as a Vietnam vet I wonder what the Vietnamese think of us now

[madokie]

[democracyindanger]

1. Going back would be a good way of finding out.

Seriously.

[madokie]

2. I'd love to but to durn old to do it now

I was only in country a few days before i realized this was a failed policy.

[democracyindanger]

4. Oh, I dunno...

...since you're asking the question now, maybe you're at exactly the right age.

But if travel's out of the question, there are a few documentaries out there about Vietnam vets going back. I can't remember the title, but one followed the wife and son of a soldier killed in VN to the location of his death. Powerful stuff.

Maybe do a search at imdb.com for some titles?

[ClayZ]

3. We have a favorite Vietnamese Restaurant...

In the small town where we live North of Seattle. We have eaten there for the last 10 years or so. The owners are delightful! We have seen their children grow from tots to teenagers.

It is a small place and the food is outstanding. They have a map of Vietnam on the wall. He told us the story of his wifes family. She lost some 60 people all in one day. She is the only one left. She speaks no English but we can be peaceful and happy with her. He lost most of his family too. They play 60's peace music. They have a beautiful Buddha and many plants and art from their country.

They have forgiven. They cook and serve food with a grace we seldom see. It is an Amazing Grace!

[madokie]

6. I love the vietnamese, the most sucessful ethnic group to ever

emigrate to america. i will be reduced to ashes with a sad heart

[Swamp Rat]

11. New Orleans lost it's Vietnamese population

Since the end of the war they were coming here (mostly to New Orleans East) and built a successful, quiet community. Amazing people! I miss them very much now that they are gone. :cry:

[Bigmack]

5. I've wondered the same...

but I understand a large part of the population is too young to remember the war. Plus, if I remember right, Vietnam lost 2 million people in that war.... those folks won't remember us at all!

I think your question relates to what the Iraqis are going to think of us in 25 years.

Sadly, I think they will NEVER forget or forgive. We haven't killed enough of them to extinguish the memory, like we did in Vietnam. We've have killed enough of them, including kids, to keep the hate alive for a couple of generations at least.

I've read that revenge - blood revenge - is important in much of the middle east. If that's true, we are fucked but good!

[madokie]

7. we are, fucked but good

so sad our leaders to not learn the lesson of past

[Webster Green]

8. Check this out...Veterans Viet Nam Restoration Project...

A great group out of Humboldt County, CA.

http://www.vvrp.org/default.php

[BlueCollar]

10. another link to look at

http://www.tomsongs.com/images/Veteran.wmv

[madokie]

12. thanks, I did and will. I just need some, well you know

life is like a box of chocolates

[BlueCollar]

14. developing link in the veterans forum

could lead to a nasty little "civil war"

[IsItJustMe]

9. I understand the population is very young there.

[TahitiNut]

13. I've felt it'd be fascinating to go back for a visit for many years.

The scuttlebutt about Long Binh Post when I was there was that it's be used as a university after we left. I think it'd be interesting to see if it got used at all and for what. I had a great deal of respect for all the people with I came in contact. They modeled a kind of self-esteem (honor) that has fascinated me ever since - based not much on what they DID or much on what they HAD, but on WHO they were. I suspect it's the Buddhist influence.

I'd be fascinated to see even more of the country than I did. What I saw was (other than the war damage and debris) really beautiful. I'd love to see Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) again and wander the streets. I'd really want to visit Vung Tau and enjoy the beach.

[rpannier]

15. Been to Hanoi three times

Many seem to have put that period behind them. The average Vietnamese doesn't make much money and their currency is in a constant state of flux, so they love to get their hands on US currency because of its stability.
The people that seem to be at the very bottom are the family members of former south Vietnamese officials and supporters. They still incur the wrath of the government and sit at the lowest end of the society.