SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER: A Quote from 1941

Submitted by Diane Ford Wood

"In the first place, we know of individuals who are – or have been – spontaneous, whose thinking, feeling, and acting were the expression of their selves and not of an automaton.

These individuals are mostly known to us as artists...

The position of the artist is vulnerable, though, for it is really only the successful artist whose individuality or spontaneity is respected; if he does not succeed in selling the art, he remains to his contemporaries a crank, a "neurotic."

The artist in this matter is in a similar position to that of the revolutionary throughout history. The successful revolutionary is a statesman, the unsuccessful one, a criminal."

This quote, which I just dug up for myself after 30 years, is from the book "Escape from Freedom" written in 1941 by Eric Fromm. It has always hovered in the background of my life, helping me to guard against complacency in all things, even when I forgot the quote was there.

To me, it is just another humble reminder to avoid automaton complacency in my life and continue -- through art, music politics or other ways meaningful -- to speak truth to power.

Why include this photo? I am not at all sure! It was a leading, I guess.

THE CRACKER SWAMP MANIFESTO by Willie Hager

A New Strategy for a New Century from Cracker Swamp, Fla.

Reflecting on my recent re-awakening and re-entry into things political after a decade's hiatus from significant leadership roles in veterans' organizations, there are some conclusions about the future of the Left that I wish to share with you.

My resurrection was inspired by the 2005 release of a significant (but yet undiscovered) audiobook history of 1972 Calif. Vietnam Veterans Against the War Camouflage & Lace by Diane Ford Wood of which I am a central character; and my participation in March 2005 with other old Vietnam Veterans Against The War (VVAW) types in a face-off at Texas Tech University (TTU) , with the Swift Boat Veterans 'For Truth', moderated by Nancy Miller Saunders of VVAW.

The deeply personal "Camo & Lace", and the very public face off at TTU inspired reunions of friends, lovers, and former activists; some of whom had not spoken to or seen one another in over thirty years. From the renewed spirit and energy of those two VVAW related reunions, arose Vetspeak. A medium for Objective Political Truth, designed to honor the venerable history of VVAW and stop the Right's rewriting of VVAW's history, for their own purposes. It also inspired this Manifesto, which proposes broad strategic changes to the entire Left and Right methodologies.

But why now? After all these years?

In case you didn't notice; the Swift Boat Veterans (SBVs) acted as the Republican petard in the presidential election, mounting  527 attack campaigns on Sen. John Kerry’s character, Vietnam service, and subsequent anti-war activities with VVAW. These right wing political operatives filled the airwaves and cyberspace, and all other forms of media with their outright lies, half-truths, and distortions. Using millions in hate money that was donated by the special interest money machine, they proved the point that, as we used to say in the Old Corps; if you sling enough sh*t, some of it will stick.

Of course, Kerry’s silence on the issue was twice as loud as George W. Bush's thunderous lack of protestations to these scurrilous tactics, which hearken back to the Nixon style politics of dirty tricks, plumbers, and Watergate. But the silence of the rest of us regarding it, was indeed a true American travesty; one for which our beloved country is paying a very dear price. With these thoughts stirring my soul and stimulating my brain, here are my conclusions about how the grassroots electorate can evolve into a more powerful political force before the next elections.

THE MANIFESTO

We The People, are losing the reins of our government, and I believe that we have no one else to blame but ourselves. To quote the venerable Pogo, "I have met the enemy and he is us." We have been complacent with our victories from the 1970s, ending with the close of the Clintonista era of politics. However, the opposition has not slept. Tirelessly, the Far Right juggernaut and the like-minded continue their march on the Constitution; seizing the power and identity of the American People. In campaigns befitting the costs and ruthlessness of Sherman’s March On, and subsequent Siege Of Atlanta, they have a firm hold on the reins of government.

Even if you disagree with this perspective, you cannot deny that the Far Right is in control of all levels of government. The economy is a mess (no, it’s not Bill Clinton’s fault). There is a lack of medical care at all income levels (not Hillary’s fault). The educational and court systems have collapsed ( I don’t know whose fault that is). And about Iraq: Whether you are "fer it, or agin’ it"; the wheels are comin’ off and the wagon's heading downhill.

The Left was not politically outsmarted during the last election; we were politically outplayed. Sadly, the other team doesn’t have a clue about what to do with the ball, which they took for their own as a result of a few technical fouls. This is a very serious threat to Truth, Justice, and The American Way. In order to recapture our Flag and the true intent of the Constitution from the powers that be, I agree with George Lakoff ("Don't Think of an Elephant"). Lakoff propositions that we must absolutely reframe the American political argument. We must redefine for ourselves who we really are and not continue to allow those on the Right, with whom we so vehemently disagree, to orchestrate the definitions of terms relevant to this struggle.

We cannot continue to heel to the dictates of the power brokers and extreme factions of minority and special interest groups, or their spokespersons on either the Right or the Left. Neither can we heel to the Political Correctness advocates, and the exponents of white middle-class liberal guilt, to the exclusion or detriment of other American citizens. Although some civil rights' legislation rightfully furthers the intentions of The People; other legislation, actually furthers only the exclusive, political agendas favorable to the controlling elements of both the Democratic Party and the Left.

