Americans killed to date in Iraq as compared to those killed in Vietnam...

This is an excellent compilation of data on Vietnam casualties maintained by the National Archives and Records Administration:

Statistical information about casualties of the Vietnam conflict
<http://www.archives.gov/research_room/research_topics/vietnam_war_casualty_lists/statistics.html#year>

Please note that American casualties during the so-called Vietnam era were first recorded in 1956.

The current KIA figures in Iraq are fast approaching the 401 total deaths recorded in Vietnam from 1956-1964. The KIA figures for Vietnam in 1965 alone were 1,863. The total casualty figures for the Vietnam War include nearly 11,000 Americans who died from non-combat reasons.

As you read this information, keep in mind that the first advisors sent to Souteast Asia/Vietnam were sent during the two Eisenhower admnistrations (1954-1960) shortly after the French were defeated by Ho Chi Minh's Vietnamese forces in 1954. After taking office in January 1961, JFK (1960-1963) added more than 10,000 troops and advisors to the forces already in Vietnam. After a series of studies, JFK began pulling U. S. troops out of Vietnam under NSAM 263, signed by JFK on October 11, 1963. Four days after JFK's assassination, LBJ (1963-1968) signed NSAM 273 on November 26, 1963, which began the escalation of American forces in Vietnam.

NSAM 263
<http://www.jfklancer.com/NSAM263.html>

NSAM 273
<http://www.jfklancer.com/NSAM273.html>

after JFK was shot... Well, isn't that "special" (as some comedian used to say)? :scared:

Which candidate will be able to most effectively make that comparison?



How do you ask a man to be the last man to die in Iraq?

Kerry was "out of uniform" (Notice no insignia of rank or unit patches) and out of the service when this picture was taken. He would never of gotten away with it otherwise. I think he was testifying in front of Congress so trying to impress them with his medals, and they are quite impressive. On edit also notice his hair length, definitely not approved hair length and is this before or after he threw his medal back. Not that I find that offensive just show boat material.

He was a leader of Vietnam Veterans Against the War. And yes, he wore his fatigues and ribbons in order to make a visual point. A visual point that can be repeated in his campaign ads against Bush: you can be a patriot, and at the same time oppose a war policy that is misguided and wrong.

Kerry showed courage in volunteering for Vietnam, for his actions once there, and conscience for his actions once he returned to the states.

What a contrast to the empty flight suit.

I just notice things when they are out of whack like this picture of Kerry. He obviously was trying to show he was in a position to know what he was talking about and to gain a measure of respect. I see nothing wrong with using the best tools available to get the job done. The same applies to his campaign. I see nothing wrong with him using his experiences and awards to make his point that he is fit for office. He is a demonstrated leader of men in trying times and a knowlegable politician to boot. I wish him well and will vote for him if he wins the nomination. His only failings so far in my opinion is he is not more forceful in his condemnation of the Bush* Cabal and the damage they are doing to America. I want to see him bring Pee.

to go to war.

But it doesn't alter my point that he is the best candidate to make the Vietnam comparison in the general election. In fact, it probably bolsters my case on the politics of this. The fact that the majority of Democrats in Congress and the majority of people in the country disagreed with you and me at the time and agreed with Kerry makes him a stronger candidate, not a weaker.

And when comparing Vietnam War experiences with Bush --

Bush: AWOL --- Kerry: war hero, anti-war hero.

Bush: AWOL --- Clark: war hero.

Bush: AWOL --- Dean: medical deferment.


I don't know about the other candidates.

Kerry is a true Patriot, an HONORABLE Veteran...and he could have slipped out of Vietnam like the shrub, but he didn't....and those impressive medals can shut up the current chickenhawks quatting in OUR White House....

I'd like to see a few more BRAVE young men coming out of Iraq and Afganistan to stand up to OUR Congress like that....and a few more BRAVE young men out in the street of DC on Saturday, October 25, 2003....

the Vietnam war (roto-blading thousands of OUR young soldiers) finally ground to a halt, as many YOUNG Americans STOOD UP and said NO MORE !!! the Iraqo-rotor and Afgani-rotor will continue to grind up OUR soldiers until YOUNG potential draftees STAND UP and say NO MORE!!!

it's really "Vietnam in a Microwave"... so many deaths compressed into such a short time....

"The current KIA figures in Iraq are fast approaching the 401 total deaths recorded in Vietnam from 1956-1964. The KIA figures for Vietnam in 1965 alone were 1,863. The total casualty figures for the Vietnam War include nearly 11,000 Americans who died from non-combat reasons."

IMO, this whole Iraq/Afganistan war (and the whole ME) is about to EXPLODE into an $87 Billion WAR, and a draft....just like Vietnam, Congress pours more money on the whole mess, so we should anticipate a Vietnam escalation soon....