Jane Fonda: ‘Hanoi Jane’ Moment Was A ‘Huge Mistake’

[August]

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

When the British and the Americans supported the French

No, we didn't start the war between the Viet Minh and the so-called Republic of Vietnam. We did, however, side with "our" bloody dictator against "their" bloody dictator for the sole reason that "their" guy was a Godless Communist, and 58,000 of our boys died in what was essentially a civil war. The cause was wrong, our involvement was wrong, and as I've said before we should never have been there in the first place. Our government lied to us and sent us there for reasons most of us still don't understand, and I'm guessing they didn't either.

No argument Steve but then again hindsight is always 20-20. In the late 50's when we first started sending troops over there Communism was something that had to be fought. You're right that Vietnam was essentially a civil war but it was one that both sides had outside support. The Russians and Chinese weren't going to stop supporting Ho Chi Minh if we had refused to support Diem.

[Sailor Steve]

Originally Posted by August

No argument Steve but then again hindsight is always 20-20. In the late 50's when we first started sending troops over there Communism was something that had to be fought. You're right that Vietnam was essentially a civil war but it was one that both sides had outside support. The Russians and Chinese weren't going to stop supporting Ho Chi Minh if we had refused to support Diem.

That's true too. The problem I have is that there can be a fine line between having a good cause, a good reason, and a good excuse. My personal opinion is that we crossed that line and then some. On the other hand so did they, which quickly brings up the same question all over again.

As usual I don't have any answers. I tend to react strongly to people whose expressed opinions seem to me to indicate that they think they do have the answers.

"I know I don't know anything, but I think you only think you do."
-Me, from a song I wrote a few years back called 'Menace to Society'

[August]

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

That's true too. The problem I have is that there can be a fine line between having a good cause, a good reason, and a good excuse.

Agreed. What was that quote about the road to hell being paved with good intentions?