While it may be a shocking revelation that not everything labelled "Democrat" or "Left" is good, just as everything "Republican" and "Right" is not bad; I suggest that we radically change our way of thinking. I suggest these considerations with the spirit of a man who doesn't just write about what he believes; but who also acts on those beliefs, having been jailed for civil rights protests in Watts (1973), and having fought two tours of duty in Vietnam. This is the 21st century. It is time for NEW ideas, NEW ways of looking at things, and NEW leadership with the wind of the American voter in our sails.

We must no longer march lock-step to anyone’s set agenda, at the expense of our cultural or political identity as we did in 2004. At the very least, the Democratic Party itself must take a very studied, empirical look at these dynamics and change the way they do business. Without a new direction, they will be in the hurt locker in ’06 & ’08, despite the political power of Hillary Clinton as a candidate. As an organization with a limited political platform, the Democratic Party, like the Left, needs to redefine itself and what it stands for. Driven forward by antiquated and culturally unrealistic ideas, they continue to view themselves as the only solution to America's problems. They must recognize that the Party is best suited as a vehicle for progressive political thought, ideas, and candidates, and not as a "be-all, end-all" for social justice and anti-conservatism.

To stay focused on our defined mission; we must remain open to shedding allegiances with certain like-minded groups. This is especially applicable to groups whose mission may be honorable, but who in fact utilize the same despicable tactics as the SBVs. We need to ask ourselves: Are these alliances so important that we are willing to subvert our personal and political values to win their support or vote? Isn't that pandering? While closing the door may appear heartless, it is far more realistic to prioritize our missions by which brings the most good to the largest number of all of our citizens, as opposed to what brings the greatest benefit to any one economic group, ethnic group, religion or political party.

Let me tell you, My Friends, workable new ideas and humanistic concepts always earn more votes than tired, well worn ones. From whichever side of the spectrum they come, the old "Liberal Guilt" whip or "Liberal as Commie" label, are just plain tired. Exclusiveness is exclusiveness, no matter which side of the political spectrum it emanates from. (The same can be said for inclusiveness.) We must think for ourselves. We must not rely on the media and others’ definitions of us in order to truly know who we are. Most importantly; we must feel good about who we are, .and act and speak as though we know who we are, and be unafraid of being swiftboated. Which, from my perspective is both an honor, and a sign of our effectiveness. We should never be ashamed of being identified as an enemy of tyranny, or its proponents...Ever!

We must stop thinking of ourselves as Republicans or Democrats when it comes to allegiance to our country and Flag. First and foremost; we are Americans, warts and all. Whether earned, or by luck of birth; it is a privilege that requires duty to Family, Flag and Constitution. As American citizens, we have the duty and the Constitutional right to Speak Truth To Power regarding government wrong doings, and political excesses forced upon the American People. The Constitution grants this privilege without fear of swiftboating or reprisal by the powers that be. We must never again allow the forces of repression, selfishness, and greed, to redefine who we are for reasons of money or power. We must guard against this corruption of our rights by any faction, sector, interest, political party, country, or government who might choose to dictate to us who is a "good" American, and who is not.

We have the right to a free exchange of ideas and Objective Truth, regarding the thoughts and deeds of our elected government. The Constitution placed these rights in the hands, and in the hearts and minds of the American People via the electoral process. It is not vested in the hands or coffers of 527s and political special interest groups, nor the smoke and mirrors of the media manipulated by political candidates with fully loaded war chests. Money should not determine the criteria for gaining our votes on issues that directly effect our personal daily lives, and the very future of this beautiful country.

If we can make these changes, I believe we will also win the struggle for the hearts and minds of the undecided voters, which is crucial to our political future as we rally for the march into the 21st century. We do this by moving beyond the labels, boundaries, as well as divisions of political parties, religion, race, economic status, swing states, red states, or blue states, and appealing to these voters instead, as Fellow Americans. We must enlighten and inform voters with Objective Truth, as we did at the 5th Triennial Vietnam Symposium at Texas Tech University at 1030 hours on March 10th, 2005-- in the face of a massive machine that is working 24/7 full-tilt boogie to distort, change, and even lie about the Truth for reasons of money or power.

Therefore, in the spirit of redefinition of person and purpose; I propose that we:

• Step out of the debate regarding whether we are "Liberals" and therefore somehow unworthy;
• Think of ourselves as "Free Thinking American Citizens" with a voice and a part to play in our destiny as defined in the Constitution;
• Remain optimistic (and not be defensive) regarding our personal philosophies and political beliefs;
• Be well read and well versed, articulate, and assertive in our subscription to our philosophies and beliefs and principled in our practice of them; and respectful of our peers in our delivery of them;
• Refuse to be subservient to any person, political party, or political philosophy, except to our Great Democracy as defined in the Constitution; and finally that we:
• Be unafraid to say out loud who we are: "Proud Patriots Speaking Truth To Power."

COMMUNISM & VVAW: Letter to a Misguided Soul by Willie Hager

The following article was written in response to a blog entry implying that VVAW of "The Day" was used by the Communist party to further their story...

You poor misguided soul, Roysoldboy. Cheer up, you are not alone. Help is coming to all who have bought in to this orchestrated re-write of Objective History and distortion of Objective Truth, something my studies, research, and life experience reveal to me that the Commies in question call "Revisionism".

But no matter who calls it what, revisionism is what it is. The antithesis to this revisionist history and distorted political truths is coming in the form of a new consciousness (well, not really new; but revisited in new terms), and a new way of looking at politics in America. How politics have evolved into the sorry state -- and how Neocons are "re-framing" the political argument in America -- is addressed in the NY Times best seller by George Lakoff, Don't Think Of An Elephant, published by Chelsea Green Press.

