__________Another Story on Why Vietnam is Not Iraq
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Reuters/Sokunthea
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I had a similar experience with a Vietnamese woman in Dallas when I was III Corps Chaplain. I was in uniform and making a presentation about the chaplaincy. I am aware of this Vietnamese woman sitting in the front row and staring me down. When I finished she made a beeline for me. I wasn't sure what to expect. She took both my hands in hers, looked me straight in the eyes, and thanked me and all soldiers for what we did for her country. She wanted me to thank every soldier I knew and saw. Like you said, not much you can say after that.
Bernie
Related Story
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| Subject: The Goodbye Letter-A little Something to Start The Weekend
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A father passing by his son's bedroom, was astonished to see the bed was
nicely made, and everything was picked up. Then, he saw an envelope,
propped up prominently on the pillow. It was addressed, "Dad." With the worst
premonition, he opened the envelope and read the letter, with trembling hands.
"Dear Dad,
It is with great regret and sorrow that I'm writing you. I had to elope with my new girlfriend, because I wanted to avoid a scene with Mom and you. I've been finding real passion with Stacy, and she is so nice, but I knew you would not approve of her, because of all her piercing's, tattoos, her tight Motorcycle clothes, and because she is so much older than I am. But it's not only the passion... Dad she's pregnant. Stacy said that we will be very happy. She owns a trailer in the woods, and has a stack of
firewood for the whole winter. We share a dream of having many more children.
Stacy has opened my eyes to the fact that marijuana doesn't, really hurt anyone. We'll be growing it for ourselves, and trading it with the other people in the commune, for all the cocaine and ecstasy we want. In the meantime, we'll pray that science will find a cure for AIDS, so Stacy can get better. She sure deserves it!! Don't worry Dad, I'm 15, and I know how to take care of myself. Someday, I'm sure we'll be back to visit, so you can get to know your grandchildren.
Love, your son, John.
P.S. Dad, None of the above is true. I'm over at Tommy's house. I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than the report card that's in my center desk drawer. I love you! Call when it is safe for me to come home."
Author Unknown
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__________VIETNAM IS NOT IRAQ
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AFP/File/Hoang Dinh Nam
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Simply stated in a very naive way, the Vietnamese are not Iraqis; and, I think, the basic difference without a long treatise is Islam. Vietnam had many threads running through it: nationalism being the most prevalent.
Here's a little interesting example of the difference that speaks volumes in a small and simplistic way. A few days ago, I'm out running literally on the streets of San Francisco. Great town to run as a motto always is: I've never seen a hill I didn't love. Anyway, I run to get a haircut, but there were too many waiting; I run up to Geary about ten blocks away where I see a sign that says haircuts for $12. I go in and this Vietnamese woman cuts my hair. We start talking.
She tells me about her family, etc. and how she was 8 years old in Saigon when I was there. I philosophize a little about Vietnam being a sorry war. She listens. We chat some more. She finishes. Fair haircut-When you keep your hair cut short, it's less of a hassle.
Anyway, I start to leave and she follows me out. She says something like, "I want to thank you for what you did for my country."
"You're welcome," thinking to myself, I don't have a clue what she means.
I start to leave again and she says, "I don't think you understand. If we had never had the war, I would never have been able to come to America with my family. I've been back to visit Vietnam several times; but, the last time I was there, I told my husband that Vietnam is no longer our home." We are now Americans. I love America and praise Buddha every day for my good fortune. No, the Vietnamese are not Iraqis.
God bless America. JHL
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