Mickey Z

Cool Observer

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Monday, December 04, 2006

Vietnam, Iraq, and the M Word

Jimmy Carter was the latest to use the M Word. The former president said he believes the “occupancy of Iraq and all the consequences of it are a big mistake.” This echoes John Kerry’s infamous 1971 question: “How do you ask a man to die for a mistake?” Hmm…perhaps recalling a few details about the Vietnam “mistake” might shine some light on the Iraq “blunder.”

In April 1954, Vice President Richard Nixon explained the need for U.S. intervention in Southeast Asia: “The Vietnamese lack the ability to conduct a war or govern themselves.” Over the next two decades, the U.S. (by mistake?) dropped the equivalent of one 500-pound bomb for every person living in Vietnam. (Those bomber doors really needed better latches.)

Complete article here