Vietnam War

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

If you haven't done so yet make an effort to watch Ken Burns' Vietnam War series on PBS. It is very informative, and IMO, very objective. Everything about our involvement in Vietnam was screwed up beginning with President Woodrow Wilson. Everything that is, except for the commitment and dedication of the men and women who served in the Armed Forces over there. They really deserved a better homecoming than what they got. But at the time we were living under the fear of the "Red Scare" which helps to explain some of the botched up management of it all.

If you missed the episodes already broadcast they are available on PBS.org or on the PBS channel on Roku.

[RinconRyder]

I second your opinion after having watched the first three episodes as well as reading "Dereliction Of Duty: The Lies That Led To Vietnam" by the current National Security Officer H.R. McMaster.

The two stories are virtually in lock step with regard to the misunderstandings, mistakes and outright crimes committed by those in charge (from the president on down) beginning with Truman. There is no mention of Woodrow Wilson that I recall nor do I think he is in any way responsible other than the American presidents of that era all supported the colonial system which all European countries had and which directly led to the Vietnam War.

[UtahPete]

If you haven't done so yet make an effort to watch Ken Burns' Vietnam War series on PBS. It is very informative, and IMO, very objective. Everything about our involvement in Vietnam was screwed up beginning with President Woodrow Wilson. Everything that is, except for the commitment and dedication of the men and women who served in the Armed Forces over there. They really deserved a better homecoming than what they got. But at the time we were living under the fear of the "Red Scare" which helps to explain some of the botched up management of it all.

If you missed the episodes already broadcast they are available on PBS.org or on the PBS channel on Roku.

I've been meaning to watch that. Thanks for the reminder.

[jerpinoy]

For all of us Vietnam Vets. We just did what we have to do and finding the truth is always too late. Transparency should always be with our government. Leaders that are incompetent use us the pawns. All of us Americans and others should watch this history so mistakes will not be repeated.

[Trickie Dick]

Good series. Brings back a lot of memories. Watching it today I saw a guy I was in the Corps with.

[melodys39]

If you haven't done so yet make an effort to watch Ken Burns' Vietnam War series on PBS. It is very informative, and IMO, very objective. Everything about our involvement in Vietnam was screwed up beginning with President Woodrow Wilson. Everything that is, except for the commitment and dedication of the men and women who served in the Armed Forces over there. They really deserved a better homecoming than what they got. But at the time we were living under the fear of the "Red Scare" which helps to explain some of the botched up management of it all.

If you missed the episodes already broadcast they are available on PBS.org or on the PBS channel on Roku.

Thank you. My husband served in Vietnam, but passed away almost a year ago. I would like to know more.

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

There is no mention of Woodrow Wilson that I recall nor do I think he is in any way responsible other than the American presidents of that era all supported the colonial system which all European countries had and which directly led to the Vietnam War.

Yeah, you're pretty much right. Wilson's staff received reports about discontent among the people with the French and how the French turned a deaf ear to the cries of the people for independence. Ho Chi Minh hoped to get Wilson to persuade the French to grant independence but Wilson never was given, so never saw or learned about, the communications. It was the same with Roosevelt's administration, plus with WWII going on SE Asia was a non-priority.

Wilson and Roosevelt were mentioned early in the first episode.

[RinconRyder]

For all of us Vietnam Vets. We just did what we have to do and finding the truth is always too late. Transparency should always be with our government. Leaders that are incompetent use us the pawns. All of us Americans and others should watch this history so mistakes will not be repeated.

They already have been. Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.

The trick would be to quit electing criminal idiots to government.