Wat Tyler <[log in to unmask]> asks:

> I suppose Tony Hollick would like to have the Vietnam War veterans treated
> as heroes. Why would that be?

    A British 'TOP GUN' fighter pilot combat trainer friend of mine had a
motto on his instrument panel, which read:

    "NEVER ASSUME: CHECK!!!"

    Accordingly, I recommend this motto to 'Wat Tyler'.  >:-}

    Heroism is a characteristic of specific behaviour by specific individuals
in specific situations.  Not all Vietnam War veterans were heroes.  Not all
_opponents_ of the War were heroes, either.  Opposition to the War dwindled
with astonishing speed when the Draft was halted...  And who can forget the
sight of Maoists (of all people) demonstrating against war, or of daft
American students waving the North Vietnamese flag?

    The one thing North Vietnam _does_ deserve eternal credit for is smashing
the Khmer Rouge and their revolting French socialism.

Tony