‘Reasons’ for war?
To the Editor:
In the summer of 1964, I was a 20 year old boiler-man aboard the U.S.S. Preston (DD-795), docked in Hong Kong. Word came to our Captain that two sister ships (Maddox and Turner Joy) had been fired on by North Vietnamese naval vessels. We were ordered to relieve the Maddox in order for repairs to be made. I had no doubt about the veracity of that information then. Like my daddy who served before me along with three brothers who were serving at that time I believed we were loyal to God and country. Protecting democracy!
Since then I have read about our Revolutionary War, the Civil War, the Alamo, Indian Fighting, WW1, WW2, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, the Invasion of Iraq. I have also read, “War is a Racket” by Smedley Darlington Butler. Butler was a 33-year Marine Major General who for years was the most decorated Marine in history. As the title suggests Butler developed increasingly deep doubt about the reasons America fights wars. I have, too.
So, excuse me for being a bit more than skeptical about the evidence our current Commander in Chief is presenting to show the need to confront Iraq. Perhaps even using military force. Do you remember Colin Powell’s vial that purported to show that Iraq had chemical weapons?
How can Donald Trump keep a straight face when talking about military affairs? Does he think we have forgotten about his “bone spurs”? Would his two sons, Eric and Donald, Jr. be willing to go and fight for me since I did for them? Or would we need to put Creedence Clearwater Revival on and play “I ain’t no fortunate son” repeatedly for days on end?
Read about Smedley Butler and figure out for yourself who benefits materially from war. Read about 500,000 veterans who marched on Washington in an attempt to draw the pay they had been promised but denied.
I am no longer an 18 year old country boy who didn’t even know Vietnam was a nation when I graduated from high school in 1962. I think about the “reasons for war.” I don’t like it when we are provided excuses rather than reasons. How about you?
Dave Waldrop
Webster
