> steve
Actually, I was referring to those Vietnamese who approved of the American assault and assisted in it -- though I too have met Vietnamese (here, not there) who hated what we did, lost family members, and yet maintained a forgiving heart. Their deep humanitarianism has stuck with me, but again, it wasn't them I was referring to, but those Vietnamese who, I'm sure to this day, supported the war.
My point is that you'll always find locals who'll support an invasion of their country, especially if, in their view, the invasion displaces a worse system. It doesn't surprise me that many Iraqis favor Bush's invasion, which many doubtless do, despite the Official Take on matters. But it seems that this cannot be accepted at its face -- that deep down they must -- must! -- hate Bush as much as we do. That just has to be the case, damn it!
Glad to hear you'd tone it down on behalf of that soldier. How about trying some of that here?
DP