And, from the looks of your comments, you can use a good read.

In the spirit of Speaking Truth To Power and providing documented, firsthand Objective Truth to the American people, I, Peacevet and others who have lived and affected this period of history, have joined together to find, record, and debate Objective Political Truth. We oppose the lies, distortions, and sleaze of the Not-So-Swift-Vets and other low-life minions and convicted felons who act as spokespersons and operatives of the current Neocon (way right wing) political machine. Many Neocons are left over from the Nixon creature's disgraceful administration such as G. Gordon (CIA Clown) Liddy, Chuck (Preacher) Colson, Bernard (Guns) Barker (there are too many to include here, but I think you get the point). Anyone suffocating in the current political environment is invited to respond here.

So, Roysoldboy, today at this site and opportunity, I am here to help you get back on the track to the real Truth of the VVAW/Commie question. I am also here to reinforce Peacevet, whom you guys have been working over pretty good in your blogs. Peacevet, being a combat veteran (I've seen the proof) armed with firsthand knowledge of the facts and real life experience alluded to in this discussion, is holding his own. But then, you guys don't bring much to the table outside of secondhand slogans and rhetoric passed down from undocumented sources and political operatives.

Your naive perspective on the world is fueled by such intellectual giants as Rush Limbaugh (someone actually proud to be known as a "Dittohead"), as opposed to empirically thinking open-minded people who desire facts before speaking out on issues that effect the quality of life of other people. People like Limbaugh are making millions of dollars and seizing the Constitution, even as we debate here. PEACEVET is eliciting acknowledgements, completely contrary to your early-on stated "facts," regarding these matters. This indicates that there is hope for you, my friend.

I will address the most inflammatory paragraph of your posts, a paragraph filled with lies that I have some extensive personal knowledge and experience about. You wrote:

"I will have to tell you that I have studied the methods of the Communist party USA and that I am sure that they did use VVAW to further their story. The fact that you were a Texas wheel in the group and never saw a Communist means nothing to me. What about the other 50 states? Do you feel the same about the POW - MIAs that you feel about those of us who accuse your organization of playing with the Communists? Let me know how you feel about them."

The first thing is to establish credits and credentials. You mention that you have studied the "methods" of the CPUSA. May I ask for: 1) a reference for those "studies," 2) where they took place, 3) who acted as your mentor or teacher on these matters, and 4) what were their credentials? 'Cause I gotta tell you; your postulations point to a heavy dose of the McCarthy Hearings, and "I Led Three Lives", starring Richard Carlson, a '50s vintage TV show "documenting" the life of an ordinary citizen who infiltrates the CPUSA on behalf of the FBI. They also perhaps point to a lot of Rush and G. Gordon radio rabblerousing as well.

I, on the other hand, have seen Communists, (or "perceived" Communists), real close up -- both in war and here at home.

"Communists" At War

In war, as a U.S. Marine Corps, two tour veteran of Vietnam (1965-1966 & 1968), I certainly killed my share of those identified as "Communists," and gladly did so for Flag and Country. "Killing Commies For Christ", we used to call it. The horror in that statement is that everyone that we killed was not a "Communist" as described by the administrations of the time. They were people fighting for independence from foreign governments and influences. With a history of resistance, the Vietnamese had been fighting steadily for 27 years by the time we got there. They fought and defeated the Chinese (a couple of times), the French, and finally (in spite of all our efforts on the battlefield), the US (who actually defeated themselves). The Vietnamese fought for the right to self determination at individual and governmental levels.

Originally we were their allies in this effort, instrumental in bringing about the Geneva Accords following the fall of the French. Shortly thereafter, we violated this alliance using the trumped up (and politically expedient) Gulf Of Tonkin incident and Resolution. We made war on Communism under the guise of the Domino Theory of containment (see www.vietnam.ttu.edu/index.htm, scholarly studies that document my statements. Scroll down on the site for the VVAW and Swifties panels.)

"Communists" at Home

At home, through personal antiwar activities, I came to know the CPUSA, campus/intellectual Commies (students and college professors) and political activists (usually unwitting operatives of the FBI COINTEL Program). This led me to becoming VVAW Regional Coordinator for California/Nevada from 1972 to 1974 with offices in Los Angeles.

And yes, ROYOLDSBOY, unlike in Tejas, there were Vietnam veterans who professed Marxist and Maoist doctrines popular on the campuses at that time, especially in the major cities of Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. For several years, we battled to keep them from re-writing the activist Vietnam Veterans' mission of stopping the war in Vietnam to their agenda of violent revolution in the streets of America. At that time in the movement, these were perceived to be related issues.

Since the Peace Movement really got started on campuses, it is not surprising that there were indeed what you and your friends call "Communists" in the Movement. Operatives/minions of strategic Far Right initiatives often label anyone who disagrees with them "Card-carrying Communists," hoping to color their political enemies as unworthy of consideration.

Not once did, ROYOLDSBOY, did I ever see a "card" like not. Nor am I sure who might have been "card carrying" and who was not. Either way; it did not seem relevant. If someone, in fact, chose to be a Communist in America, that was a Constitutionally-protected right, however unpopular it was among many blue collar workers and the middle class at the time. The same Constitution I served and protected for nearly ten years as a US Marine, my father served as an Army medic in World War II. Mortally wounded at Normandy on 6June1944, my dad now lies in a US cemetery in St. James, France.

