Richard Nixon had made a fatal error in ignoring the politico-meteorological dimension when he announced the expansion of the Vietnam War into Cambodia on April 30, 1970. The invasion of Laos, on the other hand, happened in February 1971, and the campuses were quiet. Who wants to stage a walkout in February?
Richard Nixon's decision to expand the Vietnam War into Cambodia on April 30, 1970, is seen as a significant miscalculation, as it overlooked the political and meteorological factors at play. This conclusion highlights how public sentiment and timing can influence reactions to political actions.
In contrast, the later invasion of Laos in February 1971 occurred during a quieter period on college campuses, making it less likely for students to protest or stage walkouts. The difference in timing reflects how social and political climates affect the level of public engagement and response to government decisions.