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Chapter 350 A Magnificent Era

Chapter 350 A Magnificent Era
Seventy-two hours after the Saigon shooting.

June 8, 1965.

The U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

The air in the Senate chamber was heavy and almost stagnant.

The white light from the ceiling lights fell on the bluish-gray marble.

"Mr. Chairman."

Senator Steiner stood up and tapped his palm lightly on the table.

The man was tall and had a deep voice that seemed to resonate deep within his chest.

“We’ve all seen that footage,” he said.

"Three days have passed, and it is still being replayed on every television channel."

"Our delegation is trapped in the capital of our ally, where military police are firing indiscriminately in the streets, and the radio is still proclaiming it as a 'victory'."

"This is not just a symbol of chaos, it is a signal."

"It tells us that the battlefield in Vietnam has long since extended beyond the borders of Asia."

"When the world saw that defeat on the screen, they didn't see Vietnam's incompetence, but rather America's hesitation."

“Our credibility and our commitments were repeatedly tested in those few minutes.”

"If the free world's defenses crumble in Saigon, the cracks won't stop in Vietnam. They will spread along the borders of trust, from Vietnam to Laos, to Bangkok, and all the way to the port of Manila."

"Therefore, containment is not an option, but a necessity for survival."

As soon as he said this, Jackson from Washington State stood up.

"Mr. Chairman."

"I do not intend to question any intelligence or report."

"However, I must point out that this incident is not just a crisis for Vietnam."

"Moscow and the ** are both watching that moment."

“If we back down, they will conclude that America’s commitments can be bargained and our allies can be abandoned at will.”

"Therefore, there is no such thing as a 'regional conflict' in this confrontation."

"It is an ideological war, a contest between systems."

"If South Vietnam falls, the entire arc of Southeast Asia will be ignited."

"We have dedicated twenty years to Europe."

"Now, it's Asia's turn."

The man paused for a moment, looked around, and let his voice linger under the dome.

“Mr. Chairman,” he said again.

"Based on this, I urge the House to reaffirm the President's powers under the Tokyo Bay Resolution and provide him with all the resources he needs to implement it, so that our military, industry and the will of the people can act in unison."

"Mr. Chairman."

This time, it was Senator Moss who spoke, and his voice was exceptionally loud.

“We keep talking about containment, freedom, and commitment.”

"But all I saw was a massacre without military discipline."

“That’s our friend, firing at his own city with an American-made rifle.”

He slammed his hand on the table.

"Let's be honest, if even they don't understand what they're fighting for, why should we die for them?"

Upon hearing this, several people in the back rows started coughing incessantly.

Some people shook their heads slightly.

Chaos spread amidst whispers.

A dozen seconds later, the host had to raise his hand to signal for order to be maintained.

Meanwhile, Moss continued to loudly expound his views.

“I know this isn’t a welcome voice,” he said.

"But I also clearly remember that the commitment made when the Tokyo Bay Resolution was adopted was a restrained, limited response, not a total war authorization."

“But now, Mr. Chairman, what we are doing is completely tearing that ‘restraint’ apart.”

After he finished speaking, the hall fell silent.

Moss's gaze fell on Russell, trying to find some reaction.

No.

Nothing at all.

Richard Russell remained silent throughout, not uttering a single word.

Just as he had felt when he first learned the news three nights ago.

So Moss took a deep breath and said aloud:
"Mr. Chairman, I oppose this resolution."

"I do not believe in a war without a definition of victory."

"I also don't believe that such a war can protect anyone's freedom."

"History will not forgive those who agree in silence."

After he finished speaking, he sat down, his chest heaving violently.

There was no applause, no response.

Ten twenty.

The clerk exchanged documents with the host in a low voice. A new stack of amendments was handed to the podium.

Then, the host struck the gavel.

"Next speaker."

This time, no one got up.

The clock in the distance ticked.

The pen tip glided across the manuscript paper, and the word "mobilize" was written in the margin.

The man in the suit thought for a moment and then added, "Expanded supplementary authorization."

At 10:30, the host announced a recess to prepare voting documents.

At 10:45, the gavel struck again.

The host cleared his throat.

"The Senate is reconvening. Clerk, please read the draft resolution."

The man whose name was called immediately stood up and unfolded the thick document.

"The first session of the 89th National Assembly," he read aloud, looking up.

"In view of the recent violent incidents that have occurred in the Republic of South Vietnam."

"In light of the attacks on U.S. citizens and delegations while performing their official duties."

"Given that the defenses of the free world are facing a serious threat."

"This House and the House of Representatives jointly resolve the following."

"Based on the Tokyo Bay Resolution adopted on August 7, 1964, the following supplementary clauses are added."

"Article 1: The President has the power, within the scope of his existing authority, to take all measures to prevent the expansion of communism in Southeast Asia."

"Article 2: This Court confirms that the President may adjust the troop and air force force structure as appropriate to ensure the continuity and adequacy of operations."

"Therefore, Congress authorized the President to take emergency mobilization measures and required the executive branch to submit a mobilization implementation plan and estimated costs to Congress within 30 days for Congress to oversee."

"Article 3: An additional $12 billion[1] shall be immediately allocated to maintain and expand related military operations."

"Article 4: Reaffirm the validity of the Tokyo Bay Resolution and confirm that all actions taken by the President under the Resolution and this Amendment shall have full legal effect."

This reading continued for nearly five minutes—

Until the end of the revised section.

"Delete the restrictive phrase after 'troop and air force force composition' in Article 2 and replace it with 'the size that the President deems necessary'."

A slight commotion suddenly arose from the seats.

Someone couldn't help but ask, "Does that mean there's no upper limit?"

The answer is silence.

The host ignored the scene below and simply announced that the vote would begin.

Soon, the electronic vote counting board above the podium lit up.

The clerk began calling out names one by one.

“Mr. Stennis.”

"Aye."

“Mr. Jackson.”

"Aye."

“Mr. Morse.”

"Not."