The Myth of Vietnam Vets & MIAs (was Re: Colin Powell)

[Michael Hoover]

> What is the origin of this myth of Vietnam Vets who were 
> "spit upon, called baby killers, & the like by anti-war activists," I 
> wonder?
> Yoshie

Jerry Lembcke's book _The Spitting Image: Myth, Memory & the Legacy
of Vietnam address above...among number of reasons for myth, he cites 
importance of Hollywood and quotes from Stallone character on ostensible
"coming home" (Lembcke also discusses film of that name with Fonda & 
Voight) experience:
"I see all those maggots at the airport. Protesting me. Spitting. Calling me
baby killer."

Lembcke has coupla articles on web that, more or less, summarize the
book:
"The Spitting Image: Myth, Memory & the Legacy of Vietnam"
http://www.rlg.org/annmtg/lembcke99.html

"Media Myth: Vietnam Vets & Spit"
http://www.tompaine.com/history/2000/09/07/2.html

Michael Hoover