Shame on you!

The following is just my opinion, but John S. DelRosario Jr. shame on you! You claim to be a journalist/editor/publisher. You, above most others, should recognize the power of the press. As a journalist you should know the importance of research and fact-based reporting. You should also be aware of the concept of defamation. Obviously your letter to the editor is not a journalistic offering but you make some serious allegations.

You accuse Mr. Quitugua of “shooting innocent people” in Vietnam. Were you there? Do you have facts to support your accusation? I truly doubt it. Your comments serve no legitimate purpose and are clearly intended to hold Mr. Quitugua up for public ridicule and scorn. I hope Mr. Quitugua hits you with a libel action.

Many of us who served in Vietnam came home to the same baseless accusations that you now make. Time has not healed all the wounds inflicted by people like you. You use your “journalistic license” to rehash the 1960s anti-war rhetoric. You deride Mr. Quitugua with your comment, “What sterling service, sir!” Your comment denigrates all who served. Again, shame on you.

Yes, Vietnam was an unpopular war. Today, there are many who find the war in Iraq equally unpopular. One of the big differences, however, is that the public has matured enough to realize that opposition to war does not preclude support for those who do their duty.

You “humbly” ask, “What solution did you provide the ignorant of the host country other than death, hardship and lifetime displacement?” There is nothing “humble” about your question. You obviously never intended to receive a response but rather, it appears, your purpose is to further denegrate the service of the young men and women of that era. Yes, it is true, death and hardship are part of war. During my time in the country I saw many instances of care and compassion by American servicemen toward the people of that country. We provided food, medical care, shelter, protection, and many intangible benefits. We left behind an infrastructure for communications and transportation. As far as your claim of “lifetime displacement” one can only imagine what you are talking about. The people of Vietnam were not displaced. They remained in their home country.

You refer to the “ignorant” of that country. Who are you talking about? What makes someone ignorant? Is it that they are not as smart as you? The people of Vietnam were and are no more ignorant than any other people. According to the CIA Factbook, the literacy rate in Vietnam is over 90 percent. That is less than 7 percent behind the CNMI. Compare that with 40 percent literacy in Iraq and 36 percent in Afghanistan.

Have you been to Vietnam recently? I returned on the 25th anniversary of the end of the war. I had some concerns about how I would be treated when the locals learned that I had served in the war. I must say that I was received much better by them than by you. That country has matured and in many ways is moving toward capitalism and hopefully someday a democratic government. The United States and Vietnam have restored full diplomatic relations.

I take offense at what you have said. I am sure many others do also. I’m heading off to our monthly Veterans of Foreign Wars meeting now. I’m sure they will be interested in what you have to say. I think you owe Mr. Quitugua and many others an apology.

Barry Hirshbein
San Antonio