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July 29, 1965 - Vietnam, Civil Rights And Medicare.

News of the day for July 29, 1965. Local New York news, plus World News, including reaction to LBJ Vietnam buildup address, Abe Fortas appointed to Supreme Court, Civil Rights demonstrations throughout the South, another day in paradise.

Troop ship arriving in Cam Ranh Bay, South Vietnam July 29, 1965. Shape of things to come.


Less of a cliffhanger day than the one we're currently in. July 29, 1965 nonetheless had it's fair share of historic moments. Reaction was swift and varied from President Johnson's address the night before. He called for a dramatic buildup in troops in South Vietnam, asking for 50,000.

Pres. Johnson: "This is a different kind of war."

And even as he was speaking, the 1st Brigade of the 101st airborne Division was readying to land in South Vietnam. The buildup also meant an increase in draft quotas and a call from House Minority Leader Gerald Ford to cut back on new Domestic spending in order to fund this excursion. Somewhat ironic, since the Medicare Bill passed the Senate with flying colors and was ready for LBJ to sign on the 30th. When in doubt, blame Medicare.

Overseas reaction was somewhat subdued with the Kremlin reaction noted as being "cool". Britain was hesitant to be all that committal, saying if the U.S. had observed the 1954 agreements regarding Vietnam, this buildup might not be happening. They suggested the UN Security Council engage in a peace settlement.

Elsewhere, Civil Rights demonstrations were starting up again in Greensboro Alabama after one peaceful demonstration turned violent. It also got violent in Americus Georgia overnight with one person killed in a driveby.

Aside from the Vietnam buildup occupying conversation on Capitol Hill, there was also talk about the appointment of Abe Fortas to the bench on the Supreme Court, taking over for Arthur Goldberg.

In hindsight, a momentous day which of course, we didn't know at the time. History is like that.

Here is the complete half-hour newscast from WCBS-FM in New York, including local New York City news and the World News Roundup for July 29, 1965.

At least it's a distraction.

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