Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Politics : PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: J_F_Shepard who wrote (168154)	8/7/2001 12:55:19 AM
From: Little Joe	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 769667

M recollection was that he did not admit that unarmed civilian were killed intentionally. If they were killed it was accidental. Given the stress that these men were under, I accept that is what happened. I realize we will neverknow. But whenever I hear about these atrocities, I am reminded of conversations I've had with Viet Nam vets and those who did not walk in their shoes will never know the sress and pressure these guys experienced. They were out on patrol 30 days at a time. Tired, hungry, sleep deprived and never knowing when they might be attacked or encounter a booby trap or a civilian who was armed and intended to kill them. I remember one young Lieutenant who told me a story I will never forget as long as I live. His platoon had been on patrol for nearly thirty days and was just ready to return to base when they encountered a large viet cong force. A battle ensued and his men were greatly out numbered and this young man, just a kid was forced to his platoon dig in as they were being overrun and he called artillery fire down on his platoon in a desperate effort to save his men and himself. All but three men in his platoon were killed. He stayed in Viet Nam and completed the remainder of his tour (about six months). What do you think this kind of experience can do to a person. It sure would make me nervous and prone to mistakes that might result in the death of innocent civilians. Every one has a breaking point, whether they are american or any other nationality and when that point is approached or broken it is unreasonable to hold people responsible for their actions. Little joe