"Effort to honor Vietnam veterans is sputtering; 50th anniversary has few events set" by Bryan Bender | Globe Staff, May 18, 2012
WASHINGTON - They returned home to a politically traumatized nation that treated them with indifference and scorn.
Now, veterans’ advocates fear the country will again miss an opportunity to recognize the toil and torment of the 3 million service members sent to fight the Vietnam War. The Pentagon’s plans to celebrate the veterans - five years in the making - are sputtering.
This Memorial Day is supposed to be the curtain-raiser for a series
of gatherings to mark the 50th anniversary of the beginning of US
involvement in the decade-plus war and to honor those who served. Yet
few events are planned and crucial corporate sponsorship is nonexistent.
Most veterans have not even heard about the effort....
And as we all know, nothing can be gotten off the ground without crucial corporate sponsorship. Who do you think brings you the wars?
The exact dates of American involvement have been disputed. The United States first sent military advisers in 1959; massive escalation came when Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin resolution in 1964.
You mean the Gulf of Tonkin false flag that no one talks about and acts as if it was a one-off aberration?
This year was chosen by the Pentagon to kick off the 50th commemoration because in 1962 the Pentagon first authorized a Vietnam service ribbon for troops sent to Southeast Asia. It was also the year President Kennedy increased military advisers from a few hundred to several thousand, to assist South Vietnamese forces fighting the North Vietnamese communists....
And look at the Pentagon that had a hand in his killing try to pin the mass-murdering exercise on the guy who was shot because he wanted to end it.
In my mind the war truly began after Tonkin when LBJ sent 500,000 men -- at least, here at home. It had been going on for a lot longer for the Vietnamese.
And as we all know, nothing can be gotten off the ground without crucial corporate sponsorship. Who do you think brings you the wars?
The exact dates of American involvement have been disputed. The United States first sent military advisers in 1959; massive escalation came when Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin resolution in 1964.
You mean the Gulf of Tonkin false flag that no one talks about and acts as if it was a one-off aberration?
This year was chosen by the Pentagon to kick off the 50th commemoration because in 1962 the Pentagon first authorized a Vietnam service ribbon for troops sent to Southeast Asia. It was also the year President Kennedy increased military advisers from a few hundred to several thousand, to assist South Vietnamese forces fighting the North Vietnamese communists....
And look at the Pentagon that had a hand in his killing try to pin the mass-murdering exercise on the guy who was shot because he wanted to end it.
In my mind the war truly began after Tonkin when LBJ sent 500,000 men -- at least, here at home. It had been going on for a lot longer for the Vietnamese.
It was only last year that the Department of Veterans Affairs approved disability benefits for a particular heart ailment affecting an estimated 200,000 Vietnam vets exposed to jungle defoliants.....
Related: Vietnamese Seeing Red Over Agent Orange
Mission accomplished.
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"Obama praises Vietnam veterans’ contributions; Urges US to mark 50th anniversary and show thanks" by Ken Thomas | Associated Press, May 29, 2012
WASHINGTON - President Obama paid tribute Monday to the men and women who have died defending America, pointing to Vietnam veterans as an underappreciated and sometimes maligned group of war heroes who remained true to their nation despite an unwelcome homecoming.
Oh, he trotted out that old "spit on at the airport" myth.
And I don't think tools of a criminal empire should be worshiped.
“You were sometimes blamed for the misdeeds of a few,’’ Obama said at the Vietnam War Memorial. “You came home and were sometimes denigrated when you should have been celebrated. It was a national shame, a disgrace that should have never happened.’’
“Even though some Americans turned their backs on you, you never turned your back on America,’’ Obama said.
The president also designated May 28 to Nov. 11 for commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. He urged Americans to honor Vietnam veterans with programs, ceremonies, and activities.
Seig heil!
And hey, I AM ALL FOR the TROOPS getting the PAY and BENEFITS THEY EARNED! It's the FIRST LINE ITEM in the BUDGET! What BOTHERS ME is the mind-manipulating myths told by the LIARS that SEND THEM and KEEP THEM in harm's way.
