'Our own scars and stumps of limbs are witness enough'

Is this the greatest speech ever delivered before Congress? John Kerry's 1971 speech about Vietnam is a straight out masterpiece — eloquent, persuasive, furious. He'd run for president in 2004.

It was delivered on 22nd April 1971, 53 years ago today. He was representing Vietnam Veterans Against the War and testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Every phrase in this opening statement is perfect, including the unforgettable ‘how do you ask a man to be the last man to die in Vietnam? How do you ask a man to be the last man to die for a mistake?’

If you want to watch the full testimoney on C-Span, the link is here. The edited clip above is magnificent. The transcript is below (for paid subscribers)

This is a speech I’d love to feature on the podcast, and so if you’re best friends with former Senator John Kerry, let him know that I can set the alarm to accomodate Martha’s Vineyard time. He might even finally have some time, having resigned as President Biden’s Climate Envoy in March.

John Kerry: 'How do you ask a man to be the last man to die for a mistake?' Vietnam Veterans Against the War testimony - 1971

22 April 1971, Congress, Washington DC, USA