Later, the basic "Constitutional Right" would be reinforced with the downfall of the little fascist "Tailgunner Joe," aka Senator Joe McCarthy. A shallow human being with a political bent that required hate-filled rhetoric, name calling and personal assassination, McCarthy's heavy boot heels attempted to destroy the Constitution, Truth and History for personal, capital and political gain.

You seem to have a real strange criteria for role models, ROYOLDSBOY.

You rhetorically chastised PEACEVET for not being aware of Communists or associates (or as Tailgunner called them, "Fellowtravellers") within VVAW. You even conceded that since PEACEVET worked in Texas, that fact might be plausible -- but his experience meant nothing to you. So, which way is it gonna be ROYSOLDBOY? It meant enough to you that PEACEVET or others in VVAW might be Commies or sympathizers to pour out your venom, misinformation, disinformation and speculation to the world via the Internet under the guise of Political Truth. Unsupported lies like that can damage others' humanistic causes and reputations. Yet, when proven wrong and presented with personal firsthand knowledge of events and documentable facts; it means "nothing" to you?

As you have already read, I am a combat veteran of Vietnam, and served as the California/Nevada Regional Coordinator of VVAW. During my tenure, I was wrongly accused of being a Communist by political foes, as well as an FBI operative by California Movement Commies. It is sad to note that sometimes the Far Right and the Far Left often bump ideologically into one another as they walk, hand and hand in the dark, attempting to influence the hearts and minds of freedom-loving, free-thinking American Patriots.

And as to your question regarding the leadership of the rest of the VVAW chapters in "50 states," I am glad to be of service! VVAW was not organized by states, as you suggested, it was organized into 28 regions, most led by Regional Coordinators I was personally familiar with, including some of the coordinators listed below:

Scott Camil (Florida/Georgia)
* Combat Marine, veteran of Vietnam
* Proven in Federal Court (check court documents, Dittoheads) during the Gainesville 8 Conspiracy trial not to have "Communist affiliations."
* Found not guilty of all charges in that farcical and unsuccessful endeavor by Guy Goodwin, Special Prosecutor & Nixon lackey, to break the back of the VVAW. It only strengthened our already steely resolve to end the war, and bring down the Nixon gang.
* Scott was and is no Communist. He is a patriot.

John Kniffen (Texas)
* Regional Coordinator subsequent to PEACEVET's tenure
* Combat Marine, veteran of Vietnam
* Acquitted of all charges, allegations and Communist affiliations as a defendant in the Gainesville 8 Conspiracy trial.
* Recently succumbed to his battle with cancer (as though he had not had enough s*** to deal with in life) as a result of his love and never ending struggle for Freedom and Democracy.
* John was no Communist. He was a true American patriot. All of us whom he touched and served with miss him terribly.

Gunny John Musgrave (Kansas)
*Combat Marine veteran...personal friend.
*Leader of men, champion of the underdog, soft-spoken, strong-fisted, smart, funny and politically astute. Another American Patriot.
*Commie, my ass!

John Kerry (New England)
* US Naval Officer, Swift Boat commander and combat Veteran
* US Senator and recent Democratic candidate for President of the United States
* Chairman of the Committee that brought the Nixon gang's crimes on POW issues to light, ensuring that POWs and MIAs would not be left behind and unaccounted for, as Nixon and Kissinger had done in Vietnam. Communist propaganda? Nope. You can read it in the Congressional Record.
* A true American patriot.

In closing, ROYSOLDBOY, I can state unequivocally from personal experience and documented firsthand research, that the leadership of VVAW were not Commies, but often struggled with attempts by Commies and others to co-opt VVAW's massive public appeal -- the same appeal that resulted in the downfall of the Nixon administration's war efforts in Vietnam. The VVAW National Steering Committee, made up of these 28 Regional Coordinators, met quarterly, voted on and unanimously approved several position papers disassociating itself with the Communist movement and associated front organizations.

As a final irony, you can find documentation for much that I have written here at www.wintersoldier.com under the "Complete VVAW FBI Files." This is the site put together by Scott Swett, a Not-So-Swift lackey webmaster designed to bash John Kerry and VVAW during the recent presidential election. The Winter Soldier name derives from the title added by Commies to VVAW in the closing days of the Vietnam War. This occurred after the battle to end the war had been won, and when most major VVAW patriots had gone on to other venues in life. How crazy is it that those virulent anti-commies of the Not-So-Swift variety would choose a documentable Communist banner to name their website? Go figure!

Semper Fi!
Willie Hager

VETERANS FIGHTING VETERANS by Calixto Cabrera

VETERANS FIGHTING VETERANS: Is It Time to Remember Ourselves? by Calixto Cabrera

In yet another unfortunate salvo fired by veterans against veterans, the Vietnam Veteran Legacy Foundation "VVLF" (along with Red, White and Blue Productions and Vietnam veteran Carlton Sherwood) have sued John Kerry and his 2004 Pennsylvania campaign manager Tony Podesta over the film Stolen Honor. The Left had already fired the first salvo a few weeks prior. Kenneth Campbell and Jon Bjornson, long-time antiwar activists and members of Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW), alleged that Sherwood, VVLF and Newsmax defamed them in the documentary.

