Capitalism won in Vietnam. Democracy not so much. This should be a lesson to those who think promoting capitalism will bring democracy. It didn’t work in China. It didn’t work in Russia. In the US democracy is slipping away(despite the last election) while unbridled capitalism rules.
I am a Vietnam Veteran. I served in Thailand. There is a local program called “Honor Flight,” where veterans are delivered to Washington DC, for a tour of memorials and statuary. It’s all free, and the veterans are there and back on the same day. I am eligible to participate, and as I get older, my window of taking part is rapidly closing. They’re running out of WW2 and Korean War veterans, and my cohort will be the next to disappear. I have decided to not go, to not be a part of a perfect Granfalloon.
I see a lot of truth in all of the above comments. The debate reminds me of when RFK quoted George Bernard Shaw, just days before he was assassinated. Perhaps many of you will remember him saying, “Some people see things as they are and say, Why?” I dream of how things can be and say, Why not?" (I hope you’ll forgive me if that “quote” is not verbatim).
Our country has a long history of meddling in the affairs of others, while overlooking it’s own flaws. Currently, we seem to be “reaping the whirlwind”.
Regarding education, children should be taught “logical thought processes” as soon as ispossible. Some families are affluent enough to begin that education before their children enroll in schools. If all families had computers, perhaps our school systems could function as “doctors”, accessible to all who need some remedial tutelage. ( I don’t ascribe to the belief that children “need” to attend school to social skills, but that’s just me).
If the money that is used to elect (and maintain) politicians was to be banned (read “lobbying”), maybe we could develop an era of “independent representatives of the people”. Those monies would and could be spent to finance the above educational reforms. As for what should be taught after children can demonstrate an ability to think and act logically, I’d start with verbal skills, then reading and writing. Math, history, science will lead students to discover their own paths. ( I’d just as soon let our most creative educators refine the process as I’m no expert). However, I don’t believe any child’s development should be harnessed by structures which rely upon their age. Their development should be a progression, built upon whatever skills they’ve mastered (re: Jerome Bruner’s “readiness” hierarchy).
I hope (and believe) that a better educated populace would make our “politicians” really represent the interests of their constituents. Institute “one voter gets one vote”, ascribe to abolish the Electoral College…
(continued from the above)…, discard our “two party system” in favor of platforms demanded by the populace. It would really be refreshing to see those who aspire to office be expected to get behind meaningful ideas, rather than spout platitudes and/or divisive rhetoric. Such an “idyllic” system could inspire voters to breathe life into our democracy.
I know that many, (and possibly all), of you who’ve voiced your opinions in this thread will consider me a “Pollyanna”, devoid of realistic proposals. That doesn’t bother me, as I confess to being a dreamer ( as was John Lennon, who coincidentally was shot on the night of my eight wedding anniversary). I’m still married to the woman with whom I was celebrating when that horrific event occurred.
These days, however, I prefer the previously alluded to quotation by George Bernard Shaw to the volume of impressive lyrics of Mr. Lennon. I think that’s because the former quote was the first to affect my appetite for idealism. Yet I must admit that the latter’s composition entitled “Imagine” deserves great accolades, especially since the poetry of that piece came from a soul which I know suffered greatly for his opinions.
BE THIS GUY about 3 years ago
What’s 15% between old friend’s?
Renatus Profuturus Frigeridus Premium Member about 3 years ago
Capitalism explained by a former Viet Cong.
79nysv about 3 years ago
Don’t do it B.D. It will bring it all back.
Susan00100 about 3 years ago
Phred has become a scammer and maybe a blackmailer. Time to go home, BD!
Troglodyte about 3 years ago
“A fool and his money…”
saywhatwhat about 3 years ago
Capitalism won in Vietnam. Democracy not so much. This should be a lesson to those who think promoting capitalism will bring democracy. It didn’t work in China. It didn’t work in Russia. In the US democracy is slipping away(despite the last election) while unbridled capitalism rules.
e.groves about 3 years ago
I worked with a former U.S. Soldier that was a tunnel rat at Cu Chi.
