Vietnam bemused by US poll campaign

[Bhaisahab]

In the heart of what was once enemy territory for American forces, Hanoi residents seemed bemused these days over the debate in the US presidential campaign about who did what in the Vietnam War three decades ago.

Nearly half of Vietnam’s 81 million people were born after what is known here as the “American war” ended in April 1975 with the ignominious withdrawal of the last US forces before the communist North reunified the country.

Nguyen Lu Dung, a 23-year-old office clerk, is one of them. She said she did not know Democratic candidate John Kerry had fought in the war or that he had later participated in speaking out against it.

“Young people of my generation have little knowledge of the American war, so what Kerry did during a battle in Vietnam is not important for us,” she said. “On the other hand, what Bush did in Iraq mattered a lot, and he was wrong. For that he shouldn’t win this election,” she said...

continued:
http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/aug242004/f8.asp

well at least the vietnamese lady has got it right. too bad most people who have a say don't get it. the election is about the last four years and the next four years, not about 35 years ago.

[Old and In the Way]

1. Had a friend in China who asked me about Kerry.

Had heard that he had fought in VietNam and his IWR vote. Was wondering if he would be a warmonger like George Bush. I was happy to tell her about Kerry's anti-war activities and that he was instrumental in turning the public preception against the war. I also told her that I believed if Kerry had been elected President in 2000, there'd be no Iraq War to discuss. She was very happy to hear that.

[amber dog democrat]

2. and the KEY thing that has the Chimp's handlers scared is

avoiding a referendum on his term in office.
There is little for him to feel good about.
They are in trouble and they know it.

[Bhaisahab]

3. Are referendums a part of the American political system?

I mean, are they allowed? If so, how come none so far on Bush?

[amber dog democrat]

4. Bush appears to be doing all in his power to avoid them

it almost as if he's being chased by a pack of bloodhounds - and to throw them off the scent, ( if you will, to prevent a referendum from happening ), he is pouring cyanne pepper on the trail, ( attack/slime ads ).

If we ever get him treed, ( if you will forgive the analogy ) , then hes got reason to be very much afraid. This is what liars do. Attack to discredit others - otherwise, he bites when cornered. Its as if this is a life and death struggle from his vantage point.
it will be the end of the world for this fool if he loses.
and he may, he just may.