Iran isn’t Vietnam
As the Iran war unfolds, the behavior of the American media and many Democrats brings back painful memories of the Vietnam era.
Many Democrats seem to be rooting for Iran. Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut called an Iranian ship slipping through a U.S. blockade, “Awesome.” Sen. John Fetterman has been one of the few who have consistently come out in support of our cause.
The TV networks, night after night, tell us we are losing the war. I wonder what our soldiers in the Middle East think when they see these broadcasts? I half expect to see Jane Fonda doing commentary.
Yet, this war has barely gone 12 weeks; we were nearly 20 years in Vietnam.
When my brother (who served in the 101st Airborne) came home from ‘Nam, the vets were stigmatized as Lyndon B. Johnson’s dupes and baby killers. Many hid their service. The same men who were themselves so battered from the war were even spat upon.
One of the few times I ever saw my dad emotional was when he put up a banner on our rowhouse to welcome my brother back.
I hope we never make the mistake of demonizing our soldiers again. Pope Leo XIV’s comments made me uneasy. It is our soldiers who are fighting evil.
I understand many have concerns about this war. So do I. President Donald Trump has taken a big risk. I wish he had presented his case to Congress and the nation first.
Yet, the reward of a stable and safe Middle East — with China shut out of any influence there — could change the world for the better. Maybe Democrats and the media fear Trump in victory?
Regardless of how you feel, debate should end at the nation’s borders. American soldiers overseas should be given our full support. We can debate the war later.
Richard Iaconelli, Philadelphia
Four more years?
I have a different take on why President Donald Trump went to war with Iran. Let’s remember he has declared on many occasions that he would like a third term in office. Most Americans thought he was pulling our leg, but some people took him seriously. One of the ways he could stay in office, it was said, was if he were a wartime president. While the 22nd Amendment limits presidents to two terms — with no exceptions for wars — Trump’s supporters theorized that the public wouldn’t want a change in government while the country was at war. We all know Mr. Trump doesn’t care about laws or constitutionality, and I have been continually worried he would impulsively get us into war somehow. Now he’s done it. Will he get that third term?
Paul Selbst, Philadelphia
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