The National Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam (often shortened to “The Mobe”) produced this single-page letter-flyer in July 1969, urging supporters to escalate their efforts against the ongoing conflict in Southeast Asia. Signed by a prominent organizer, the piece blends urgent, direct language with a practical request for funding—highlighting the need to cover costs such as printing, legal services, and broader logistical support.

“The New Nixon… the Old Johnson”

In a pointed critique of President Nixon’s early administration, the flyer denounces what it sees as unchanged aggression: “pious speeches,” “brutal aggression,” and “heightened repression at home.” This language contrasts the so-called “New Nixon” persona with the earlier Johnson administration policies, reflecting the antiwar movement’s belief that successive presidencies were perpetuating an immoral conflict in Vietnam.

Strategy and Core Themes

• Confrontation Over Business as Usual: Echoing similar sentiments from the broader Moratorium and Mobilization efforts, the flyer insists that if there is “no peace in Vietnam,” then there can be “no ‘business as usual’ at home.”
• Escalation of Pressure: Rather than backing down, organizers call on activists to “intensify the pressures.” The underlying message: only persistent, organized, and courageous opposition can force a change in U.S. policy.
• Financial Support: Recognizing that mass demonstrations, widespread publicity, and legal defenses require substantial resources, the flyer requests contributions. Such fundraising appeals were common in the antiwar movement as decentralized coalitions sought to cover costs and remain independent from major institutional backing.

Historical Context

By mid-1969, President Nixon had only been in office for a few months, but continued American presence in Vietnam—along with domestic upheaval—created a surge of disillusionment among those who had hoped for rapid de-escalation. Groups like the National Mobilization Committee organized large-scale demonstrations, culminating in marches and rallies in major cities nationwide. These efforts both captured mainstream attention and empowered grassroots activists determined to challenge perceived government inaction or duplicity.

Language, Imagery, and Efficacy

The black-and-white circular dove emblem at the top—coupled with the slogan “Confront the Warmakers”—instantly signals the flyer’s pacifist roots. Inside the text, stark references to “hypocrisy” and “deaths” underscore moral outrage, while repeated calls to intensify demonstrations reflect a strategic push for public confrontation. By using a conversational salutation (“Dear Friend”) and a direct fundraising appeal, the piece personalizes the broader cause, making it clear that the antiwar effort could not succeed without widespread grassroots participation.

Though concise, the flyer’s pointed language and requests for both protest and financial backing would have resonated with existing supporters, galvanizing them at a time when the war—and resistance to it—were both expanding. Such appeals contributed to an environment in which mass mobilizations and public protest became increasingly frequent and impactful, foreshadowing the massive demonstrations of the early 1970s.

Enduring Significance

This flyer exemplifies the grassroots energy of the late 1960s antiwar movement, balancing sharp critique with practical organization. It reminds us that history-making social movements often hinge on everyday people stepping forward to provide both vocal opposition and the resources necessary to sustain campaigns. In pressing for “no business as usual,” the text challenges future generations to consider what it takes to confront injustice and stand firm against policies they believe are fundamentally wrong.

Special thanks to the USC Digital Imaging Lab for their support in digitizing this item.