I'm not sure what to make of this mess, that is to say veterans fighting veterans. When I was in Vietnam (either tour), we moved Heaven and Earth to save any soldier whose unit was pinned down or in danger of being overrun. For me, the choice was success or to die trying. There was no compromise. This is not macho bravado, but a deep-felt conviction that we don't abandon our own. That's what I was taught in the Marine Corps and that is what I took to heart. When CUPP 3 (Combined Unit Pacification Program) was pinned down by enemy mortars, when a PF platoon (Popular Forces or militia) were pinned down by small arms fire, we were there. This is historical fact, not bravado; deeds not hollow words.

My eyes moisten when I read about lawsuits like these, and remember what all of us would have given to save each other. But now that we are back in "The World," we call each other liars, traitors, communist, fascist, pigs, lackeys, political puppets, cronies and more. We demean ourselves when we participate in this name-calling and endless cycle of hate. Let me be clear: We don't have to agree with each other. We all fought for the right to freely express our feelings and beliefs. But when we interact, we should remember that the man or woman who opposes us now, is the same man or woman who watched our backs in Vietnam, Iraq or Afghanistan.

I believe that the Swift Boat Vets have the same needs as mine:

* Acknowledgement that I participated in events I have a hard time imagining even today;

* Respect for my service to my country, whether or not you agree with my politics;

* Not to be disparaged because I fought that war for love of Country and family and saw it as my patriotic duty.

* To communicate in a manner that allows me to feel true to myself when the conversation is said and done, even if I don't convince anyone of anything.

With the Stolen Honor lawsuits, I see a chance to educate people not just about the Vietnam War or even the Iraqi War, but about War itself. The consciousness of this nation has already changed when it comes to the government sending our troops to foreign lands. We now take a longer, harder look at the reasons that a president may have for committing our troops to war.

The central issue in these lawsuits is whether Kerry lied or exaggerated the facts about what happened in Vietnam. Did American "troops" commit wide scale war crimes or not?

I cannot speak for all troops, but I can speak for myself as a former member of Lima Company Third Battalion 5th Marine regiment 1st Marine Division (1966 and 1967) and Alpha Co. 1st Battalion 7th Marines Regiment 1st Marine Division(1969-1970). I neither take pride nor will I cower from this answer:

From firsthand experience, my answer is yes. I'll say it again, yes.

* Burning Villages: We burned villages. Lima 3/5 loved to burn villages, a very common practice in Vietnam. In fact, I did not know that this was considered a war crime until last year. These actions were common knowledge all the way through the Battalion Commander, and I'm sure, higher up than that.

* Killing Enemy Wounded: I personally killed enemy wounded that I came upon in both tours because I thought that they may have a grenade on them.

* Desecrating Bodies: I saw Marines desecrate bodies by emptying whole clips of M14 or M16 bullets in to their bodies, never checking to see if they were still alive or not.

* Killing Animals: We killed the animals in villages that we identified as VC villages.

* Neglect and Physical Assaults of Prisoners: We physically assaulted prisoners in our possession. A VC suspect on a firebase was left so long in the sun without water that he drank his own urine.

* Physical Assaults on Children: A young Vietnamese boy about eight years old had a piece of his leg missing the size of my fist.No one stopped to render aid. (After all, it was our fire that injured him.) If this isn't a war crime, then it should be. We booby trapped a bunch of canisters of assorted ammunitions and lit the fuse that was long enough to give us about thirty seconds to get out of the area.As we walked away at a rapid pace about ten children all under eleven years old converged on the canisters, we kept walking and said nothing. Fortunately, one of them saw the fuse burning and they ran away. I don't know how many made it because we didn't look back after the explosion.

During my second tour of Vietnam, I was involved in more or less the same thing. This included the murder of a young Vietnamese woman (about 18 years old) one of my
team leaders, who was pulling her by her hair. She was carrying a baby in her arms and yelling hysterically. He got tired of pulling her and dealing with her resistance, so he released her hair and shot her dead on the spot. She was a good mother to the end. When she dropped, she made sure that the baby landed on her chest and was not hurt. What stands out the most from this murder was that when she fell dead, her black pajama top opened, exposing her breast. The baby (about 1 year old) then tried to suckle her breast.
Even after all I had seen and done, this shocked me to the core.

Later, when our unit returned to the world, the same team leader confessed to me that he and two other Marines raped a 70-year old Mama-san while I was away on R&R. Again I was shocked. Why didn't I turn this guy in?I still ask myself this question to this day, but at the time these were my reasons: First of all, he was one of my best friends in the unit. Secondly, Marines have a "green code," similar to the police "blue code," that you don't turn in your own no matter what. Thirdly, I didn't even record these incidents in my diary. The William Calley, Mai Lai mass murder thing was still a hot political issue. When all this happened, I was the senior man on the spot. We were still in a "hot zone" and I had
many other priorities.

The Swift Vets (and the Right in general) would say that these things just didn't happen. They would say that I exaggerate because I hate America. That I want to tear down America, or that I am out to defame the military and/or the government. Nothing can be further from the truth.

And the fight – veteran against veteran – begins.

I have been telling these same stories since I returned from Vietnam. At first, it was
to come to grips with what I had done: I simply could not believe that I shot wounded soldiers multiple times. When the truth finally set in, I was outraged at my conduct and deeply sick in my heart. I was furious with God for allowing me to commit these outrages against humanity.I had to find an enemy other than myself to blame for what I did. For a time, I chose the government, the police and the military. The flag and patriotism became hollow words and symbols to a heart bleeding profusely from psychological wounds. I was too much of a coward to commit suicide. The Marine Corps response to my two tours was in Vietnam? Three Purple Hearts, One Bronze Star, One Silver Star.

