American Strategic Deception Bureau

　Initially, most American journalists who arrived in Vietnam naively believed that the liberal bloc was good and the Eastern bloc was bad. However, after actually living in Saigon or Hue for a while, they quickly discovered that American policy was flawed. The US-backed South Vietnamese president, Ngo Dinh Diem, was utterly corrupt, and the South Vietnamese military was a mess. Supporting such a government was essentially a waste of money...

　Unable to filter out these questioning reports through strict news censorship, the US military stationed in Vietnam could only use dishonorable methods such as warnings and intimidation of reporters, or secretly inspect mail and parcels to prevent those disobedient reporters from exposing the dark secrets.

　However, American journalists in Saigon always found ways to send manuscripts and photos back to the country, even through secret channels of the French.

　- It is quite interesting that despite having fought against Ho Chi Minh of North Vietnam for eight years, after giving up its colonial rule in Vietnam and letting the United States take over, France's position on the Vietnam issue in the 1960s turned towards North Vietnam, and it has been tirelessly digging holes for the United States.

　The Pentagon's more effective countermeasure in recent years has been to deploy its own intellectuals in the domestic media to fabricate false reports of victory and good news in Vietnam, as well as propaganda about President Ngo Dinh Diem's ​​"greatness, glory, and justice," in order to deceive the public who trust the government.

　But with the photos of the monk self-immolating and the "Evil Lady"'s famous saying of "barbecued monk meat"... uh, I'm afraid I can't fool people anymore, right?

　At least there are still some people with positive ideas left. Unfortunately, the current news control capabilities are much stronger than before.

　Chapter 200: New Year's Eve at Disneyland

　Generally speaking, most of the third world regimes supported by the United States after World War II have a similar problem: they cannot stand up.

　It's clearly their own war, and they clearly still have some strength, but they just don't want to put in the effort and want to just lay back and let America take over.

　They even openly accepted aid from the United States while secretly smearing and shifting the blame to the American boss.

　As a result, the locals hated the "American invaders" to the core, while the American people complained about these bottomless pits that were burning money like crazy.

　The US military was caught in a dilemma, and was neither popular nor unpopular. In the end, it simply focused on corruption and making money. As for victory, it basically gave up hope.

　However, the puppets installed before the Vietnam War, such as Syngman Rhee, had some ambition to run the country and were at least active in suppressing the Communists. The first puppet who truly laid low, too lazy to even suppress the Communists and only wanted to get the US military to come to the rescue, was Ngo Dinh Diem in South Vietnam.

　Due to lack of experience, the US government and military were a bit hesitant when faced with Ngo Dinh Diem's ​​lying flat and did not know how to respond.

　Even the scandal that broke out in South Vietnam was unclear whether it was a good thing or a bad thing - perhaps it could be used to warn Ngo Dinh Diem to work harder?

　Although this is completely overthinking, the White House is currently unable to predict subsequent developments, so naturally no one can make an accurate judgment.

　Given this bewildered and confused attitude, it is no wonder that the US government watched the scandal of the "South Vietnamese monk self-immolation" continue to ferment.

　Of course, no matter how much negative publicity Vietnam's "monk meat barbecue" (monk BBQ) has brought to the Ngo Dinh Diem regime in South Vietnam, college students on American campuses are now holding signs and marching in the streets for something happening in a foreign country...

　To the practical Firi, it still seemed a little too unreal.

　After all, the United States has not yet started large-scale conscription and sent troops to the Vietnam War... Are you taking to the streets to protest the war now?

　Sigh, should we say you have foresight? Or is it that you simply have too much energy and nowhere to vent it, and you're just bored and bored!

　Or maybe you have been taught to be too naive by your teachers, and you actually have morals, conscience, and bottom lines?

　And do you really care about the world and take the freedom and progress of the world as your own responsibility?

　Well, I guess it’s because the economic situation has been so good recently that college students don’t have to worry about finding jobs, right?

