Random comments after too quick a scan of additional postings that certainly deserve more attention--

It's important at a certain level to argue Rep vs. Demo. or Whig or Tory or whatever. At this level we're talking about, all that matters is if were human and choose to recognize our obligations to fellow humans, regardless of their race, etc.

Maybe I failed in 1968-69 to act in a totally moral manner. I had less excuse than some, having actually taken some Asian Studies courses in college. But I went to RVN anyway, because that's where I was ordered to go. I applaud Spaw and others whose clarity of vision was greater.

Somebody back there said Calley did no wrong, and/or, if he did, it was justified by the fact that he was following orders. Gong! That's the "Eichmann defense." Befehl ist befehl. Only they aren't.

Saying they were all Cong is wishthink; read Vietnamese sources. A lot of them were just apolitical farmers who wanted the round-eyes and the Northerners both to go away and stop killing their buffalo and running tanks through the paddies. Recall, please, that we try (sometimes) to operate on the presumption of innocence. "Kill 'em all and let God sort it out" was twisted humor, maybe, but not a prescription for humane action.

Heard last night on the news that brother Kerry went to the big peace demo in Washington where everybody threw their medals on the capital steps. He threw his ribbons, they say, but kept the medals. Wanted to have his cake and eat it too. And this is "presidential??" Not to me.

Who said they were in a good mood before this thread came along. Hmmm. For once I don't feel like ending with a cryptically facetious paradox, so I must be in the same category.

CC