My experiences are similar to some, and I am surprized at the reponses that differ from mine. During the late sixties, and to the present, I have been involved, one way or another in working class politics. I was actively opposed to the Viet Nam war, but never against the folks who were forced to serve...they were friends and neighbors, and when they came home, more often than not, they would "explain" to my detractors that the war was being fought to make southeast asia safe for big business. (we didn't call it corporate america, back then). I also worked closely with members of VVAW. I remember with clarity the young vets, who looked like hippies in camo...marching together in a small town 4th of July parade, separate from the VFW...because the VFW and American Legion wouldn't accept them. Many brought huge problems home with them, including drugs and diseases that many still feel are chemical exposure related. Many brought memories of things that they would only talk about, after a long night of drinking. Some were frightening to be around because they had not really readjusted to a life outside of their identity as soldiers. But, never did I witness anyone spitting on these guys. What I did witness is young men returning to high unemployment, an economy that some had a three or four year headstart in, because they did not have to go...and in some ways,I guess, that could be called "spitting".

I saw a lot of political posturing about these guys who were spit on. It was almost like the key to the code that drove our present politics so much further to the right than it had ever been. The same leaders who sent people to kill and die, used that lie to elect the bush's reagans, the armys, delays, etc....