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Originally Posted by Elphaba
There was no hand tied behind the military's back. It was a futile effort, already abandoned by the French, and fueled on by the lies of McNamera and others. You might recogonize some of those names in Bush's current administration.
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I couldn't believe anyone thought this way, so I googled. Yes, there are articles to this effect, but they refer to the number of troops and equipment allocated to the effort, not to strategy and tactics, or politics.
I then repeated this comment to three Vietnam vets I know. I could have asked a dozen more--there are a ton of them where I live. I got jaws dropping, incredulous looks, and these three comments:
l"That's right. We had BOTH hands tied behind our backs."
"Do you have any idea how many places we weren't allowed to bomb? And how stupid our orders were, since they came from politicians, not military leaders?"
"The rules of engagement were ridiculous--when we got shot at, we were supposed to radio for permission to shoot back." And so on.
You may be of an age to remember Vietnam (as I am) but something tells me you haven't seriously talked to many of the people who were there. I lived with one.