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?'
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
What this quote means
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.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the consequences of war, this quote can be cited to highlight the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers.
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