As April 30 approaches, reflecting on the Vietnam War and the fall of Saigon, a personal connection arises through a family story. The author’s sister-in-law's father, an officer in South Vietnam, was captured, while his family fled to America. Despite American military support during the war, South Vietnam's corrupt government struggled to win over the people, as many viewed the U. S. as another imperialist force. Wealthy Vietnamese families sent their children abroad for safety, similar to privileged Americans avoiding the draft.
In a 2017 New York Times Op-Ed, military historian Kevin Boylan noted that President Johnson faced a dilemma; as long as Americans felt victory was possible without significant sacrifice, they supported the war. However, public support would diminish if he acknowledged the need for full U. S. commitment. Johnson misled the American people about the war's realities, a pattern seen in later presidents.
The Vietnam experience suggests that wars lacking compelling reasons for all Americans to make sacrifices might be unjustifiable. Sacrifices shouldn’t fall solely on combat troops. This issue recurs in Iraq under President Bush and in Ukraine under President Biden, who pushed for war rather than exploring diplomacy.
Generally, Americans support overseas wars as long as they do not require substantial personal sacrifices. Successful U. S. foreign policy must acknowledge this reality. The geographic advantages of the U. S. have led to a persistent belief that Americans are not at risk from foreign armies, making it hard to rally support for distant conflicts.
Initial enthusiasm for military actions can wane as wars drag on without expected quick victories. Over time, questions arise about involvement in far-off disputes, and emotional appeals comparing aggressors to Hitler lose impact. The early solidarity with Ukraine has diminished since 2022.
Reflecting on history, both Bush and Biden seem unaware of the lessons from Vietnam and Iraq, leading to questions about future leadership. To improve U. S. foreign policy and prevent unnecessary deaths, restoring Washington’s credibility is crucial. Skepticism about the government's word, especially regarding NATO expansions, undermines trust. Addressing this may require a complete overhaul of the foreign policy establishment, particularly the Neocon influence that has failed for decades.
https://petermcculloughmd.substack.com/p/vietnam-iraq-ukraine-the-persistent
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