I don't know if Viet Nam was right or wrong. The older I get the less clear I become on what is right and what is wrong. Maybe the experience has altered me more than I realize. What I do know about the fight I was involved in is this -

I went with a profound sense of duty to my country. I had a deep conviction that as an American I was obliged (call that obligated) to assist when the people we elected said we needed to go do something. I firmly believed that I could also help those in need. As Marines we were also tasked with assisting the folks caught in the cross fire of this engagement. We dug wells, helped bring in crops, built roads, set up medical stations throughout the little villages we encountered, treated eye infections in little folks, introduced anti-biotics, brought badly needed food to the starving, and by and large stopped shooting when villagers were in the line of fire. One of my buddies has a Bronze Star for doing this and still performing the mission he was assigned. The ideology I went to Viet Nam with is still valid in my life today.

It's pretty easy to lable those of us who choose to fight as killers (yes I've killed other people), no brainer trash that know no better (I volunteered and I am not the sharpest tack in the box), and beneath those who chose to not fight. The moral high ground is owned by neither side.

I fought for Capitalism. I don't have a problem with that. We are really a blended country - a rich mixture of Capitalism, Socialism, and Communism. I fought for all of that also. I fought for those that chose not to go as well. I fought for the freedom to be who I am to the best of my ability. So in my opinion Viet Nam was not a mistake. It was, to me, a reinforcement of my country's willingness to step in and do what we believed needed doing. It isn't about right or wrong.

Like Claymore I receive a disabilty check each month from the Department of Veteran's Affairs for my injuries in the line of duty. That pension is Socialism. I live in a small community that is more than willing to share its wealth with others. That is Communism. And I buy and sell to increase my monthly bartering substance, known as money. That is Capitalism. So what part of all of this don't you get?

I guess I don't agree with most of the posters here in the regard that if I won't stand for one thing I will not stand for anything. Sometimes I need to shut up and color and let the big dogs feed. One thing I do think - if one person makes a morally correct decision for themselves then that is the correct decision for them. But to denigrate another's choice is not acceptable social behavior in my world. I am proud of my choices in life. If for no other reason than I have learned something from them. To refight the war is to not learn and therefore to lose.

None of this is directed at anyone here. I've close friends on every side of this fence and in this forum. On the other hand it is directed at everyone including me. Make peace with your choices.

One other comment - and anyone here can answer this - Why is it that America's President is all of these derogatory things I keep reading? He is a human being, capable of all of the emotions that the rest of you are. Why is it so necessary to be so mean? What do you gain from it? You don't know the man nor do you know his life. Perhaps he didn't serve because his father did and opted to keep him out of the insanity. If this is the criteria then add me to that list. I did the same thing with my Son.

SemperFidelis,

Steve