My Lai = Phoenix Program

[Keith Millea]

However, the argument articulated in this post is not a slur on soldiers who fought bravely and with honour. It is attempt to place My Lai in a context other than that "a few rotten eggs". For me, that context is the Phoenix Program.

Jan,
Thank you for your response.I know you weren't attempting to slur anyone.And,you are more familiar with this incident than I am.So I am grateful for your observations because to tell the truth,My Lai baffles the heck out of me.

You could very well be correct about the "psychology" of that unit being exploited.What seems certain to me is that the Americal Officer Corps weren't up to the task there,and it seems Colin Powell fit in well.I get the feeling,just an ass kisser to have rose so quickly through the ranks.

I guess it will never be understood where this ugliness truly originated from.Let there be no mistake though,that this event not only brought a hell to those soldiers that participated,but also was extremely destructive to all Vietnam Veterans.It was My Lai that turned this country against it's soldiers,and not just the War.It was My Lai that was the catalyst for the chants of "baby killers" to returning Vets.It was a psychological atrocity upon us in the end.Jan,thank you for the respect.