Another Kind of Atrocity
Reported by Deborah - August 11, 2004 -
Newshounds Editorial
I have been in front of my computer since the close of Hannity&Colmes, trying to post something about the 38 minutes spent on the Swift Boat insanity. I feel paralyzed by the poison spewed by John O'Neill and Hannity because once an accusation is out there, the damage is done. The truth doesn't really matter as long as the seed is planted as O'Neill, Hannity and Spaeth Communications, who orchestrated this vile campaign, know all too well.
I have some very distinct memories of that time period in the late 60's and early 70's. When Hannity rants about Kerry commiting atrocities, he is far from understanding the climate of that period and the anger and sadness young Americans were feeling about the war. He paints a picture of Kerry as arrogantly pointing fingers, trying to discredit his fellow soldiers.
Hannity and the other attackers should know that John Kerry's desire to speak up was a kind of catharsis for himself and other soldiers. I remember young men coming home in psychological shambles from their experiences in Vietnam. Everyone was forced to commit atrocities because that was how this war was fought and John Kerry, and many others, came home with heads filled with horror
and souls filled with guilt. Everyone needed to unburden their hearts, so healing could begin.
When Hannity continually shows that soundbite of John Kerry on the Dick Cavett show, he is distorting an important time in this country's history. The upheaval of Vietnam; the assasinations of Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King; the needless slaughter at Kent State, left deep wounds in all of us. When Ricard Nixon lied to us about having a secret way to bring peace with honor in Vietnam, we lost our innocence about our leaders. When we saw so many of our friends returning from Vietnam disillusioned, depressed and withdrawn, we were sad.
We needed people like John Kerry to come forward to begin our healing. There was no more tolerance for blind obedience and these feeling were shared by all Americans. Truth and open communication were encouraged and this country really grew for a time. We were not afraid to admit our mistakes, and learn from them.
The fact that so many Vietnam Vets found a way to survive, heal, and go on with there lives must be applauded. This filth must be stopped.