　Despite the recent impact of the Cuban nuclear crisis and the embarrassment of a nuclear war on its doorstep, the US economy this year can still be considered prosperous, and the employment prospects for college graduates are even better than in the later years of the Eisenhower administration.

　So, since the future is not a problem, it is no wonder that college students are so carefree...

　It's worth noting that while the 1960s was marked by the brutal fighting of the Vietnam War and the turmoil of the Black Civil Rights Movement, from an economic perspective, the U.S. economy experienced a "golden age" of economic growth, widely hailed by Western economists.

　——At about the same time that the Japanese government confidently launched the "National Income Doubling Plan", the United States was also vigorously implementing the "Gross National Product Doubling Plan", and it was also implemented on paper.

　The U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) soared from $500 billion in 1961 to $1 trillion in 1971.

　For a super economy that has already stood at the top of the world, it is amazing that the United States has been able to double its GDP in ten years.

　It is precisely because of this that the United States had such abundant financial resources during this period that it was able to maintain the military expenditures of the Vietnam War and the huge expenses of the Apollo moon landing project at the same time, and continued to spend money on developing new weapons to engage in an arms race with the Soviet Union. It also bought over the people at home and promoted a large-scale social welfare program called the "Great Society", which once again made the world deeply shocked and impressed by the wealth of the United States.

　Of course, this is actually the same as Japan's most prosperous bubble economy era in the future, which was achieved by overdrawing the future...

　--Before the 1960s, both the Truman and Eisenhower administrations focused on promoting production and consumption by solving employment problems, and maintaining a balanced fiscal budget to avoid large deficits: this was a fiscal philosophy similar to that of China in later generations, designed to support a manufacturing powerhouse.

　But since President Kennedy, Democratic governments have stopped pursuing fiscal balance and instead started to make large-scale deficit finance a regular policy.

　In the short term, this has indeed effectively mobilized more resources, greatly expanding the government's financial resources and its ability to "create spectacles."

　But the price is that on the one hand the deficit soared, and on the other hand the national economy began to "deviate from reality and move towards virtuality" and was gradually controlled by financial oligarchs.

　As "de-industrialization" intensifies, the social landscape has also changed dramatically. It has changed from a vibrant and enterprising country to a giant parasite that relies on "fleecing foreign countries" and exploiting other countries for a living.

　Therefore, like Japan's bubble economy era, the "golden age" of the US economy was also short-lived. After the 1970s, it was brought back to its original state under the drag of "stagflation" and the impact of the "oil crisis". In terms of international strategy, the United States was also forced to enter a period of contraction.

　However, for those who are

　For Americans in the 1960s, it would have been difficult for them to realize the bleak future that would follow ten years later.

　Just like during Japan's bubble economy era, despite the constant and worrying pronouncements of experts and scholars, the vast majority of ordinary Japanese remained blinded by the prosperity of the moment, their vision clouded and their confidence in the future filled with blind faith.

　In general, Americans in the 1960s were living in a prosperous and extravagant life. They believed that they and their country were destined to have a bright future. They believed that the United States had abundant financial resources, enough for them to squander and enjoy for a long time, and there was no need to restrain their hands.

　Thus, during this period, America conceived countless grandiose blueprints: hippies, sexual liberation, moon landings, the arms race, universal welfare, radical environmentalism—and countless other grandiose blueprints. American citizens, like never before, became enthusiastic about international affairs, as if they were truly global citizens. A variety of ideologies, both radical and conservative, clashed fiercely on this fertile land, attempting to steer the future of human civilization.

　Perhaps, they really regard the United States as a beacon of civilization that illuminates the human world?

　Therefore, even a photo of a South Vietnamese monk self-immolating on the other side of the Pacific Ocean touched the hearts of the American public, making them shocked and angry, and even shouting and taking to the streets... Perhaps, this is the passion of a country's youth?

