Dorothy Day's Speech During The Vietnam War

In the eyes of the government the Vietnam war was a worthy endeavour, at the time. The people however, were less than please that more of their young men were being shipped off to an unknown battle front. Protests were common throughout the country, even in the nation's own capital, Washington D.C. One More subtle example is Dorothy Day’s Union Square Speech. Dorothy Day, a journalist, activist and catholic convert, stressed that action should be taken against war, in the name of god. Even though to most Dorothy Day’s cause was just and it addressed an unjust situation, because she brought religion into it, it makes it seem like it’s OK to break the law if it contradicts something that you believe in. In the very first paragraph of Dorothy Day’s speech she references the bible, stating “Yes, but rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it” (page 21 line 4). She is not only immediately bringing in religion, but says that if people do not listen and follow as she does, they will not be blessed. This in turn builds guilt in people and makes them believe that if they do not follow they will not be blessed or accepted by God. Though this is a strong backing for Dorothy Day’s speech it is clearly stating that the people must choose …show more content…
Day also refers to being arrested as an honor saying “...should be arrested and we would esteem it an honour to share prison penalties with these other” (page 22 line 34). This mind set is also reflected in the case of the clerk. When she was released, she was not met by protests and anger, but by cheers and welcoming. Though these two cases are under very different circumstances they embody the same idea that, breaking the law is OK as long as you have a cause. Not only that but those who do will be accepted and welcomed, not