In Vietnam, our soldiers came back and they were reviled as baby killers, in shame and humiliation. It isn't happening now, but I will tell you, there has never been an American army as violent and murderous as our army has been in Iraq.
Interpretation
The quote reflects the shame and criticism faced by soldiers returning from conflict, highlighting the brutality of warfare, particularly in Iraq.
Seymour Hersh's quote discusses the harsh reception faced by American soldiers returning from Vietnam, labeled as 'baby killers' and subjected to public shame. He contrasts this historical event with the current state of American soldiers in Iraq, suggesting that while the public response may differ, the violence and brutality of the American military actions have reached alarming levels. Hersh's statement serves as a stark reminder of the moral complexities and societal repercussions of war.
In practice
In a discussion about the consequences of war, this quote can be cited to highlight the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers.
I joined the 'Times' in 1972, and I came with the mark of Cain on me because I was clearly against the war. But my editor, Abe Rosenthal, he hired me because he liked stories. He used to come to the Washington bureau and almost literally pat me on the head and say, 'How is my little Commie today? What do you have for me?'
No place is safe - no place is at peace. There is no place where a women and her daughter can hide and be at peace. The war comes through the air, bombs drop in the night. Quiet people go out in the morning, and see air-fleets passing overhead - dripping death - dripping death!
Until we go through it ourselves, until our people cower in the shelters of New York, Washington, Chicago, Los Angeles and elsewhere while the buildings collapse overhead and burst into flames, and dead bodies hurtle about and, when it is over for the day or the night, emerge in the rubble to find some of their dear ones mangled, their homes gone, their hospitals, churches, schools demolished - only after that gruesome experience will we realize what we are inflicting on the people of Indochina.
I pray for no more youth To perish before its prime; That Revenge and iron-heated War May fade with all that has gone before Into the night of time.
In listening to the narratives of the Congolese, I came to terms with the extent to which their bodies had become battlefields.
The wars don't end when you sign peace treaties or when the years go by. They will echo on until I'm gone and all the widows and orphans are gone.
Trenches, hospitals, the common grave--there are no other possibilities.
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