　-

　In short, because the student parade protesting the inhumane actions of the South Vietnamese government blocked the street north of Hollywood for a long time, Fili and his party did not arrive at the Disney headquarters in Burbank until noon, and met with the company's staff who stayed behind for the New Year holiday.

　——In the future, Disney will be unrivaled in the American entertainment industry, becoming a super hegemon that monopolizes 50% of the North American market, and establishing the most powerful media empire in American history and human history, which will put other major Hollywood companies under great pressure.

　But at this moment, Disney is still just an animation entertainment company that simply targets young customers. It also bears a certain degree of "political incorrectness" because of its founder Walt Disney's dark history of close proximity to the Nazis and anti-Semitism in his early years.

　In view of this, Disney has been very low-key in recent years and has never dared to speak or act rashly on political issues. The reason why it invited Marilyn Monroe to participate in the New Year's Eve event this time was that it could not resist the favor of the president of 20th Century Fox and reluctantly gave him face.

　Therefore, when Miss Monroe and her team rushed to the Disney Company excitedly, they learned that Disneyland had not arranged for her to perform any singing and dancing programs.

　On the night of December 31st, all Marilyn Monroe had to do was put on a pink puff-sleeved princess dress, style her hair in beautiful blonde waves, and dress up like a classic Disney princess. Then, she would join the employees dressed as Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy the Dog, or other cartoon characters in the lively parade, waving to tourists from their floats.

　Well, at most, when the New Year’s bell rings, we still have to sing the New Year’s song with everyone.

　In addition, there may be reporters coming to interview you at Disneyland, so Ms. Monroe should be prepared for this.

　Marilyn Monroe was greatly disappointed. After a moment of frustration, she finally cheered up after being persuaded by Kissinger, DiMaggio, and Fieri. She drove to Anaheim, where Disneyland in Los Angeles is located, to participate in the rehearsal of the New Year's Eve celebration.

　Next, the calendar turned to the last day of 1962.

　As night fell on December 31, 1962, the sun slowly descended below the horizon, gathering up its golden-red veil across the clouds and the ground. On the other side of the sky, the moon and stars were already faintly visible behind a thin layer of clouds.

　As the night gradually falls, the lights come on one after another, making the entire Disneyland glittering and beautiful, looking like a fairyland.

　Under the magic of light and shadow of countless colorful lights, the scenery of the park glows with dazzling brilliance, becoming more colorful and vibrant.

　Then, dazzling and colorful floats carrying actors in bright costumes appeared in the park and paraded slowly. Many girls in fancy dresses stood on the floats, carrying baskets or bags, and continuously threw candies and colorful cards down, causing the children to scream with excitement.

　The fairy-tale-filled Disney Castle sparkles like colorful crystals under the lights, and the cheerful music is deafening.

　In front of the castle gate, a temporary stage was built with lights, speakers and colorful smoke canisters to create an atmosphere.

　The girls, dressed in skimpy swimsuits, tossed their hair, twitched their breasts, swayed their hips and stamped their feet on the stage, swaying their bodies to the music, unleashing the sweat and energy of youth. The lights, alternating between red and green, seduced the blushing teenagers.

　In addition, there were a number of second- and third-rate rock singers with rooster-comb-like Mohawk hairstyles, who came on stage with guitars and sang like crazy.

　As for the funny-dressed clowns, the magicians in suits and ties, and the scantily clad female assistants, they also appeared on the stage one after another.

　There was even a coloratura singer wearing a jet-black wig, a cobra ruby ​​gold crown in the style of ancient Egypt, and a white linen robe.

　, holding a flail and a scepter, dressed as an Egyptian pharaoh, and performed a short opera on the stage.

　——I wonder if it is helping 20th Century Fox to promote "Cleopatra" which will be released next year?

