The Turning: A History of Vietnam Veterans Against the War [Paperback]

 

 

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This book is, to say the least, well-written. It is concise, detailed, written with the same degree of passion for history that characterizes all of Hunt's work. I highly recommend the book to anyone interested in the response to the Vietnam War and its impact upon American society.

This remarkable account takes the American people inside the framework of one of the most spiritual and politically cutting-edge organizations founded within American boundaries during the entire Cold War, the Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW). "The Turning" by Andrew E. Hunt is a must-read for all serious students of the Vietnam War contemplating its profound effect on both American culture and the very veterans who were ordered to "pay any price and bear any burden" for the mistaken political and military policies of their nation's involvement in the Southeast Asian conflict. The book's account of the various veterans--from Bobby Muller, John Kerry, Barry Romo, Bill Ehrhart, just to name a few-- who so courageously faced down the entire nation by witnessing in repeated public demonstrations what was REALLY GOING ON in the war, is a stunning reminder to all Americans and the World that for democracy to last, it must have a strong, clear, core collective conscience. No other organization so poignantly and forcefully challenged U.S. policy in Indochina as did the Vietnam Veterans Against the War. Even today, all history texts pertaining to this period touch the subject of VVAW's presence as the cutting edge of the American anti-war movement, and indeed, of our national conscience at the time. It is not surprising to me that the veterans of VVAW, such as Mr. Bobby (USMC lst Lt. 1968-69), also launched the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) in 1979, which fought for the rights of the veterans of that conflict against an embarrassingly silent American government. Mr. Muller went on in his life to also found the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation (VVAF) in 1980 which dealt with the issues of war and its consequences. This remarkable veteran organized the first visit of VVA vets back to Hanoi during Christmas in 1981 and, in doing so, launched the entire process of reconciliation between veterans' groups and the governments of both America and Vietnam which culminated in the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations in July of 1995. While following this most courageous path of peace, VVAF--under Mr. Muller's leadership-- initiated rehabilitation and humanitarian clinics in both Vietnam and Cambodia in the early 90's, assisting the thousands of forgotten, innocent landmine victims suffering throughout Indochina. This effort lead to Mr. Muller's conception of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) in 1991 which received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997 and became a legally-binding international treaty in March of 1999. The core qualities of seeking justice and witnessing truth inherent in VVAW's spiritual influence on the veterans who belonged to it in the 60's, 70's and up to the present, can be evidenced today in the continued remarkable achievements of those vets like Mr. Bobby Muller. By understanding the organization VVAW--its orgins and evolution-- the reader will learn to appreciate how men,-- under heavy fire of both war and protest of war--, have carried within their souls the spark to enlighten and change the world and humanity for the better. Anyone with a conscience should read this book and be challenged by the information it contains. Thank you, Mr. Hunt, for taking the time to compile this vital history of a unique organization which helped the conscience of this nation turn towards sorely-needed enlightment.

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