A Noble Soldier, Not a Great Soldier

NRO ^ | July 22, 2005 | Mackubin Thomas Owens

[neverdem]

It's been long enough since I posted Gen. Westmoreland, Who Led U.S. in Vietnam, Dies. I would forget this critique by Owens if I waited longer.

[ex-snook]

If he thought Johnson and McNamara were wrong, he should have said so. Someone has to speak for the grunts.

[PeoplesRepublicOfWashington]

The real reason we lost the Vietnam War is because of useful idiots like sKerry and the weak-kneed 'Rats who were in power at the time they offered SE Asia up to the Commies on a silver platter. The blood of the resulting political carnage in the region will be forever on their hands.

[pabianice]

I'll never forget or forgive Johnson's and McNamara's edict that we not be allowed to carry any defensive weapons -- even pistols in our survival vests -- in order not to annoy the enemy. And I'll never forgive John Kerry for giving aid and comfort to the enemy.

It's now 2005 and Kerry has still refused to release his 1972 Navy discharge -- the one that says "under other than honorable conditions." But I'm sure Hillary will release it when the time is right.

[Sam the Sham]

Bull.

The reason we lost in Vietnam was something this article alludes to.

We were so damn sure of ourselves. It never entered our minds that we could ever fail. Westmoreland was so sure of American invincibility that he didn't want "gooks" gumming up the works. That damn 60's certainty in 'rehabilitation and therapy' ending crime and poverty, in 'nation building' in the omnipotence of the state guided by therapeutic management is why we took the possibility of failure so lightly.

[conservatism_IS_compassion]

Must-read analysis of the strategy, consequences and lessons of Vietnam:

Mom, Apple Pie, and the Ghost of Quagmires Past

[neverdem]

Thanks for the link. I don't have time to read it now. It's my third different wake in a week.

[Tallguy]

We were so damn sure of ourselves. It never entered our minds that we could ever fail.

Well, Westmoreland does deserve some blame for ignoring the 'political side', but then we Americans were used to having competent commanders-in-chief residing in the White House. LBJ was basically pursuing the Great Society while trying not to lose the Vietnam War. Trying not to lose is a sure way to do just that.

[neverdem]

From time to time, I’ll ping on noteworthy articles about politics, foreign and military affairs. FReepmail me if you want on or off my list.

[GadareneDemoniac]

I would have to say that Gen. Westmoreland had no control over dealing with the 'political side' of the communist war effort because it was waged right here in the good old USA. I spent four long, miserable years in college from 1966 to 1970 and I can tell you that the things I heard and saw made me sick.

Don't even try to tell me that there wasn't an active fifth-column in full operation on the campuses then. And it still exists. That's why the people who would like to destroy our way of life are making noises about the draft. If that came back, it would be 1968 all over again, and they know it.

I am very bitter about what some people in my generation did - and are still doing - and I pray that one day I'll live to see some of the SOB's swing from a post.

[jwalsh07]

Giap won the war by winning the political battle on the streets of America with the help of the press, Hoolywood and assorted left wingers.

Yes, McNamara and Johnson never had any intention of winning and yes Westmoreland neglected the politics and training of the SV.

But the lesson to be learned is the lesson taught by General Giap, America can be defeated only from within on the streets of America.

[G.Mason]

Ping bump.

No comment.

[conservatism_IS_compassion]

I am very bitter about what some people in my generation did

Please follow the link in my #6. It's long - but Vietnam is a long story. Very impressive and inspiring work by Freeper marron.

[quadrant]

You have to remember that Westmoreland was a paratrooper, a soldier always will to act (or jump) before thinking.

[El Gato]

You have to remember that Westmoreland was a paratrooper, a soldier always will to act (or jump) before thinking.

Don't know many senior officers, do you? While I confess I only know a couple of generals personally, I've known lots of colonels personally, and a few generals sort of second hand. Whatever faults they might have, not thinking ahead, is rarely one of them.

[GOPJ]

Thanks for the ping.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[PeoplesRepublicOfWashington]

Nice try, but your perspective ignores history. A peace was negotiated successfully and enforced with a promise to be upheld by US bombing. When the commies broke the treaty (what? lefties lying?) by invading the South, the 'Rats voted to prohibit expenditures to enforce the treaty. The result--the long-dreaded domino effect occurred, and millions lost their lives at the hands of the Democratic Party of the United States. Deal with it.

[UnbelievingScumOnTheOtherSide]

Bull.

In two weeks you are in Hanoi, Vietnam is unified, and the communists are reduced to scattered bands in the hills and their "strategy" means diddly.

Ever see "Bambi vs. Godzilla"?

[neverdem]

Bull.

In two weeks you are in Hanoi, Vietnam is unified, and the communists are reduced to scattered bands in the hills and their "strategy" means diddly.

Ever see "Bambi vs. Godzilla"?

I have no idea what you mean.