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December 05, 2004
What do you know about Vietnam?
John Kerry brought Vietnam back into the Nation's eye this year, when he "reported for duty" based on his veteran status from the Vietnam War. Much ado was made by the left about the "battles" he fought and the "medals" he earned in Vietnam. John Kerry ran for president of the United States based upon his "hero" status, status he stole from the multitude of POWs whose lives he endangered, and the Veterans he denounced, abused and degraded in his climb to personal glory.
Kerry "reported for duty" in July of 2004, and four months later, he was sent back into obscurity, rejected by 61 million Americans. Ironically, his infamous four months of duty so long ago equals the duration of his infamous run for the White House.
In stark contrast to Kerry's self-glorification of his service in Vietnam is his own vilification of the Veterans who served with him. John Kerry shaped public opinion of the Vietnam War to his liking, without basis in fact, through his lies and his repeating of the lies of others, solicited by him in a naked grab for glory. He failed.
During the months before the election, I received many articles concerning the Vietnam War, what happened before, during and after, some written by veterans, others not. Opinion pieces, personal stories, poetry, humor, tirades, I read everything I received, and in fact, wrote a few myself.
At one point during those hectic months before the election, I received an article about the Vietnam War, written by K. G. Sears, Ph.D. I hesitated to share it at that time for one reason, and one reason alone, I did not want it to be looked at as just another anti-Kerry article by a Vietnam Veteran, because that is exactly what it is not.
This article, titled "Vietnam: Looking Back - At the Facts" by K. G. Sears, Ph.D. shatters the myths concerning the politics of the Vietnam War, and the duty and honor shown by the Veterans who fought the Vietnam War. What you think you know about Vietnam is wrong.
The article is part of an on-going work by Dr. Sears, and it is posted here with the permission of the author. All the usual yadda yadda applies, i.e., Dr. Sears is not affiliated with me, or with lindasog.com, I make no claim to copywrite or ownership of the article, it is the work of Dr. Sears, and it may not be reproduced or reprinted, in whole or in part, without the express permission of Dr. Sears.
If you so choose, you may post comments concerning this article here, they will be forwarded to Dr. Sears.
Without further ado: "Vietnam: Looking Back - At the Facts" by K. G. Sears, Ph.D.
Posted by LindaSoG at December 5, 2004 08:42 AM
Comments
This is an extremely well written and authored article on Vietnam.
It points out the political failure of our government, and the reason why many of us still suffer over Vietnam today.
Its analysis of the media's influence was extremely astute, and how the unconscionable drive for money and ratings was able to create a climate of chaos and discord within the American population. Regretfully this is still true today, and shows just how gullable many Americans are and can be influenced not by what their intelligence tells them, but by the one(s) who shout the loudest.
5-Star General Douglas MacArthur said it quite simply during WW II:
"The unfailing formula for production of morale is patriotism, self-respect, discipline, and self-confidence within a military unit, joined with fair treatment and merited appreciation from without. It cannot be produced by pampering or coddling an army, and is not necessarily destroyed by hardship, danger, or even calamity . . . It will quickly wither and die if soldiers come to believe themselves the victims of indifference or injustice on the part of their government, or of ignorance, personal ambition, or ineptitude on the part of their leaders."
The only portion I have a question on is under "Other Aspects - American POW's Vietnam" is shows a number of 771. Perhaps I misunderstand the statistical basis for this, however, may I offer the following for consideration:
http://www.pow-miafamilies.org/powmiastatus.html
July 20, 2004
"1,855 Americans are still missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War, though over 450 were at sea/over water losses: Vietnam - 1,416 (VN-493; VS-923); Laos - 377; Cambodia - 55; Peoples Republic of China territorial waters - 7. The League seeks the return of all US prisoners, the fullest possible accounting for those still missing and repatriation of all recoverable remains."
I would like to personally thank K. G. Sears, Ph.D, for the enormous effort put forth in this undertaking, and presenting the facts in an exceptional manner. Thank you.
Posted by: Philip E. Giammarco DAV (USAF) at December 5, 2004 11:48 AM
Lived through this story as a volunteer in Nam. Those who ran to Canada, to Sweden, or under Mommy's bed joined together to become a virus in the very fabric of America. We fought and won, and then these losers, and a willing press, became part and parcel of our enemies within. America. Today, these less then Americans are still seeking to destroy all we have been or could be. This story needs to be spread as wide as possible across the net, so as to by-pass the media shield. America needs to remember the truth, and honor our true history, or these life failures will win over the real America. Thanks for presenting the facts with such skill, and adding the references. We who went to Nam were not baby-killers or monsters, just Americans. This is not something those who ran away have the right to claim.
Posted by: Johnn 'Trike' Schroeder at December 5, 2004 03:28 PM
I am happy to read a article that finally puts the correct facts about VietNam on the table. Too long American Veterans continue to pay the price for anti-war creeps who try to change history to fit into their twisted mixed up world.
GOD Bless all American Veterans.
GOD Bless America
Pass on to future generations.
Posted by: Daniel at December 6, 2004 10:18 AM
The Vietnam story is very good. It is important to get this out to new generations
GOD Bless America
NEVER FORGET 9-11-01
Posted by: DANIEL HILDOER at December 18, 2004 09:54 PM