That was then and this is now.I have traveled a long road. I have matured. I have even forgiven myself for what I did. I no longer blame God, country or government; I have brought the responsibility and the forgiveness home to me. I write this story now – not out of vindictiveness, malice or hate – but to tell the American people that what Senator Kerry testified to were same things that I witnessed and participated in.

I do not know why the Swift Vets continue to say that these events are untrue, did not occur and were not widespread. Truth knows no political boundaries, and a cover up or denial will not set us free. Lying about the truth will not serve our nation, the military, my unit, or history. Yes, there are those who did not cross the line. I admire and salute any combat veteran that kept his or her integrity in such an extreme situation.

But I also must add my voice to the record: There are many of us who did commit war
crimes with the full knowledge, approval and even under the direction of our superiors. I ask that you respect this truth without impugning my patriotism, military record or integrity, just as I continue to honor yours.

To all American service personnel and veterans: Thank you for your service.

SWIFT BOAT VETS VS. REALITY OF VVAW by Willie Hager

This is one of five papers presented in person at Texas Tech University in March 2005 by Nancy Miller Saunders, Gerald Nicosia, Alex Primm, Terry DuBose and Willie Hager -- all early members/supporters of Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW). The unedited video of this face off with the Swift Boat Veterans 'For Truth' can be viewed for free at the TTU website. Click the link at the end of this article to view the videos.

IMAGE VS. REALITY: SWIFT BOAT VETS VERSUS THE REALITY OF VVAW / IMAGE MANIPULATION FOR POLITICAL AND PERSONAL GAIN by Willie Hager

In 1971, the year that will figure so prominently in today’s presentations and discussions, I was 29 years old. I had served in Vietnam for two tours, totaling 21 months. My tours spanned the years 1965 thru 1968. I had been a United States Marine, Sgt. E-5. During my two tours I served as a Combat Engineer Team Leader and as a Helicopter Support Team Leader in multiple combat operations in the field in South Vietnam…specifically in I Corps…the Northernmost Military Region, which bordered the DMZ with North Vietnam. As Combat Engineers and Helicopter Support Teams, we were attached out in four person teams to the various Marine Regiments and Battalions and Companies for support for their combat operations. Therefore, we were assigned to and worked with Marine units of all sizes and from all Divisions; the 1st, 3d, and 5th Marine Divisions who were deployed in RVN at the time. In this capacity, we were exposed to the many fighting philosophies of these units, which were very diversified. In a nutshell; in our capacity, we saw it all.

I had seen enough by 1 March 1969, after a Marine Corps career spanning 10 years. I was decorated for my services in combat, and was Honorably Discharged as a Sgt. E-5 from the United States Marine Corps. Two years later, in 1971, I was a married to a beautiful woman, going to Saddleback College, in Mission Viejo, Ca, on the GI Bill (such as it was), surfing, and trying to put my experiences in Vietnam and the Marine Corps and all of the turmoil that thinking about it brought to me out of my mind. I was doing great at college and having a large time leading an almost dreamlike life, why sweat it, right?

Then one day, I saw a newspaper article on the inside pages of a newspaper that had a photo of a Marine hunkered down and firing his M-16 over a berm in a place called Go Noi Island, RVN. I forget the newspaper or the title of the article, or the exact date; but I sure didn’t forget the image of that Marine fighting on Go Noi Island. I had been there, two years previously. It all came flashing back to me; in the late summer of 1968; I was attached (USMC calls it TAD) out to successive units rotating on and off Go Noi Island, RVN, without myself having rotated out of the field for several of those unit rotations. Until one day, word came out to us in the field; the 27th Marine Regt, whom I had come over with in 5th Shore Party, from Kanehoe Bay, Hi, was being rotated out of Vietnam, along with the Army’s 82d Airborne Division, this withdrawal was scheduled for September of 1968. Now, here it was, two years later; and this Marine in this photo was still engaged with the enemy on Go Noi Island…just as I had been for so many weeks during that final in-country Operation. That was just overwhelming!

And then all of the other craziness of it all came roaring back on me...I was instantly reinforced that I had done the right thing in getting out of the Marine Corps, and away from any need to have to ever return to Vietnam…at the time I left, we had already been there for four years, with no end in sight…now, seven years, and counting, later; I was being confronted with the exact same scenario, in the exact same location that I had managed to escape from in 1968, upon the withdrawal of the 27th Marine Regiment from the field of battle in Vietnam. I felt so tremendously sad for that unidentified Marine, and for all those who were still dying needlessly, without rhyme or reason, and then, suddenly; for all of us.

I take the time and the space here to give you all of this, in order to set the context of the times, and of my state of mind, and my perceptions of events yet to come. A very different perspective, and a very different truth than those wannabe Plumbers, the Swift Boat Vets For Truth AKA Vietnam Veterans For A Just Peace, circa 1971 would have you believe existed in that day regarding VVAW and the Vietnam veterans who stepped up to the plate and testified at the Winter Soldier Investigation, in Detroit in 1971, and those who symbolically tossed their medals back to the government that issued them at Operation Dewey Canyon III. Both of these 1971 “Actions” were in protest to what was becoming in all clarity, a failed US policy in Vietnam that was supported by an Administration that lied to, and misled the American people about what the reality was regarding our deployment there.