　Unfortunately, tonight's song and dance performance has nothing to do with "America's Sweetheart" Marilyn Monroe. The only thing she can do is wear a pink puff-sleeved dress, dye her hair into beautiful metallic blonde hair, stand on the float, smile and wave to the tourists, and throw down small cards with her signature.

　After doing this for several hours, Miss Monroe's facial muscles seemed to be a little stiff from smiling.

　However, when the New Year was approaching, blonde Monroe still got a chance to perform on stage. She walked onto the stage with the children's choir and sang the New Year song: "Happy New Year, Happy New Year, wish you all a happy New Year! We sing, we dance, wish you all a happy New Year..."

　Next, it’s time to celebrate the New Year with fireworks!

　Looking at the fireworks blooming in the night sky and listening to the cheers of the people around him, Fili couldn't help but feel a lot of emotions in his heart.

　The turbulent year of 1962 has finally come to an end; the year 1963, which is likely to become even more turbulent, is about to come.

　In the year that just ended, for the first time in his life, he led his troops onto the battlefield and commanded a real war. Like Field Marshal Clark on the Korean battlefield nine years ago, he signed an armistice treaty on behalf of the United States that did not achieve victory.

　Should this be considered a success or a setback for him and the United States?

　After thinking for a moment, he couldn't help but laugh at himself. He turned around and looked at the American flag fluttering on the flagpole, and silently hummed a hymn he had heard before the time travel: "You were born on the waves of the Atlantic, and the Mayflower Compact foreshadowed your glory.

　You are so young and strong, opening thirteen golden doors to the world.

　Every door leads to a paradise of freedom.

　The ocean turns into a magnificent wall, guarding this beautiful hometown.

　God has given you endless treasures, making you extremely prosperous and strong..."

　——In any case, the United States of America today is still in its most powerful and prosperous era, capable of withstanding any storm.

　So, put aside your worries, enjoy this happy night, and wish a happy new year to those around you!

　Happy New Year!

　Los Angeles is also quite hot, and as a local, Fili is well-versed in the various attractions within a few days' drive of Los Angeles: the bustling Santa Monica Beach, the artistic Ragusa Beach, the desert scenery of Palm Springs, the mountains, forests and waterfalls of Yosemite National Park... and the magnificent mountain and sea scenery along California Highway 1.

　I have to say that in terms of the diversity of natural scenery, the sunny Los Angeles is a hundred times better than the cold and humid New York.

　At the same time, the four old, weak and disabled people under Fili's command were running the Chinatown opium den opened by the CIA quite well.

　Although unlike the cowardly and bad-tempered "high-class Chinese" he had imagined, the gangs in Chinatown today were undoubtedly full of martial virtues. Gang fights and assassinations left a trail of bloodshed. Ferry was surprised to find that the security in Los Angeles' "bad neighborhoods" was even worse than he had imagined. It was almost like Los Santos in Grand Theft Auto: corrupt cops, thieves, robberies, and everything in between.

　But as for the opium den owned by Fieri, this small stronghold representing the US intelligence agency, the various gangs basically keep their distance.

　Moreover, the one-legged proprietress Armas, who felt that she was full of energy, opened a small bar and moved the real intelligence station there.

　——In modern society, there seems to be an unspoken rule that no matter which country, any underworld gang or other illegal organization of a certain scale will usually set up an entertainment venue such as a nightclub, dance hall or bar to serve as its base.

　This is the case in Europe and the United States, in Russia, in Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia, and it is still the case in India and China.

　When ordinary people think of gang bosses, they think of nightclubs, dance halls and bars, which are places of extravagance and decadence.

　Even in Night City in the game "Cyberpunk 2077", gangs and mercenaries in the sci-fi world also use bars and brothels as their bases.

　It seems as if these marginalized people living in the dark side of society are born to hang out in places like this.

　Just like rats belong in the gutter.

　Why? Because a safe entertainment venue not only allows gang members to rest or recruit new members, but also can be used to launder money...

