Why do Republicans dislike Vietnam vets? Kerry, McCain now Powell?

Question

is "support their troops... until they get out of the military" their motto?

is it just that they have no one in their party that understands the horrors of war anymore, so if anyone brings up the horrors of war, they just get dismissed as a "pansy liberal"?

Is this just another circumstance where they are quick to form opinions on subjects they don't know much about?

Answer 1

envy

Answer 2

My family were all Republicans and not one of them ever said a word, let alone a word of respect, about my combat pay as a Vietnam veteran.

I know them very well, I know who they are and how they think. Nonetheless it hasn't been easy to figure out why becoming a war veteran made me invisible. Here's what I've figured out over the last 34 years.

The primary notion (I don't think this rises to the level of philosophy) among white-collar American Republicans is a sort of synthetic, super-modern rugged individualism. It isn't REAL individualism, the ability to survive in the wilderness alone, it is a synthetic ruggedness, full of plastic and phoniness.

If you're rugged and individualistic enough, you'll get along with everyone and weasel your way into promotions and opportunities (or change jobs if people are on to you and know what you're doing or dislike you). You're competing with everyone all the time, so you go to luncheons, have no opinions, make sure you are blandly present at all meetings, and pull the hat trick of making suspicious, introverted people like you and pretend to trust you. Everything in life is angling for a career track and the net promotion. If the game is blocked, you move to another job and lie about why you're leaving the blocked one.

A synthetic rugged individualist isn't tough because he stands for something or has ethics or insists on being humane or even professional. The toughness comes from always being at war with everyone and always clawing and fighting for an edge and an angle.

Combat pay from the Army, Navy, Marines or Air Force? In an UNGLAMOROUS and unpopular war? What icky cooties! That's a stupid thing to do, something only Hispanics, blacks, and small town hillbillies have to do becuase they can't get a job in the glass box fighting for status and a career.

In 1665, a French duke, Francois de La Rochefoucauld, wrote that "For private soldiers valour is a dangerous trade they have taken up to earn their living." La Rochefoucauld had been a soldier facing battle as a young man himself.

He also wrote the short answer to your question: "No man can answer for his courage if he has never been in peril." The synthetic rugged individualist does not know how much courage he has, and he doesn't want to know anyone who has that experience of facing their own courage or cowardice. That's why "W" has made friends with Dan Quayle and the two of these cushy national guardsmen get along so well. They don't waste time with the minorities or desperadoes who went into combat -- and-- have that creepy knowledge about courage.

You see this in the dogfight right now over the torture question and the fuss McCain is making about "W" and the plans to allow aggressive interrogation. McCain is right --and -- he'll never get the nomination of his party because he stood up like this.

Answer 3

Colin Powell has fallen from grace? I didn't know that. Thanks for the info.
I remember that happening in the Big Bush administration as well, at the end of the Gulf War.
It seems that anyone who offers criticism, or questions tactics of the Bush administration, War Machine,(either one) they are frowned upon, ridiculed, or outright labelled as a traitor.
In Dubya's case, he forms ideas and plans which he knows NOTHING about. Only a good Commander in Chief, would employ the advice of those who are better equipped to use time-proven military procedures to have a favorable outcome in a controversial war.

Answer 4

And very few have been in combat, smelled the smells, see what no kid should have to see, even man's inhumanity and people disappear before your eyes while no one supports them!

Republicans don't support Iraqi Vets!

I was in Vietnam early during the war, and 2 tours in Korea. I am liberal, and I am no pansy!

The pansies are those who support the war, but not the troops. They are unwilling to serve and are unwilling to die! They Talk a good fight but they are YELLOW to the bone, willing to put others lives in jeopardy for oil!

Answer 5

I am a Republican who supports the Vietnam Vets. John Kerry was my senator when I lived in Taxachusetts, and he was a horrible senator. Nothing to do with Vietnam. John McCain and Colin Powell are heroes of mine. Nothing to do with Vietnam. As usual, generalizations just do not work!! Yours certainly does not!!

Chow!!

Answer 6

First of all ,my opinions are based on real life encounters with the enemy.My father served for 30 years in the USMC.I served 20 years as an army ranger.Therefore, my opinions are deducted from real life experiences,not a liberal authored history book.

Answer 7

Really not a logical question. So people who disagree with a vet dislike vets? Their opinion should be respectfully considered, as anyone elses, but what evidence is there to suggest that "Republicans" haven't?

Answer 8

Probably because they are only of value when serving in war...after that they are a liability.

Besides, Vietnam was a big mistake that the US should have kept their noses out of. It was tortuous death traps for those who served and afterwards they just wanted it all to just go away. That's the boys club for you.

Answer 9

g:

What is your source of information that leads you to believe Republicans dislike Viet-nam War vets.?

I am both a Republican and a Viet-Nam vet. I'm proud to have served my country in its military as a way to "give back" to my country for the freedoms I have and the opportunities it has given me. I also have the utmost respest for my fellow countrymen who served. (even John Kerry)

Let me ask you a question g; What specifically have you done to "give back" to society for the opportunities you have been given?

Answer 10

They want to take over the world, and vets who understand war get in their way

Answer 11

Oh wow, thats so obvious but I never put it together before. They dont seem to like Vietnam Vets very much do they?