"Face the Nation"
In May, 1966, King was extended an invitation to appear on the Columbia Broadcasting System's program "Face the Nation." Prior to this appearance, King sought the advice of Stanley Levison and Clarence Jones. King wanted their thinking on the more important questions he might be asked. Levison noted the possibility that King might be questioned on the Vietnam war. Jones advised King to use the Southern Christian Leadership Conference resolution on Vietnam as his text. Levison suggested that King should also point out how unfair it was that Negroes were shouldering a heavier burden in the war and that more Negroes were in combat than other Americans.
When King appeared on the program, he suggested the United States stop bombing North Vietnam, negotiate with the Viet Cong, and recognize Red China.
Senate Hearings
Prior to his appearance before a Senate Sub-Committee hearing on urban affairs in December, 1966, King contacted Levison for counsel concerning his testimony. During this discussion, it was agreed that King must reiterate during his testimony that the war in Vietnam is standing in the way of the implementation of any of his civil rights projects and is an open invitation to confusion, chaos, disruptions, and riots.
During his subsequent testimony before this committee, he spoke critically of the war in Vietnam along these lines.
"The Nation" Symposium
In late February, 1967, King spoke before a symposium sponsored by "The Nation" magazine concerning the problems of redirecting "American Power." After this speech, in which King was highly critical of the United States' involvement in