All of this is documented by actual American History and other Truths to follow… i.e. The Pentagon Papers, the Watergate hearings, and last, but not least; the ultimate fall of the Nixon Administration, under the threat of impeachment and in total disgrace. And in recent times, subsequent to the aforementioned events; the duplicity of Nixon’s war criminals in leaving American POWs behind and unaccounted for in South East Asia, at the same time telling the American people that all the POWs were already home.

These are the Truths of the times, not the swill that the Swift Boat Vets are trying to foist off on America as truth. The Swifties are quite simply an ugly and dangerous resurgence of the Nixon Doctrine On The Governing Of The American People. Apparently we didn’t get all of the cockroaches when we turned on the lights during the fight for control of America’s political system back in the ‘70s.

In the volatility of those times, it was becoming extremely difficult for many veterans to reconcile their participation in all of that purposeless killing. That and the, seemingly, never ending deaths of the American GIs who followed in their foot steps. The one’s who followed were the numbers reported each night by the Networks; “ Only 10 Americans were killed in Vietnam today”… Only 10!? How do you interpret “Only”?

This was my first introduction to Right Wing spin on the news. The sad thing is that most of the GIs that went to Vietnam prior to 1971 were unaware of the objective truth. They went armed only with their government’s lies about their pending sacrifices. It’s one thing to fight and die bravely for something you believe in, but completely another to kill and possibly die for something that nobody other than Nixon’s war criminal cabinet and advisors believed in any longer. The lid was coming off the pot, and VVAW was becoming the cook, with a very big spoon for stirring things up. This was the image that I as a veteran of that war saw; not the one that the then Veterans For A Just Peace were trying to conjure up.

In our college and surfing community in Southern California, we had constant updates from student activists, and PBS Specials, as well as through our music and the LA Free Press; the primary underground news organ of the time. It was on those pages that I first became aware of Vietnam Veterans Against The War. At that time they were using the Free Press to recruit members and to stir up interest in Vietnam Veterans joining them in Washington D.C. for an action that they were calling Dewey Canyon III, A Limited Incursion into the Congress of the US, to protest further participation in the Vietnam War by US forces. Shortly after learning of the Winter Soldier Investigation which had recently taken place in Detroit, a documentary film of the event was made available. These guys were testifying publicly to acts that all of us knew were SOP, (Standard Operating Procedure) for the day, throughout the military in Vietnam.

However, for the most part, the rest of us had never even talked to our families about these kinds of things, let alone each other. Our shame was so great, and our emotions so numbed from having been a part of all those horrible things that these guys were now telling the American people about; that we had never dared given even a small thought to sharing them with anyone.

But, here it was…cat out of the bag…more Truth to deal with…these guys were the heroes that gave many of us, through their actions in 1971, an avenue to begin healing from wounds that we didn’t even realize that we had up to that point! Furthermore they shocked America awake as to the reality of a Tour Of Duty in Vietnam. They were saying words that my heart wished that I had the courage to say. I was catching on fire!

Dewey Canyon III was all over the news while it was going on, in what was growing coverage of VVAW’s actions by all forms of media…TV put the VVAW in all of the living rooms of America at the 6:00 P.M. hour (Before Cable News). This was extremely powerful imagery that was being put in front of Americans who huddled around their TV sets by the millions every night in those days. GIs throwing their medals away?! How could this be? What are they, a bunch of Communists? They can’t really be veterans! There must be a sinister plot of violent overthrow by radical dissidents in all of this.

That was the message the Swifties AKA VVFAJP were reinforcing as far and wide as they were able to, back in 1971. Or, was it something more; was something really happening here? Was it possible that these men were really tormented heroes pouring out their souls to their countrymen, as it appeared that they were? The American people chose to believe that conclusion…embraced that image, and accepted the Truth of the Reality that these men bore as bravely as they bore their combat wounds and mental scars resulting from their service to their country in Vietnam. VVAW became a household acronym. And so, as a reward for one of the most powerful, heart rendering, and yet peaceful statements ever made protesting our participation in Vietnam; the symbolic returning of medals earned in Vietnam; the Swifties AKA VVFJP, attacked us.

However, the American people took us to their hearts. This incredibly powerful imagery was calculated to do just what it did; stop the hearts of Americans as they watched Operation Dewey Canyon III unfold on TV. They watched, transfixed, as Combat Veterans with tears in their eyes and cries of frustration on their lips symbolically tossed their awards for service and heroism back to the government and, in so doing, made all those watching the evening news believers. Winning Hearts and Minds.

For their part; the then version of what is now slickly named The Swift Boat Veterans For Truth AKA Vietnam Veterans For A Just Peace, heaped derision, disrespect and lies about these men’s service to their country, and on their actions protesting further service by anybody on that failed mission. A shameful practice that continues to this day. Only now, their venom is primarily being directed at our younger Brothers and Sisters who are today Speaking Truth To Power, as we did back in The Day, the IVAW.

I know first-hand about the true character of the Winter Soldier Investigation Veterans, and of their claims. Theirs, and hundreds of other Vietnam Veterans who were there on the Mall in 1971 for Dewey Canyon III to Speak Truth To Power, and to the American People, about the real nature of their service to their country. I know this as I was to meet and come to know most of them personally over the next few years as I traveled the US on VVAW business…and I assure you that it was Courageous and Honorable service.

