What I wish for is a clear re-telling of the story of our pullout and its horrifying aftermath. This "Stalin" guy thinks it was about capitalism? Stewart thinks we're reliving it now? If there is a history lesson in Vietnam it is that "leaders" who lead based on polling results are refusing to lead. Failing to lead. They are followers of what they perceive to be public opinion.
The American Vietnam experience brought about the present day "mainstream media. " It removed all pretense of objectivity and validated their right to have and report in accordance with a political and social agenda. It led directly to the Watergate scandal, so emboldened by their "success" in pressuring the administration to "pull out" of Vietnam the press relentlessly pursued any scandal and any anti-American story, but forgot how to report without an agenda, a skill they still see no value in.
The Vietnam War, America's first "defeat" in combat, hung over the politics of the 1970's, made us to accept the concept that we were not worthy to be one of the world's superpowers and ushered Jimmy Carter into office as the guy who could take us down gently, honorably. Our military was demasculated, we ignored every indication of threat of Islam-based terrorism, betrayed several allies and simply refused to fight any more battles, regardless of the impact on our own safety. When Americans were taken hostage in 1979, we were shocked. We were de-militarizing! Why should they hate us now? Our "rescue" attempt wound up a complete disaster, our rescue helicopters crashing on take-off. The sun was setting because we had accepted defeat and the inevitable decline of a great society. And all because we had done the "right" thing by pulling out of Vietnam.
