?

I'd like to leave this "Embarrassed to be an American tonight" thread open for discussing 2007 in Korea.

Younger folks generally don't really care about ancient history; or geography- or anything, unless it gets in the way of their instant gratification. That's why history keeps repeating itself- few learn from it! (I read the site Powershot inserted about the kids breaking their teacher's neck in Germantown because he took away an mp3 player being used in class!) The prisoners are indeed running the prison...

I came in the Air Force in 1969. I joined because I did not want to be drafted into the Army or USMC. There was lots of racial tension on bases, so much that some bases had riots. Whenever a black person saw another black person they would often give the black power sign. Most of the people who joined the military then was because they did not want to be drafted. It was crooked. If you were from a rich family you could find some way to avoid the draft. Most of the people in my opinion back then had bad attitudes about being in the military. There were very few women in the military back then. Up until 1970 you were very poorly paid. So much that you did not go off base much and there were alot of married people living in the barracks because they could not afford to have their family with them. American society was not to kind to the troops back then. During the hippie movement on some Navy bases you could rent wigs. I can tell you the people of the US have much more respect for the troops today than back then.

I just started a new Thread entitled-
"Military in the 50's, 60's, & 70's OLDTIMERS CORNER"

It is under the General Militarycategory.

Please continue Embarrassed to be an American tonight right here,
and add any comments about changes over 20 years ago to the New Thread.