Does it really matter what happened so long ago ?
It matters for many reasons.
Historically it matters - do not allow diplomats and politicians to p*ss away hard won victories. Do not adandon allies when they are in need.
Ethically - When you make a pact, stick to it.
Also, we learned, far too late, that the MSM was manipulating facts to make it seem as though the US/RVN were losing (Cronkite and hi infamous statements about the 1968 Tet offensive) or that we were nothing but a bunch of war criminals (Kerry, Fonda, et al.).
This is just a short list.
You must be a young 'un. There are many here who not only remember Viet Nam, but also served. They were called murderers, rapists and baby killers. Lies were told about them and about the war. It's time to set the record straight! Perhaps it would do you some good to do some studying on things that happened not so long ago.
It is the past that determines the future.... the Founding Fathers created this great nation by analyzing the past!!!! The truth has got to get out, and maybe we will not sink into socialism and the other evils that has befallen much of Europe and Canada.
"Does it really matter what happened so long ago ?"
It truly does matter. Every American should be made aware our military did not win the war. The politicians did. There are so many books that have been written by military folks on how the politics, the extremely poor management of the war on the part of President Johnson, and his DoD McNamara totally screwed things up. Historical facts, are available to show battle by battle how the US forces, ground, air, and sea, repetively pushed back and battered the Vietcong and their Chinese and Russian "supervisors". If Nixon was in during the Johnson years he would have given our military the authority to destroy the North Vietcong completely.
So it is important for Americans to understand our military did not lose the war, our politicans did, with of course the help of all the anti-war (communists sponsored) organizations and their puppets like Hanoi Jane and Lt J.F. Kerry who had no right to go to Paris and interfere. He should have been by all rights, tried in a military court for the treasonous acts he performed. NO EXCUSE. He was not permitted as a United States Naval Officer to meet with and enemy we where at war with. It is that simple. He is in violation of two or more UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice) articles as well as the 14 Amendment to our Constitution.
Hope this helps explain why Americans should not believe the L/MSM distortions during and up to today regarding who lost the Vietnam War. To many Americans sre to damn lazy and just don't care about seeking the truth on this issue. Well guess what. Saddam believed based on our supposed failure in NAM that we where nothing but "paper tigers", and would never attack him succesfully. So he just went on his happy way figuring America would just bomb him on occasions in the north and south no fly zones. And let him continue his dictatorship. Well this POTUS and his Father proved the theory wrong that America no longer can win wars.
Learn the mistakes from history, or risk repeating them...
As yet another Viet-Vet, I applaud those who seek to clarify the record in the face of so many who seek to re-write it with a revisionist agenda.
Be advised, farm, there are many of us 'Nam-era Vets roaming FR. Might keep that in mind.
Yes, it does. It is one of the central issues of late 20th-century history, and it constituted the greatest victory of lies, propaganda, and distortion ever recorded. That cannot stand. Too many of us who were there are still here and it's time the Cronkites and the Fondas and the Ramsey Clarks learn that we will no longer be silent. A million Vietnamese in labor camps and another million who took to the boats will no longer be silent. A lying, worthless demagogue named Kerry learned that last year. No more.
We will live to see the day when Vietnam is free as well as capitalist and we will spit on the memories of the liars and the self-righteous moral poseurs who dared to speak for a generation of whom they were not worthy. And we will mourn those who did not live to see that day and who deserved it even more than we.
"Does it really matter what happened so long ago ?"
Ouch. Something told me this question would get a few replies. It's an honest question, nonetheless.
I spent 8 months in the bush in Vietnam in an infantry unit and another 3 months working in Civil Affairs. I made many observations while I was there and spent years thinking about all that I experienced.
The Vietnam War was an example of how not to fight wars. I believe this is evident today in Iraq and Afghanistan, while the Vietnam lessons learned also influenced the way we fought the first Gulf War. There are, thankfully, few parallels that can be drawn between today's wars and Vietnam.
Getting back to your question, one point that can't be denied is that we abandoned our South Vietnamese allies after pledging our support for them. We even went to the point of cutting off all support via the Church Amendment after our troops had pulled out. Whether we like it or not, other nations will always remember this whenever they are faced with choosing between us and our enemies. "Will the US abandon us because of political reasons?" My guess is that the Iraqis feared a Kerry Presidency.
When I first got on the net almost ten years ago alot of people wondered why those who served in Vietnam couldn't "get over it". It's impossible, especially when one considers how long vets kept their experiences bottled up inside. So, your question gives guys like me an opportunity to express our feelings and sentiments. So, in light of this, have a nice day.
No kid, it dosen't.
Just make believe the world began the day you were born and everything will be alright.
Now pass me a another slice of pizza, and shut up. I'm trying to watch the rest of Jerry Springer!
I see you have been here a year. What do you remember a year ago that colors your beliefs today, especially since Vietnam was and is still being brought up by the MSM?
The past matters, especially the truth about the past.
Sadly.......and even here on FR........it matters to "ONLY TO THOSE WHO LIVED IT".
Your statement says more about you than you would likely ever admit.