The Harrisburg Howmany

Now that the Harrisburg Eight (Seven?) trial is finally under way, it seems we have a choice not only of who, but of what, is on trial.

If one believes Father Neil McLaughlin (one of the defendants) what is on trial is “our government [which] betrays and oppresses—the Indochinese people, the poor of the Third World and this country, the inert and bewildered American middle class.” If that is the correct view, then the American middle class, with others, finally has cause for rejoicing. If one’s mind blanks out at Father McLaughlin et al. as the ultimate defenders of the Archie Bunkers of the world . . . well, these are strange times and strange things happen in them.

SS

About the Author

Sheldon Moody Smith

Featured Tags

Manage following

Vietnam

Department of Justice

Now that the Harrisburg Eight (Seven?) trial is finally under way, it seems we have a choice not only of who, but of what, is on trial.

If one believes Father Neil McLaughlin (one of the defendants) what is on trial is “our government [which] betrays and oppresses—the Indochinese people, the poor of the Third World and this country, the inert and bewildered American middle class.” If that is the correct view, then the American middle class, with others, finally has cause for rejoicing. If one’s mind blanks out at Father McLaughlin et al. as the ultimate defenders of the Archie Bunkers of the world . . . well, these are strange times and strange things happen in them.