Serial Pedant about 3 years ago
Revenge of the VC….
vaughnrl2003 Premium Member about 3 years ago
Hey, you’re a Tourist this time. This is how you truly pay for days gone by. Visa or Master Card.
brick10 about 3 years ago
Capitalism rears its ugly head. To not pay would be an admission that communism/socialism won.
OshkoshJohn about 3 years ago
I am a Vietnam Veteran. I served in Thailand. There is a local program called “Honor Flight,” where veterans are delivered to Washington DC, for a tour of memorials and statuary. It’s all free, and the veterans are there and back on the same day. I am eligible to participate, and as I get older, my window of taking part is rapidly closing. They’re running out of WW2 and Korean War veterans, and my cohort will be the next to disappear. I have decided to not go, to not be a part of a perfect Granfalloon.
The Wolf In Your Midst about 3 years ago
To know that, after all the fighting and loss, the natives decided to follow our ways.
GreggW Premium Member about 3 years ago
That’s “klicks”, not clicks, military slang for kilometers.
Kabana_Bhoy about 3 years ago
Maybe toss in a liquor store in Anaheim to boot.
gammaguy about 3 years ago
A capital(ist) idea!
salakfarm Premium Member about 3 years ago
Cu Chi was my home base from May 1967 to May 1968. Good times, good times.
this is summerdog about 3 years ago
B.D.’s smile has fallen off his face again.
Ka`ōnōhi`ula`okahōkūmiomio`ehiku Premium Member about 3 years ago
Get a receipt, BD.
Liam Astle Premium Member about 3 years ago
I can’t wait to see Trudeau’s response to Afghanistan.
the1951hapster about 3 years ago
I see a lot of truth in all of the above comments. The debate reminds me of when RFK quoted George Bernard Shaw, just days before he was assassinated. Perhaps many of you will remember him saying, “Some people see things as they are and say, Why?” I dream of how things can be and say, Why not?" (I hope you’ll forgive me if that “quote” is not verbatim).
Our country has a long history of meddling in the affairs of others, while overlooking it’s own flaws. Currently, we seem to be “reaping the whirlwind”.
Regarding education, children should be taught “logical thought processes” as soon as ispossible. Some families are affluent enough to begin that education before their children enroll in schools. If all families had computers, perhaps our school systems could function as “doctors”, accessible to all who need some remedial tutelage. ( I don’t ascribe to the belief that children “need” to attend school to social skills, but that’s just me).
If the money that is used to elect (and maintain) politicians was to be banned (read “lobbying”), maybe we could develop an era of “independent representatives of the people”. Those monies would and could be spent to finance the above educational reforms. As for what should be taught after children can demonstrate an ability to think and act logically, I’d start with verbal skills, then reading and writing. Math, history, science will lead students to discover their own paths. ( I’d just as soon let our most creative educators refine the process as I’m no expert). However, I don’t believe any child’s development should be harnessed by structures which rely upon their age. Their development should be a progression, built upon whatever skills they’ve mastered (re: Jerome Bruner’s “readiness” hierarchy).
I hope (and believe) that a better educated populace would make our “politicians” really represent the interests of their constituents. Institute “one voter gets one vote”, ascribe to abolish the Electoral College…
the1951hapster about 3 years ago
(continued from the above)…, discard our “two party system” in favor of platforms demanded by the populace. It would really be refreshing to see those who aspire to office be expected to get behind meaningful ideas, rather than spout platitudes and/or divisive rhetoric. Such an “idyllic” system could inspire voters to breathe life into our democracy.
I know that many, (and possibly all), of you who’ve voiced your opinions in this thread will consider me a “Pollyanna”, devoid of realistic proposals. That doesn’t bother me, as I confess to being a dreamer ( as was John Lennon, who coincidentally was shot on the night of my eight wedding anniversary). I’m still married to the woman with whom I was celebrating when that horrific event occurred.
These days, however, I prefer the previously alluded to quotation by George Bernard Shaw to the volume of impressive lyrics of Mr. Lennon. I think that’s because the former quote was the first to affect my appetite for idealism. Yet I must admit that the latter’s composition entitled “Imagine” deserves great accolades, especially since the poetry of that piece came from a soul which I know suffered greatly for his opinions.