But, the truth is, that's exactly what we were doing. We killed thousands of civillians, on both sides of the conflict, with everything, from deliberate ordered massacres, to simple indescriminate firebombing and gunship attacks. Ghengis Kahn would have been proud. And the Vietnamese Army committed viscious atrocities undreamed of by the US.
And what for? Going to "war" with a rebel group. (There is not, and never has been, a North or South Vietnam. The "NVA" and "VC" were actually both parts of one unified rebel group, known as the NLF (National Liberation Front). In fact, Ho Chi Minh wasn't a communist himself. He originally drafted a constitution based on that of the US, and appealed for US support, but was denied it. That was when he turned to the Soviets for aid.
The Swift Vets, as I say, lack any credibility. None of them ever served with Kerry, despite their claims otherwise. They were in the same country, at the same time, but none of them served with him directly. Kerry's commanding officer, who now declares him "unfit for command", at the time praised Kerry's actions in Vietnam. In addition to the purple hearts, Kerry recieved a bronze star and a silver star, neither of which were ever given freely and neither of which should be taken lightly. All of those proven to have served with Kerry actually support him, as well, praising his valor and leadership, and fully backing his medals.
