[edpc]

We would/could have won, if not for him.

I'd have to disagree for two reasons:

First, the conduct of operations pretty much ensured there would be no clear victory. Without full commitment to target and invade the North, the best result would have been like the Korean conflict.

Secondly, the Vietnamese were reluctant to do what was necessary to defend themselves from communist takeover. When the locals don't unite and defend their own liberty, the eventual outcome is never good. We're seeing it again in Iraq and Afghanistan.

[Jeff Chandler]

the Vietnamese were reluctant to do what was necessary to defend themselves from communist takeover.

Their supplies were cut off by the Democrat Congress. They couldn't even get medical supplies.

[CrazyIvan]

“When the locals don’t unite and defend their own liberty, the eventual outcome is never good. We’re seeing it again in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

But is that their innate behavior or them knowing that we might not be willing to back them all the way? 

[Osage Orange]

Secondly, the Vietnamese were reluctant to do what was necessary to defend themselves from communist takeover. When the locals don't unite and defend their own liberty, the eventual outcome is never good. We're seeing it again in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Could almost say the same thing for California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.............

[freedumb2003]

>>Secondly, the Vietnamese were reluctant to do what was necessary to defend themselves from communist takeover. When the locals don’t unite and defend their own liberty, the eventual outcome is never good. We’re seeing it again in Iraq and Afghanistan.<<

We have many fine FReepers here who were in Vietnam so I hope I am not speaking out of turn.

I had a very good friend who was a radio operator there (the best buddy of ground pounders everywhere). We were actually discussing management strategy when he noted a massive mistake (one of many) the “Military Strategists” made.

Here in the US, we believe (for the most part) in the country first, state second, local third. The Vietnamese experience is the opposite — you take care of your village and the region will take care of itself. And if the region takes care of itself the country will take care of itself.

So, sending Vietnamese to protect territory and targets (bridges and the like) was futile. Their reaction was “this ain’t ours, let it go.” And they did and it did.

Many thought this was the unfortunate long-term outcome, no matter how hard we fought.

We did win (see the other reply from Ruy Dias de Bivar to my post which calls it out perfectly) — but the definition of “win” was a best dicey as you point out.

The truly sad part is cronkite turned it into a pure loss . May he spend his damned eternity being tormented by those killed by his liberal agenda and overall stupidity.