Posted on 05/20/2016 5:10:16 AM PDT by LoneCrusader
CAM RANH BAY, Vietnam — The ghosts of the Vietnam War have finally faded at the strategic port of Cam Ranh Bay. More than 40 years ago, US forces left this massive base where Marines landed, B-52s loaded up for bombing raids, and wounded US soldiers were treated.
Now, some Vietnamese say they are yearning for the US military to return.
"On Facebook, there was a question recently: What do you want from President Obama's visit?" said Vo Van Tao, 63, who fought as a young North Vietnamese infantry soldier against the United States. "Some people said they wanted democracy. I said I wanted the Americans to come back to Cam Ranh Bay. A lot of people agreed with me."
President Barack Obama is scheduled to arrive Sunday in Vietnam, the third visit by a US president since the war ended. The big question he is expected to answer is whether Washington will lift a partial arms embargo and allow Vietnam to buy lethal weapons from the United States. The Communist government has long asked for the ban to be revoked, and US access to Cam Ranh Bay could be part of the payoff.
(Excerpt) Read more at timesofindia.indiatimes.com ...
The hell with them. We offered and they kicked us out. They still persecute the people who did want our help.
Have funny being China’s commie vassal.
That's a problem. Ditch the communism, guys, and maybe we can consider it.
Do they plan to apologize for what they did to our POW’s?
Actually Vietnam considers China their biggest threat. 90% of their defensive radar is directed toward China.
Let Nike pay for the Cong defense.
Wonder if Obi will apologize for Democrats under JFK implementing Operation Hades?
Eric Burdon, in his book “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” (on page 79) had an interesting anecdote about Jimi:
“Jimi was the first American to talk to me about the war . . . in 1968 in his apartment. As the riot ensued outside the embassy [between Vietnam War protesters and mounted policemen], we smoked a joint and talked.
“So, what do you think of all that’s going on down there?”
“His answer shook me. ‘Listen, man, when the Red Chinese come screaming down over the borders of Laos, Cambodia, and North Vietnam, and take over the whole of the Far East and Asia, you’ll understand why the U. S. is trying so hard in Vietnam.’
“I couldn’t believe it. In his head, he was still a soldier. He’d just decided to lay down the M-16 and pick up a guitar.”
The US just slapped a 500+% tariff on Chinese steel, effectively shutting them out of the USA market. President Xi is furious, reportedly.
Unless US Steel, Nucor, etc., make their steel with solar powered energy, I doubt obama cares about the steel industry.
This, Vietnam visit, provocations in the Spratleys are all meant to rile up Beijing and get them to stand on their hind legs. Connect the dots -
A Neocon’s wet dream...
And Hanoi made a deal with the Devil to kick us out and butcher the South.
That is their own fault.
We would be stupid to go back.
Let the Chinese and the Vietnamese fight it out.
And didn’t the Chinese get it in the teeth when they tried it last time?
I am sure the NVA has nice Nike shoes for all of their troops.
The Cong kicked Chinese ass with US made equipment left behind. After the USA left, Vietnam had the 4th largest Army in the world. And one of the best equipped.
No sir, not a chance. The only way we return is if South Vietnam returns or the whole country throws off communism. Otherwise, they should be on their own.
No way.
Kerry could lead them ashore from a duck boat
“Do they plan to apologize for what they did to our POW’s?”
Funny, a lot of us are wondering if Songbird McCain is going to apologize for what HE did to our POW’s after he himself came home and became a Senator.
Mixed feelings on this one.
There is a need to check the Chicoms. On the other hand, f’em we tried to help them once before.
And other issues...
5.56mm
It would be a flanking gambit to have Navy in Indochina
Here is an interesting map showing offshore claims by countries and international waters.
Zoom in on the south China sea and turn on the “the color zones” button on the left at the link below. Interesting.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.