Discussion Board: Vets Against the War

The Vietnam War mobilized former soldiers to speak out against the war, both in terms how the war was fought and why the war was fought. Many soldiers returned from the war deeply critical of the United States’ goals and tactics. After reading your text write a discussion about the Anti-War Movement, particularly Vietnam Vets Against the War, and the obligation of the United States to those soldiers. You might considered the following questions, but you are not limited to them: Why were protests by veterans more effective than student protests? Do you think the anti-war was more or less active due to participation by soldiers? Why do these types of anti-war meetings and organizations rarely happen today? What responsibility does the US have to Vietnam due to Agent Orange? Do Americans have an obligation to soldiers once they’ve left the service?

To receive full credit for this assignment your post must:

1. Address the questions asked in the paragraph above in at least a 300-word post and cite all outside sources appropriately
2. In your initial post, include at least one interesting question the readings raised for you
3. Reply to at least two of your classmates’ posts and attempt to answer their question (100 word posts minimum)

Christophe N

VIET AGAINST THE WAR

Vietnam has been a French colony for decades, it becomes independent after the agreement held in Geneva in 1954. From then on, the country is temporarily divided: North Vietnam which was ruled by the Communist Viet Minh, and non-Communist South Vietnam which was controlled by Ngo Dinh Diem supported by the American Administration. In fact, the Vietnam War was fight against the rapid rise of communism in the region . After the announcement of the “Tonkin gulf” incident, the United States decided to intervene to support its ally in the region, South Vietnam which was attacked by the communist power of the North support by Soviet Union and China, knowing that the region will be invaded by communism, if Sud Vietnam Pro-American territory was defeating,or falling. Vietnam veterans who are quite experienced people on the war field in Vietnam knew that the battle that Americans started would be a failure. they started anti-war movements, they believed that, this war was based on lies, and fakes, American people were not sufficiently informed of the realities of the war, against atrocities that their soldiers were suffering during the conflict. Returning from Vietnam war, veterans were considered as delinquents, drug addicts, savages, instead of being considered as heroes of the nation, they were humiliated. However, student demonstrations in Vietnam were considered hippies and not violent. The “Anti-War” protest movement initiated by the veterans has been more aggressive and violent due to their active participation as soldiers. Nowadays, enrolling in the military in the United States is voluntary. However, American civilians are aware of their work, they regularly bring them their help in sign of recognition. Nowadays, those who fight under the flags are heroes. for that, it has become very difficult to organize anti-war movements even less humiliated a veterans . In order to weaken, slow down, eliminate its adversary, the United States uses a chemical product “Agent Orange” However, a new weapon had direct consequences on the vegetation and the health of individuals who lived in Vietnam. This new strategy also had serious consequences on American veterans who were engaged in the battle in Vietnam. It is important for honest and conscious American citizens to respect, honor those who fight night and day for our security, and our well being. We must also accompany them for their reintegration as a civilian.