This is a very disturbing story. The " academic " dismisses the reality of returning Vietnam Vets as an "urban legend" and says "we should ignore anyone who tries to tell us otherwise". He is right that the "meaning of Vietnam is created through the stories we tell each other."
An entire generation accepted the "stories" John Kerry and his ilk told this country about our soldiers activities and who these men were. The entire country believed the lies..the "stories". There wasn't the chance to tell the "true stories" ..and there were no "embedded reporters". And John Kerry was never made to apologize, say that he had lied, so the "stories" were kept alive as true until the Swiftees broke through decades of the Big Lie.
This is the first time in our country's history since Vietnam War that the Truth, the stories of Truth have come out!
I would like this "so called communications academic" to get out of his cushy, ivory tower job to really get into "communications". I am not a Vietnam Vet. However I have been a psychotherapist for over 20 years and I have "communicated" with Vietnam Vets. Their reality is true. This academic has probably never heard of Post Traumatic Stress disorder. He has probably never heard the vet "stories" about how their return after the war really was. There was no validation about what they had been through and no recognition, and in addition they had to face Kerry's lies. Kerry's traitorous behavior was not just limited to the effects on soldiers and POW's in Vietnam, but also for those that never had any treatment for the reality of the war when they came home. And worse than that they had to "hide" who they were because they were not validated when they came home.
Today, when soldiers come home, we recognize the trauma they have been through and validate their honor and their pain and offer help and support. We help them see the true meaning of their valiant effort, hoping they can heal, not only physically but also psychologically and spiritually.
This academic, like John Kerry, continues the lies and dishonours brave soldiers. to do that is not just political drival....To do that is a crime against the soul.
Call me, Dr. LLewellyn. I'd be glad to "communicate" with you.
Thank you for your wonderful post. For sure that is not just political drivel, it is INDEED a crime against the soul. Many vets are starting to feel some relief from the scourge of Kerry, hopefully many will be able to seek and receive the thing they need the most: a warm welcome from the American public and recognition of their sacrifices.
Oh yeah, Dr. LLewellyn: You can kiss this veteran's rosey red ass!