[PGR88]

I haven’t been to North Vietnam, but have travelled to the Southern Provinces many times over the last 5 years. I have found only goodwill towards Americans.

[DustyMoment]

So glad to know that over 55,000 young American men lost their lives and tens of thousands more were maimed or injured fighting a meaningless war there 40 years ago so that a unified communist Vietnam could buy its way to prosperity with America!!!

Truly a heartwarming story.

[BIGLOOK]

Note.

[Lexinom]

bookmark

[Tainan]

[Billthedrill]

Saigon - I don't know where Ho Chi Minh City is and don't care to - was and remains the cultural capital of the country, with the highest education level and the highest productivity. And yes, they've always had to watch out for their neighbors to the north - that would be the Tonkin people, who achieved a centuries-long aim of hegemony over the south with the help of America's enemies: the Soviet Union, the People's Republic of China, the international Left, and their fellow travelers within the U.S. media.

They've declared victory but I'm not so sure. I'll happily shake the hand of the representatives of the Vietnamese government - the new, freely-elected, non-Communist government - at which point the war truly will be over. Until then if their thugs have a problem with the Chinese thugs both sets can kiss this pissed-off veteran's ass.

[LZ_Bayonet]

"More important still are the “animal spirits” of the place. Adam Smith—or Jane Jacobs for that matter—would enjoy the very un-socialistic frenzy as motorcyclists barrel down the streets like possessed demons, with little regard to walking lanes or lights. Everyone not on the government payroll seems to be hustling something, or looking to."

This is NOT new. This was the way it was in 1967. When I remembered this "spirit" I always doubted that the Commies would be able to repress it. And, I believe the non-colonial based effort of the US and interaction with the American GI only served to reinforce that spirit. I'm still not absolutely sure we "lost" that war. Give it another 25 years.

[blueunicorn6]

The Socialist Paradise! Come and see our comrades earning $100 a month while the communist party heads drive around in limousines! Communism is just lies and a way for people who couldn’t get enough votes to be treasurer of the audio/visual club in high school to take control of a nation and enrich themselves. “We will have land reform! Step away from my limousine kid, you might scratch it.”

[onedoug]

VN ping again....

[Ronald_Magnus]

I'd visit the place,...uh,.. if I could leave my wife at home.