But there are also striking similarities: an inability to turn military superiority into political victory; a credibility gap between the comments of U.S. leaders and the reality on the ground; and dwindling public support. Those parallels are why it's worth comparing the post-withdrawal fears in Vietnam three decades ago with Iraq today.
2006-11-14 02:29:48 · 29 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
America stuck its neck out and got its head chopped off
2006-11-14 07:56:10 · answer #1 · answered by brainstorm 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Is there any comparison? Let's see there is the ill-conceived notion that, by using military force we can change the destiny of another nation. The idea that, America can impose democracy upon people that have historically been at odds with each other is absurd. We can not export democracy to the world. Only the citizens within a nation can bring democratic political change to their people. And like America there must be internal conflict or civil war to effect that change. It seems like this is another example of lives lost in an effort to liberate those that are not capable of understanding the tenets of the Democratic process. We will leave Iraq, just as we left Vietnam and the people will be responsible for their future. I do not believe America must democratize the world. What we have in America is unique and the principles that founded this great nation are historically documented for all to read, incorporate, and to pursue.
2006-11-14 04:00:23 · answer #2 · answered by FunkyMcNasty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In both cases, our enemies have learned to use the media (TV in particular..and NOW the internet) VERY WELL. It had been said by former Vietcong people that we were actually winning the military battle there.
Fact is, if today's media was around during World War II, there may have been a much different and unfavorable outcome.
You can't deny certain statistics though...we probably lost around 100,000 men in Vietnam, while in Iraq, we've lost less than 3000 thus far.
Either WE have to start manipulating the media better, or we should be less subservient to our enemies' manipulation of it. This pacifistic attitude will wind up being the death of us...it's preventing us from defending western civilization effectively.
2006-11-14 02:36:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I believe Iraq is much worse then Vietnam. It is difficult to beat an enemy who does not value their own life at all. I just hope that our capable military will deal with this situation without the Politicians
trying to run the war. That was the problem in Vietnam. The outcome in Vietnam would have been good, if the people at home had supported the military, instead of demonstrating against them.
and if the politicians let the Generals run the war instead of the bureaucrats in Washington.
2006-11-14 02:41:19 · answer #4 · answered by mimi 4 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Because the politicians will not let the military do what needs to be done. They (mostly democrats) do not believe we are at war.
Most politicians do not understand what is at stake here, This is a war and what is at stake is our very own freedom
The similarities with the Vietnam "conflict" is that both are being run by politicians and not the generals in the battle field.
2006-11-14 02:39:59 · answer #5 · answered by kjlh58 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The only similarities and the overwhelming efforts of the media and the Dems to support our enemies and force a defeat upon the US because their hatred for Republicans exceeds any cares about anything else.
Their words and actions would have been considered treasonous and criminal in any other conflict prior to Vietnam.
The lies, the distortions of the truth, basically being the propaganda arm of our enemies has strengthened and succored them. That's the similarity.
Also, the fact that if we withdraw, the Dems will care not a whit about the sufferings of millions in the wake of our retreat. They didn't in Vietnam, they won't in Iraq.
2006-11-14 02:44:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
You're listening to the liberal media again aren't you?
These 2 are NOTHING alike. Forget the fact that we have yet to lose as many soldiers in this whole war as were lost on a weekly basis in Viet'nam. Forget the fact that the government in place during Viet'nam didn't even consider it a war until the 1980's. Forget the fact that our military was not allowed to take the leader of Viet'nam into custody. Forget the fact that 80% of the military in Viet'nam was drafted while our current military is 100% VOLUNTEER.
Ok, if you forget all those facts, you might find the 2 to be alike.
2006-11-14 02:35:02 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 3⤋
Because the same people who that were in the cabinet during the Vietnam war are still there for the Iraq war. Cheney and Rumsfeld both worked under the Nixon administration. And the war plans to invade Iraq were plans designed over 50 years ago. SO naturally the wars are going to have the same outcome, which is political embarrassment leading to impeachment. And hopefully Cheney and rumsfeld in jail for war crimes. They have already been indicted in Germany for war crimes. If Cheney or rumsfeld sets foot on European soil they will be arrested.
2006-11-14 02:34:34 · answer #8 · answered by BrownMorristown 2 · 0⤊ 5⤋
We are an offensive military, not an army of occupation. We move fast and strike quickly, we are not built to sit and police a country. Besides, this is not a conventional war and we are fighting ghosts (soliders who look like civillians), so like Vietnam there are similarities.
2006-11-14 02:33:37 · answer #9 · answered by Wiseguy 4 · 3⤊ 3⤋
Hmm, let's see...
Vietnam, draft; Iraq, voluntary
Vietnam, 50,000 U.S. troops dead; Iraq, 3000 dead
That said, losing one of our best and bravest is too many. But their cause is a noble one. Look beyond the squabbling in Washington. Listen to Bush's vision. Support the cause instead of knocking it at every turn. Such pessimism does nothing but help our enemy.
2006-11-14 02:38:10 · answer #10 · answered by sacolunga 5 · 2⤊ 3⤋