Vietnam vets vilified

As a veteran of the Vietnam War, I’ve been reading with interest readers’ responses to the news that Bob Kerrey was involved in killing civilians in Vietnam. It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone, but what I am surprised about is that it’s even an issue.

This country killed about 100,000 Iraqis for the purpose of keeping oil prices down. How moral is that? Yet those people were celebrated as war heroes when they came home.

Most Vietnam veterans came home to no greetings, and no national or local recognition. Most were unwilling warriors from a xenophobic society, sent to a country of peasants. They were angry about their situation, and angry about the dangers of a guerrilla war. Many came from difficult backgrounds to begin with. The fortunate sons were not drafted. How could you forget? I certainly didn’t forget it.

The country, not the individuals, needs to take responsibility for any and all atrocities during wartime. Leave the Vietnam veterans alone. They’ve been vilified enough. Most of your readers’ responses suggest they agree with me.

William D. Skinner

Bangor