Meaning: The quote "They call upon us to supply American boys to do the job that Asian boys should do" is attributed to Lyndon B. Johnson, who served as the 36th President of the United States from 1963 to 1969. This statement reflects a crucial period in American history when the United States was deeply involved in the Vietnam War, and it speaks to the contentious issue of conscription and the deployment of American troops to fight in Southeast Asia.

During the Vietnam War, the United States became heavily involved in supporting the government of South Vietnam against the communist forces of North Vietnam. The conflict escalated, and the U.S. military presence in Vietnam grew significantly, with a large number of American soldiers being sent to fight in the war. This led to a controversial military draft, which required young American men to register for potential conscription into the armed forces.

Johnson's quote sheds light on the sentiment that American involvement in the Vietnam War was seen as an imposition on the Southeast Asian nation. The use of the term "Asian boys" suggests the expectation that the burden of fighting in the war should have fallen on the local population rather than American soldiers. Johnson's words imply a sense of unease with the idea of sending American troops to fight in a conflict that was perceived by many as being a civil war in Vietnam.

The quote also reflects the broader debate surrounding the Vietnam War and the controversial nature of American involvement in the conflict. Many critics of the war argued that the United States was unjustly intervening in the affairs of a sovereign nation and that the burden of fighting should have been borne by the Vietnamese people themselves. Johnson's statement captures the sentiment that American involvement in the conflict was seen as an inappropriate intervention and a departure from the traditional role of the U.S. military.

Moreover, the quote raises important questions about the moral and ethical implications of sending young American men to fight in a war that was increasingly unpopular both domestically and internationally. As the conflict in Vietnam dragged on and casualties mounted, the issue of conscription and the deployment of American troops became a deeply contentious and divisive issue within American society.

In conclusion, Lyndon B. Johnson's quote encapsulates the complex and controversial nature of American involvement in the Vietnam War. It reflects the unease and moral dilemma surrounding the deployment of American soldiers to fight in a conflict that many saw as a civil war in Southeast Asia. The quote serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the difficult decisions faced by political leaders during times of conflict.