What was the significance of the crimes we are committing in Vietnam?
Kerry feels that what the veterans have been doing in Vietnam are the most significant threats to the United States. “They told the stories at times they had personally raped, cut off ears, cut off heads, tape wires from portable telephones to human genitals and turned up the power, cut off limbs, blown up bodies, randomly shot at civilians, razed villages in fashion reminiscent of Ghengis Khan, shot cattle and dogs for fun, poisoned food stocks, and generally ravaged the country side of South Vietnam in addition to the normal ravage of war, and very particular ravaging which is done by the applied bombing power of this country.” (Jensen)
Kerry’s view on potential threat to America in South Vietnam
However, Kerry feels that nothing is so substantial in Vietnam that poses any potential threat to the United States. He thinks that the United States continued interest in Vietnam is just a show of might and a move by the superpower to assert its dominance and influence. He feels that there is nothing worth the sacrifice and loss of American life.
How might supporters of the war respond to Kerry’s sentiments?
The war supporters may criticize Kerry’s sentiments for undermining America’s determination and particular interests in Vietnam. They may claim benefits from the ongoing conflict, and above all prove a point to the entire world.
Why did Kerry believe the United States was fighting in Vietnam?
Kerry believes that America’s interests in Vietnam lie in the desire to assert its influence and challenge its system, which mainly rides on communism. It would therefore, maintain America’s pride and dominance by controlling its’ society (Rodvik).He asserts that there may be other stakes in the war.
What does Kerry mean by “criminal hypocrisy”?
He feels that it is inspired by a force that is much more than the mystical war against communism. He also thinks that there is criminal hypocrisy in the way some leaders have benefited, besides the primary purpose of never conceding defeat in any war.
What was Kerry’s point in asking, “How do you ask a man to be the last man to die for a mistake”?
Kerry shows his frustration and disgust on the American system that supports violence in Vietnam. He feels that there is nothing so great and valuable that America is pushing for. While he does not see the logic of deploying troops there, he questions the intent of maintaining pressure in Vietnam, which according to Kerry is the most dishonoring task of the veterans.
Works Cited
Jensen, Robert. “Kerry’s Hypocrisy on The Vietnam War”. Counterpunch.Org, 2004, https://www.counterpunch.org/2004/08/02/kerry-s-hypocrisy-on-the-vietnam-war/. Accessed 6 Apr 2019.
Rodvik, Robert S. “Hypocrisy and War Crimes: The Western Imperium, By Robert S. Rodvik”. Voltaire Network, 2012, https://www.voltairenet.org/article176505.html. Accessed, 6 Apr 2019.