　Since the beginning of the 20th century, even if gang members across the United States earned large sums of dollars from illegal businesses, they usually found it difficult to make "large-scale purchases" such as buying houses or luxury cars before "laundering" the money.

　If anyone dares to do this, he must remember how Al Capone in Chicago was arrested and thrown into prison by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

　But if the gang has an entertainment venue such as a nightclub or bar as its base, then it will be easy to deal with - even if the nightclub does not actually make a dollar, it can declare in the account book that a bottle of beer was sold for $100, and the tax bureau will be helpless.

　By the same token, the intelligence stations established by the CIA around the world are similar to gang strongholds, and most of them use nightclubs and bars as cover.

　However, the CIA, theoretically supposed to be responsible only for foreign affairs, had actually set up an intelligence station within the United States. This was considered "overstepping the boundaries" by the police and the FBI. Consequently, the one-legged proprietress Armas received a warning from FBI agents shortly after her bar opened. She also faced both overt and covert harassment... but she ultimately persevered.

　-

　While Fili was busy with his own little affairs, the outside world continued to move at its original pace, heading towards the abyss of disaster.

　For President Kennedy, the years since he entered the White House have been worse than the previous ones, each year making him more worried and hair-losing.

　If the first year was relatively comfortable, and the second year, despite the brink of nuclear war and social unrest, at least it started out as a happy New Year, then the third year had a decidedly unlucky start, disrupted by a photo of a "monk barbecue."

　After the New Year, neither the situation in South Vietnam nor the black movement in the country showed any signs of calming down, but instead intensified.

　Ever since the Vietnamese monk Thich Quang Duc doused himself in gasoline and set himself on fire outside the U.S. Embassy in Saigon, the Ngo Dinh Diem government has shown no signs of restraint. Instead, it has continued its perverse actions, sending police to disrupt Thich Quang Duc's funeral and arresting dozens of monks and nuns who were there to see him off. Subsequently, Thich Tri Quang, the radical leader of South Vietnamese Buddhism, used Xa Loi Pagoda as a base to hold numerous rallies against religious persecution.

　In front of journalists from all over the world and monks and nuns from all provinces of South Vietnam, Thich Tri Quang denounced President Ngo Dinh Diem's ​​unconditional favoritism towards Catholicism, his deliberate suppression of Buddhism, his persecution of monks, and his reduction of Buddhists, who made up the vast majority of the country's population, to the status of pariahs.

　Specifically, under Ngo Dinh Diem's ​​rule, Catholics were distributed the best land for free and were exempted from a large amount of taxes and labor service.

　In addition, the education system was controlled by the Catholic Church, civil service positions were only open to Catholics, and there were countless privileges.

　However, the amount of land in South Vietnam was limited, the government's tax targets were still very high, and someone had to do the heavy labor. The benefits that favored Catholics became double oppression for Buddhists.

　More

　What was even more excessive was that the Catholic Church, while already enjoying privileges, also wantonly seized Buddhist temples and land.

　Over the past few years, the Catholic Church in South Vietnam has destroyed many Buddhist temples and frequently seized Buddhist land and property. The courts have consistently sided with the Catholics, ruling against Buddhists in all cases, regardless of evidence, whenever a conflict arises between Buddhists and Catholics.

　They even forcibly seized Buddhist temples and believers' land without compensation and then gave it to Catholics. Their actions were almost like those of robbers.

　Therefore, Thich Tri Quang asked President Ngo Dinh Diem to immediately abolish the privileges of the Catholic Church and stop all religious persecution in South Vietnam!

　These demands garnered widespread international support and praise. Influenced by public opinion, the Kennedy administration also sternly demanded that Diem yield. Secretary of State Rusk even called Diem directly to inform him that if he did not accede to the monks' demands, the United States would sever its cooperation with South Vietnam.

　However, even under tremendous pressure from the United States, and at the instigation of his brother Ngo Dinh Nhu, Ngo Dinh Diem still refused to make any compromises.