Kill the Messenger
One Degree, An Historical Medical Mystery
Excerpt Chapter 9
“ What Matt discovered was that in the seventies across the US medical spectrum, in the printed news, and on national television, there were deluded attempts to explain this new and challenging medical problem. The fanciful false proclamations of a speedy investigation to resolve this disease’s transmission to reassure the public were a smoke screen. Our nation’s citizens were fearful of contracting this dreaded disease. TV talking heads inflamed emotions by proposing, “Was it spread by breathing the same air, eating contaminated food, having sex, sitting on a public toilet, or being in contact with an infected carrier of the disease?”
Alarmists proclaimed, “The public must avoid contact with those perceived to be infected by this disease.”
As a result, in addition to the name calling, egg throwing, and spitting, the returning Vietnam veteran was further shunned and isolated. Schools, businesses, workplaces, movies, restaurants, motels, and other gathering places were becoming off-limits to those who served in Vietnam. A societal disaster was developing. Where would our Vietnam veterans work, eat, toilet, sleep, or attend college? Would not the currently difficult reintegration of the stigmatized Vietnam veteran into US society be made more difficult? An irrational defensive mode gripped the nation’s populace.”
Author’s Insight
The disease is a figment of my imagination. But, the abusive treatment of returning Vietnam veterans is so awfully true.
The fact that the January 31, 1968 TET Offensive was planned and successfully executed by the VC and NVA imploded the disseminated US myth that the “good guys” were winning.
Our proficient guerrilla opponents had fiercely attacked throughout the entire length and breath of South Vietnam.
Intense bloody fighting erupted resulting in major numbers of casualties on both sides. The “good guys” prevailed but we did not win.
We are so powerful! How could this happen? Why are our leaders pursuing this mutilating, immoral, and deadly action?
By then there 40,000 KIA.
The antiwar sentiment became a movement. Walter Cronkite’s pessimistic broadcast fueled the flames.
The killing of innocent civilians increased. Collateral damage. No way were their “hearts and minds” ever to be won over.
The public’s twisted conclusion placed the blame on those fighting in the Vietnam War quagmire. They were an easy target, especially entering the airports when returning home. Awarded with all the acts I described, including physical violence.
The word spread that an immediate trip to the bathroom for a change of clothes was the best protection.
These young adults, average twenty-two, were already devastated and confused by their wartime actions. Now, a total rejection by their country.
Originally published at https://guskappler.blogspot.com on January 2, 2021.
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