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This two-page flyer—headlined “Sick Of The War In Vietnam?”—announces a November 5–8 Mobilization for peace, human rights, and economic justice. Spearheaded by the ad hoc November 8 Mobilization Committee in Ithaca, New York, the document serves as both a rallying cry and a practical guide for grassroots activists seeking to organize demonstrations, teach-ins, and other actions across the country.
“If You Are Sick of the War Because…”
The flyer begins by listing the many reasons Americans might be opposed to the Vietnam War. These include the immense loss of life, the war’s moral and constitutional implications, and the corresponding neglect of domestic priorities like education, healthcare, and civil rights. Each bullet point challenges the rationale for continued involvement overseas while highlighting the war’s disproportionate impact on Black Americans, the poor, and the working class.
Multiple Movements, One Cause
Reflecting the broad coalition forming in the mid-1960s, the November 8 Mobilization Committee included an array of peace, religious, political, civil rights, and community leaders. From clergy members such as Father Philip Berrigan, S.S.J., to noted scholars like Howard Zinn and public figures including Mrs. Coretta Scott King, the steering group’s diversity signaled a united front. The pamphlet calls upon people nationwide to “focus attention on these issues at this election period,” underscoring how political action—specifically voting and organizing—could influence war policy.
Language and Call to Action
- Moral Outrage and Practical Tasks: The flyer’s opening lines quote U Thant, describing Vietnam as “one of the most barbarous wars in history,” framing the conflict as a dire international crisis.
- Invitation to Coordinated Effort: Specific instructions encourage readers to partner with local organizations, form new groups, and join with overlapping social movements—particularly regarding civil rights and economic justice—during the four-day mobilization.
- Prominent Signatories: The second page not only lists big names but also invites everyday supporters to become local or regional coordinators, donate funds, and request additional leaflets. This approach marries moral urgency with tangible methods of getting involved.
Historical Context and Significance
By November 1966, U.S. troop levels in Vietnam were rapidly escalating, heightening public concern and fueling nationwide protests. The flyer’s mention of “wage guidelines” and inflation alludes to domestic economic strain, while also highlighting discriminatory draft policies and the disenfranchisement of marginalized groups. The call for a multi-day action—close to Election Day—reflects the conviction that electoral engagement could influence the war’s direction.
On a broader level, the November 8 Mobilization was part of a growing trend of intersecting movements. Peace activists recognized that an unjust war abroad often mirrored racial and economic injustices at home. By linking these causes, the flyer helped lay groundwork for larger, more diverse protests seen in the late 1960s.
Enduring Lessons
Though modest in design—relying mainly on bold text and bullet points—this flyer exerted significant grassroots influence. It channeled dissatisfaction into organized, nationwide action and underscored that true change demanded both moral conviction and pragmatic coalition-building.
Special thanks to the USC Digital Imaging Lab for their support in digitizing this item.
