Condemned to repeat? In the midst of all the celebrations, bought and unbought, of Iraqi democracy, patachon on Daily Kos turns up a reminder, from the Times, of a previous epoch of celebration:

U.S. Encouraged by Vietnam Vote :
Officials Cite 83% Turnout Despite Vietcong Terror

by Peter Grose, Special to the New York Times (9/4/1967: p. 2)

WASHINGTON, Sept. 3-- United States officials were surprised and heartened today at the size of turnout in South Vietnam's presidential election despite a Vietcong terrorist campaign to disrupt the voting.

According to reports from Saigon, 83 per cent of the 5.85 million registered voters cast their ballots yesterday. Many of them risked reprisals threatened by the Vietcong.

The story is reprinted in patachon's Daily Kos diary. By all means, take a look. And thanks to The Cunctator for pointing it out.

posted by michael  10:37:31 AM  
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