Some very good points here, William. Protest against a war in which the US betrayed itself both in terms of tactics & long-term strategy (i.e. trying to win a war w/o invading the enemy state...?!?) was right on. As a movement persists, however, positions become excessively polarized. E.g. opposition to US participation in the war sometimes morphed into support for the North Vietnamese & Viet Cong which committed many atrocities such as the massacres of Dak Son & Hué & brutal mistreatment of the US & other nations' POWs.

Similarly opposition to Israeli actions in Gaza is fine. I agree with the need for an urgent ceasefire & humanitarian aid forthwith. But support for Hamas is something else altogether. Gaza wasn't free, true. But I wouldn't characterize a place with 12 universities & 32 hospitals an "open air concentration camp" either. Hamas's action reversed the fortunes of a deeply unpopular, authoritarian government that was rapidly loosing its grip on power, & inspired this massive over response that put the bodies of Palestinian men, women & children on the firing line in order to foster public opinion. All w/o their foreknowledge or consent.