[poochee]

I recall a lot of news and investigation of atrocities during the Vietnam war. Why all the denial?? All you have to do is type in vietnam atrocities on the web and you will find plenty of reading material. It all can't be false, can it?????

[linskyjack]

There were atrocities but in the era of radical right wing double speak, there was only one--Mei Lai.

[Fidelista]

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs...y=SRTIGERFORCE

Hello Poochee. I am suprised at denial also. I believe some people simply cannot handle the facts. Also, it is a tool of attack by certain conservatives , against Mr. Kerry.
The disaster that was the Viet Nam war is history and should be accepted honestly, and learned from. Hiding from the truth will not make it go away.
I , and every decent person wished these things didnt happen, but they did.
The Vietnamese , both North and South are just as guilty, it was a dirty war.
I am not speaking from personal experiece, but only from what I have read and heard.
Perhaps the subject should put behind us, if we can't deal with it constructively???>f

[Chicon]

Atrocities in a war are unavoidable as war is atrocity in itself. And that atrocity starts at the moment the idea of innocent persons may be harmed for whatever purpose is a part of a large concensus that leads to the use of violence.
And 'violence completes partial mind'.

[poochee]

I find it interesting that only three people, so far, have had comments to make. Are we the only ones facing reality and moving on?

[linskyjack]

Its hard for the right wingers in this forum to accept the fact that Vietnam wasn't a noble undertaking. Therefore I doubt you will get many comments.

[Fidelista]

Poochee, I think that the subject of war crimes is an interesting one, esp where it involves my country {U.S.}, but because of remarks made by Mr Kerry about U.S. crimes, it is a touchy subject. He was correct and those who say they didnt happen are wrong. This could be looked at by some as Bush Bashing!. Perhaps after the election, this subject can be explored more objectively.
I agree with Chicon that Atrocities in war are unavoidable---BUT should be limited with all our power---they should never be ignored, never justified, and always punished.>f

[Infidel_Kastro]

Originally Posted by Fidelista

Poochee, I think that the subject of war crimes is an interesting one, esp where it involves my country {U.S.}, but because of remarks made by Mr Kerry about U.S. crimes, it is a touchy subject. He was correct and those who say they didnt happen are wrong. This could be looked at by some as Bush Bashing!. Perhaps after the election, this subject can be explored more objectively.
I agree with Chicon that Atrocities in war are unavoidable---BUT should be limited with all our power---they should never be ignored, never justified, and always punished.>f

In regards to Mr. Kerry, its one thing to witness a war crime, and its another not to report what you saw, and its another to make accusations of war crimes using anecdotal, 3rd hand information with no proof to give.
Look at My Lai, it was investigated and prosecuted based on evidence, something that Kerry did not provide.
Accusations are just that, accusations.

[linskyjack]

Once again IF is making no sense. The war crimes of Vietnam are clearly documented---recently in fact the Tiger Brigade has come under investigation. The fact remains that at the time Kerry was demonstrating against the war, there were many men coming forward with horrific stories about US atrocities. You can try to ignore it, but this country has had some pretty horrible moments in its history. If you choose to live in your fantasy world fine.... but remember you were not there and YOU have no idea of what you are talking about.

[brite750]

There is no nobilty in war, the Geneva convention is a farce, it was an attempt to try to get your prisoners threated humanly, by the enemy, but very seldomly adhereded to. Civilians are always casualties, so I'm not sure what a war crime is, you do what you need to do to win, because you sure as hell know the enemy is going to do it to you.

[Fidelista]

Originally Posted by brite750

There is no nobilty in war, the Geneva convention is a farce, it was an attempt to try to get your prisoners threated humanly, by the enemy, but very seldomly adhereded to. Civilians are always casualties, so I'm not sure what a war crime is, you do what you need to do to win, because you sure as hell know the enemy is going to do it to you.

The Geneva convention 'is' an attempt ---not 'was' an attempt, and if a farce, only because there are those who resist it. They are , by agreed norms--criminals.
The last part of your post sounds like you believe that any behavior is ok, as long as you believe it furthers your cause---thats interesting.
I assume beheadings--torture of civilians---rape--and car-bombings---aircraft flown into civilian buildings?---"you do what you need to do to win because they may do it to you"?. I think you need to examine what you are saying. I do agree with statement "there is no nobility in war" ---BUT there is nobility in the majority of our people and our soldiers who fight the wars.
This has to be preserved , the best way we can.>f

[linskyjack]

War crime---study the Tiger Brigade---you will learn about war crimes. American's have this fantasy that when we are at war we are somehow more noble then the enemy. We are no better and no worse.

[poochee]

I agree with you!!

[Fidelista]

Originally Posted by linskyjack

War crime---study the Tiger Brigade---you will learn about war crimes. American's have this fantasy that when we are at war we are somehow more noble then the enemy. We are no better and no worse.

linsky--- I knew a little about the Tiger Brigade---but not much until I posted the link. Have been reading all evening!!
Thank you for the post Poochee---Fidelista has learned a few things! >f

[poochee]

You are welcome!