To mark Memorial Day, the president spoke in front of the black granite memorial honoring the more than 58,000 service members who died in the Vietnam War.
Earlier at Arlington National Cemetery across the Potomac River from the capital, Obama noted that for the first time in nine years, “Americans are not fighting and dying in Iraq,’’ and the nation was winding down its role in Afghanistan.
Maybe you wouldn't mind taking a trip through Arlington?
“After a decade under the dark cloud of war, we can see the light of the new day on the horizon,’’ Obama said to an audience gathered at the Arlington amphitheater lined with American flags under a warm, brilliant sun.
Are you sure it isn't the Israeli train of war against Iran?
Obama said the nation must remain committed to providing for the families of fallen soldiers and help returning service members seeking a job, higher education or health care benefits.
“As long as I’m president, we will make sure you and your loved ones will receive the benefits you’ve earned and the respect you deserve,’’ the president said. “America will be there for you.’’
Obama said sending troops into harm’s way was “the most wrenching decision that I have to make. And I can promise you I will never do so unless it’s absolutely necessary.’’
Iran will be the test.
As he seeks reelection, Obama has reminded the public about the end of the war in Iraq and the move to bring all troops home from Afghanistan by 2014. And in a campaign ad released last week, he credits US service members who helped in the raid that killed Osama bin Laden.
Please stop bringing up that crapper.
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, who spoke before the president, said that Arlington National Cemetery, which is the final resting place for more than 14,000 service members, is “a constant reminder that freedom is not free.’’
The mind-numbing cliches are going to put me in the ground.
About 6,400 US military personnel have died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and more than 48,000 have been wounded, according to the Defense Department.
The president and Michelle Obama started the day with a breakfast at the White House for families who have lost loved ones in combat.
The Obamas also met Monday with 24 women accepted into the Navy’s nuclear submarine program. It’s the first time women are being assigned to the submarine force, according to a White House statement.
See: Slow Saturday Special: Diver Down
Michelle Obama will sponsor the USS Illinois, a future Navy submarine named after her home state. The Virginia-class attack submarine is being built in Groton, Conn., and Newport News, Va. The new submarine is expected to join the fleet in late 2015.
Hey, look what I caught in the Boston Globe fishing net.
As sponsor, Michelle Obama will establish a special link to the ship’s sailors and their families.
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney on Monday promised to maintain an American military “with no comparable power anywhere in the world.’’
See: Meet the Mormons
The presumptive Republican presidential nominee appeared with Senator John McCain of Arizona, the GOP’s 2008 presidential candidate, before a crowd of about 5,000 in San Diego.
The former Massachusetts governor warned against shrinking America’s military in Europe’s image and said the nation must have the world’s strongest military to win wars and prevent them.
Veterans could play a significant role in the 2012 election. Several closely watched states in the election have large blocs of military voters....
Who by-and-large backed Ron Paul.
The Obama campaign says the president has fought for increased funding for veterans’ health care and expansion of the GI Bill for education. He has also won approval of a tax credit that encourages businesses to hire veterans.
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Related: Denying the Troops
Aaaah, they're just f***ing with your mind.
Meanwhile, over there:
"Disputes over land stymie Vietnam’s effort to modernize roads" by Mike Ives | Associated Press, May 27, 2012
HANOI - Nearly four decades after Vietnam emerged from war, it
now faces a choice: build new roads and subways in its sprawling cities
or remain stuck in the past, allowing fear of social unrest to hijack
its development....
Planners warn that if Hanoi doesn’t build more roads and efficient public transport while limiting car ownership, its narrow streets will begin to look as congested as those of Jakarta and other megacities.
The major sticking point is the price of land: If residents and officials can’t agree, “it’s likely the government will have to force an eviction,’’ Do Quoc Tai said in his cramped living room as neighbors picked through garbage in an adjacent alley....
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Related: Bus plunges off bridge in Vietnam, killing 34
