Old Myths and New Realities (I)

              FOR RELEASE ON DELIVERY 
THURSDAY, April 2, 1970

STATEMENT BY SENATOR J. W. FULBRIGHT 
CHAIRMAN, COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS 
UNITED STATES SENATE


OLD MYTHS AND NEW REALITIES—I


Several years ago I made a speech on the subject of 
"old myths and new realities." I recently re-read it and 
was surprised at how tame it seemed in retrospect. Some 
of the "new realities" of 1964 still seem pertinent, but 
others have ripened into clichés, while a few, which once 
had validity, have passed into the realm of old mythology.

Meanwhile, a whole new crop of myths have come abloom. 
I do not presume to have discerned all of them by any means, 
but a few have seemed conspicuous and noteworthy. I propose, 
therefore, in a few short statements, to survey some of 
these new "old myths" and to suggest, if I can, some newer 
"new realities." Today, for a start, I should like to 
discuss some of the misconceptions which seem to obtain in our 
policy in Southeast Asia. Next, I would like to talk about 
dissent in America and the way In which ill-conceived 
methods can bring undesired results. On another day I will 
offer some thoughts on the Middle East, where the myths are 
as prolific as in a Bible story. Finally, I shall express 
some impressions about our domestic affairs, where certain 
social prescriptions have been elevated to the status of 
revealed truth, and hope has given way to disillusion, in 
such fields as poverty, race and education.