These VVAW types were dedicated to bringing about the 10 Objectives of VVAW, not assassination plots and anti-government conspiracies, as the Swifts’ AKA VVFAJP propaganda would have you believe. The forces of evil, in this case, are known under the modern day guise of Swift Boat Veterans For Truth. Who attempted then, and still to this day attempt to portray the symbolic Dewey Canyon III medal return action as a contrived left wing political plot to overthrow the legitimate government by a bunch of non-combat veterans and wannabes.

Wrong! The majority of the news watchers among the American people of the day rightly figured it out that; if the vets who had fought and managed to return from this war were there in Washington, D.C. for this, and are making this kind of statement in front of the world, there must be something to it.

It was unprecedented that American fighting men would return from a war and speak out so passionately and poignantly against America’s continued participation in that same war. It is still some of the most powerful and defining imagery in American history. The Swifts, on the other hand, in 1971, were basically unknown to the majority of the masses, and remained that way right up until the recent John Kerry Presidential election campaign. They once again reared their ugly heads and showed their black hearts.

Other than one subsequent debate where their “leader”, then and now; John O’Neill, was humiliated by John Kerry, and drowned in his own rhetoric on ABC's special June 30, 1971 broadcast of The Dick Cavett Show, they generated very little public interest in their Nixononian like postulations. They were not heard from in any kind of a meaningful way again until the recent Presidential election, where they once again fired up the hate machine, and again took up their assault on VVAW and John Kerry. They even had a new and timely name; The Swift Boat Veterans For Truth. The right wing money poured into their coffers, and they launched their campaign to sabotage the Presidential campaign of past VVAW leader and spokesman, Senator John Kerry.

They had curried favor with the Money Minions of the Right, with their pathetic attempts, way back in 1971, to derail the VVAW onslaught of those times. The 2004 election was pay-off time for them. They were given millions in financing, as well as free political license to perform character assassination on the Democratic nominee, Senator John Kerry.

The saddest part, this time around, was that John Kerry gave them a by. Americans scratched their heads and wondered why he didn’t respond; Could the Swift Boat vets be right they wondered, as Kerry failed to respond? Could these charges be true; why doesn’t he speak up? This one billion decibel silence on the matter by the Kerry camp empowered the Swifties, and fattened their war chest. And, most importantly today; it is the reason that this panel appears before you… it stops here; these thugs will not intimidate us, and they will not be allowed to dishonor our service, our politics or our heroes, ever again. Not without direct response from those who know, and have lived the Truth that these guys so badly distort for personal political and financial gain…today is the beginning of the end for these thugs and their Brown Shirt tactics.

John Kerry gained national prominence at Dewey Canyon III, when his countenance appeared on PBS TV at the Congressional hearings where he made the famous “ Last Man To Die Speech”. John was not speaking for himself, as the Swifties would have you believe. He was speaking as the selected representative of the thousands of VVAW Veterans who had descended on Washington D.C. for Dewey Canyon III, and said so right at the opening of his presentation… So, that was the VVAW Reality of the time, not the image that the Vietnam Veterans For A Just Peace AKA Swift Boat Veterans For Truth were trying to conjure up for their personal and political gain. That was the Reality of VVAW in 1971; not the lies and half truths of the politically opportunistic Vietnam Veterans For A Just Peace, who are once again wheeling out the old act, directed now at AARP; our parents and Grandparents…and it was a very powerful Reality, indeed. It was a compelling reality that was fueled with the fires of the souls of thousands of America’s best.

Winter Soldier Investigation, Operation Dewy Canyon III, and John Kerry’s soul wrenching speech in Congress was the VVAW that thousands of us Vietnam Veterans saw and knew in 1971…the Call that we answered. That Reality was the reality that America in general saw and knew to be VVAW. It was that reality that they responded to in their enthusiastic support of our always non-violent actions. Not the sordid and seedy surreal dime store novel image of wild and dangerous men plotting, and trying to hatch schemes of violent overthrow of our government, and assassination of our elected officials that the Swifts would have America believe to be the case.

That Reality was perceived and acted on by the majority of the real Combat Veterans of VVAW as a patriotic undertaking. Many forces tried to co-opt our image, and our military organizational skills, and what we perceived as our national mandate…we were infiltrated by the FBI and the communists, and both were very challenging to our efforts; but, like the good combat soldiers that we were; through it all, we never lost site of the objective, and we never faltered till we recaptured the American Flag from the Nixon administration, and brought America’s interest in involvement in a continuing war in Vietnam to an end.

Many of us will be paying the price, and bearing the personal scars for that commitment for the remainder of our lives; but it was a good thing…not the swill that the Swift Boat Vets spew in the form of snippets and half truths, self righteously assassinating people’s character and belittling their service to their country…damning them for exercising the basic American rights of freedom of thought, and freedom of speech. Values that they had shed blood for…theirs, and that of the enemy forces in the field in Vietnam.

Every time I get an image of the VVAW that I knew and participated in; my heart swells with the pride of having been a part of their Reality. On the other hand, speaking of images and reality; every time I think of the Swifties, I get images of Nixon and Jack-Boots. Beware, America; think for yourselves; don’t allow the forces of evil do your thinking and analysis of events for you. We fought and died in Vietnam, and later struggled to bring down a corrupt and evil Administration in order that you should be able vote your heart and your conscious, not the party line. That is the Reality of VVAW Vs The Swift Boats For Truth, and their pathetic and cruel manipulation thereof for personal and political gain. Truth, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder, and in the hearts of those who have lived it.

To view the video of this presentation, click here link and scroll down to Saturday, March 19, 2005, 10:30 A.M.