Sick vets report on Agent Orange

Guam.com ^

[Stew Padasso]

Robert Burgett remembers hauling big steel drums of chemicals from naval facilities to the supply yards on Andersen Air Force Base when he was assigned on island for temporary duty in the late 1960s.

"We would move these barrels and stuff would spill and go all over us," he said. "We'd just wash off and keep going."

[Stew Padasso]

fyi

[Stew Padasso]

Drums containing chemical agents are shown at storage lot at Andersen Air Force Base in this photograph taken in the 1960s, said veteran Robert Burgett, who served on Guam at the time. Burgett said he was exposed to the pesticide Agent Orange, which has contributed to his major health problems, including cancer.

[BluH2o]

A friend of mine, who followed me into the Marine Corps, served with a tank unit in Vietnam. He was exposed to agent orange while in country, he died of cancer in the early seventies within 5 or 6 years of returning home. His name isn't on the "WALL" ... it should be.

[joesnuffy]

A Project Ranchand vet (who also died of Cancer aged 35) told me that they sprayed full concentration of the stuff rather than dilute it as recommended by the manufacturer....
It was truly amazing stuff..
Until you have seen a "cigarette ash" tree...or put your fist through one you dont understand what this stuff was capable of doing..
Unfortunatley drinking the water from bomb craters in this area and being sprayed on..probably isnt going to turn out to be the healthiest thing one could have done..
If one's tumors contain dioxine or other spray agent chemicals and one hasnt mades ones living using these same chemicals..the govt ought to step up to the plate and do the right thing..
But done count on the VA to do it....imo

[Atlas Sneezed]

Junk science by anecdote.

For a more truthful take by an outstanding conservative science journalist (reading his book "Science Under Siege" was the turning point in making me a conservative), check out:

http://www.fumento.com/suagent.html

But don't bother if your mind is already made up.

[Enemy Of The State]

I hope that his name is on the traveling Agent Orange Quilt. It is sad to see all those names on the quilt who should be considered to have died from injuries sustained in battle.

The govt. needs to take responsibility for it's actions, stop thumbing the wounds and take care of these men.

Illegal mexicans get better medical treatment than our own men and women who give themselves to preserve our freedom.

Sad, sad, sad...

[Question_Assumptions]

A friend's uncle served in Vietnam and loaded Agent Orange on to airplanes. He told my friend that the stuff came with instructions on how to safely handle it (wear protecting clothing, etc.). He followed those instructions and has had no cancer or other health problems.

While I don't think anyone deserves cancer, I think it might be helpful to look at the whole situation. Did the material come with handling warnings? Were they following them? Of course the men who had the stuff sprayed on them from above is another story.

[donozark]

Regret author continually uses word PESTICIDES, when in fact he should be using word HERBICIDES. Only confuses the issue.

I have read several versions of Fumento's bio. An attorney, yes. A former Army S/Sgt.-post VN. However, I find nothing re:an actual science background, other than his "lectures."

1)Do you know if he in fact has a background in microbiology or related field?

2)Also, since he is an attorney, has he ever represented any of the "chemical companies" involved in production of herbicides or any of their subsidiaries?

[donozark]

Author states, essentially, that Guam is more contaminated than Vietnam. According to the Hatfield Group, the Aluoi Valley (formerly Ashau Valley-I Corps, S. Vietnam) is the most contaminated area in the world. Herbicides, that is.

Hatfield Group has done extensive studies of various sites in Vietnam.

Regret author uses the word Pesticide. Should be Herbicide.

[Atlas Sneezed]

"I have read several versions of Fumento's bio. An attorney, yes. A former Army S/Sgt.-post VN. However, I find nothing re:an actual science background, other than his "lectures.""

He is a science journalist, not a scientist. His books are ample evidence of his ability to report what the scientific literature shows, and why the assertions of the enviros are scientifically unsound.

[donozark]

So then he compiles that literature which shows the conclusions he choses? Not to take sides on this isue but there is ample "evidence" to draw varying conclusions from the data. i.e. for every Scientist that concludes herbicides/dioxin are harmful, one can find an equally qualified scientist to conclude otherwise. And while it is true "enviros" and those with agendas have co-opted the issue, I try to stay neutral until perhaps the day comes that somehow the evidence will be conclusive, one way or the other.

Many, many scientists have participated in the National Academy of Science studies on herbicide use in Vietnam. Not mere "enviros." However, "mileage will vary..."

[Atlas Sneezed]

"So then he compiles that literature which shows the conclusions he choses?"

No, he reviews and reports all the scientific literature. When the actual science proves incompatible with politically correct (including pro-military) opinion, there are plenty of adversaries who would be delighted to find the studies you imagine he is ignoring. After many years on many hot-buttin issues, it seems that his critics have not found such smoking guns.

I suggest actually reading what he writes, check out his website, and read the book that turned me from a liberal to a conservative ("Science Under Siege"). Fumento is genuinely worth a look.

[donozark]

My friend, you are missing my point...if he doesn't have the educational background (science) then how is he qualified to review and report on the research of profession scientists, other than as a "lay person?"

[donozark]

"...professional scientists."