So I finally broke down and created a blog on my site.
I am excited to be on the Leslie Marshall Show this evening at 7:20 pm EST. I will be discussing the plummeting disapproval rating of the war in Afghanistan and how our troops should be taken care of once they have returned home–along with all those that have already returned home. Thankfully, unlike the appalling way Vietnam Veterans were treated by fellow citizens when they returned home, today the vast majority of Americans are able to differentiate their views of the war from those brave men and women who fight it.
I fully understand and supported the reason why we went into Afghanistan. But I do not remember nation building being one of the reasons. It is honorable to want to help other nations, but not at the cost of American lives. In my book, American Horse, I write about the Korean War and Vietnam, wars that all Americans should understand because as the adage goes: “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
Long Live America!
Mr. Panzarella – First, let me say “Thank You,” to all the Vietnam Veterans. As you know, there are those of us that always have, and still appreciate their service and recognize their sacrifice. I’m glad you had the opportunity to speak with the wife of a Vietnam Veteran. I did not get to hear your conversation, but I’m sure she was appreciative of the time you took to listen, and for her to get her message out. While we may never know what it is like to walk in someone else’s shoes, taking the time to really listen provides a truer understanding.
Keep up the good work, voicing your support for our brave young men and women throughout our military services. War will always be a source of political and social contention, but our troops always seem to rise above and carry out their training and missions with commitment and honor. Not to say that their are not missteps along the way, war isn’t pretty, but I’m darn proud of the job they do.
One last note, “American Horse” was a powerful book. It is not one of those books that will fade from my memory.
Jim