Posted on 08/24/2006 10:09:22 PM PDT by jason1998
Captain James Van Thach a Rising Star in Iraq. Your job highlights the “nation-building” purpose of this war, and your choice of this dangerous assignment speaks well of you as highly idealistic.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.asianweek.com ...
I’m pleased for you. You’re on a solid career track, and with a law degree under your belt you can go far in the military establishment. For thousands of years in both East and West, a military career has paved the way out of poverty and sometimes to the pinnacle of power — from Napoleon two centuries ago, to Colin Powell in our own time.
In Vietnamese history as well, from the legendary Phu Dong Thien Vuong in prehistoric time, to Ngo Quyen in the 10th century, Nguyen Hue in the 18th century, and Vo Nguyen Giap today. A successful military career is a shortcut to fame and fortune.
Yet, at the same time, I can’t help feeling a little apprehensive about your life trajectory. The war you choose to serve in is difficult to justify and unlikely for the U.S. to win. In fact, Bush’s “new Middle East” is one of more violence and instability, rather than less. You are given an impossible assignment, even under the best of circumstances.
It is understandable that in a war steadily losing the support of Americans at home, the war machine would crank up any possible angles for new stories. Your job highlights the “nation-building” purpose of this war, and your choice of this dangerous assignment speaks well of you as highly idealistic. But it’s through your personal story that the Pentagon tries to appeal to other demographics: immigrants, minorities and especially Vietnamese Americans.
I’ve rejoiced in many Viet Americans’ achievements and cringed at other dubious distinctions over the last 30 years. I was heartened when two Vietnamese astronauts were sent into space, one with NASA and the other with the Russian program. During the high-tech boom, I took pride in the successes of many fellow Viet Ams. This year, as VNHelp, a philanthropic organization in the Bay Area, celebrates its 15th year of helping poor students in Vietnam, I share their volunteers’ joy and ideals.
At the same time, I felt embarrassed each time a young brother was convicted of a serious crime, or when other V-A professionals got caught cheating the system or taking advantage of our own people. Even some successes caused me concerns: When Viet Dinh was appointed to the Justice Department, I was hopeful that a fellow V-A lawyer, who apparently came to this country seeking freedom, would be more protective of civil rights and more sensitive to the disenfranchised. As it turned out, Dinh and fellow APA John Yoo, provided the legal arguments that has led to mistreatment of prisoners, arguments even this arch-conservative Supreme Court is slowly rejecting.
So, what does it all have to do with a bright, young and upcoming captain in Iraq?
I guess the rise and fall of Colin Powell serves as an appropriate fable. He served in Vietnam, is smart and politically astute, and would have made a respectable presidential candidate. But, that illustrious career was damaged beyond repair when Secretary of State Powell did not object to the Bush’s Administration folly of war in Iraq. Instead, he contributed to the misleading campaign.
I don’t presume to tell you that you’re on the wrong track; even the pacifist in me recognizes that a military career can be respectable, if not always necessary.
On the other hand, as someone who came of age during the war in Vietnam, I feel an obligation to bring up a broader perspective and to alert you to the potential dilemmas ahead.
For the moment, and though we have never met, I only wish you one thing: “Come back alive.”
What a steaming load of sh*t!
Are we sure this wasn't actually written by McCain?
Vu-Duc Vuong is a teacher and writer in the Bay Area.
Pretty much says it all right there.
Dear Vu-Duc Vuong; How did the redeployment of troops from Vietnam work out?
What the hell is this? A love letter from Charlie?
Isn't it the Gay area? I'm surpised the author didn't invite the object of his obsession to the "Ho Chi Minh Bath House and Rump Room" for cocktails.
That community understands the consequences of cutting and running better than most, for sure.
Statistics Of Vietnamese Democide - Estimates, Calculations, And Sources*
http://www.hawaii.edu/powerkills/SOD.CHAP6.HTM
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