Valley veterans react to U.S. lift of weapons ban on Vietnam

The Vietnamese want to strengthen ties with their Cold War era enemy in large part because of the threat posed by a militarily aggressive China, seizing territory in both the east and south China seas.
In an effort to stop that land grab, President Obama made the decision Monday to sell Vietnam American weapons, removing a ban in place for over four decades.

“Today Vietnam and America show the world hearts can change and peace is possible,” President Obama said.

In exchange, Vietnam will give the U.S. ships more access to its ports.

The president’s move didn’t sit well with one Vietnam War veteran in Desert Hot Springs.

“To me it’s kind of like another slap in our face. Instead of worrying about giving them more weapons, why don’t we worry about the boys who didn’t get home and are still missing out there,” the veteran said.

The veteran, who wanted to remain unnamed, said he’s a disappointed and worried that arming Vietnam could be dangerous for the U.S.

“All you’re doing is giving more countries more ammunition. Every time someone promises this and that, we all get in trouble for that,” he said.
“This is what our government thinks is the right thing to do, but it always costs our boys’ lives.”

A veteran out of Palm Springs said he believes lifting the ban is a good thing. The war ended more than 40 years ago and it’s time to create peace.