Iraq is no Vietnam, except for 'Copperheads'

Michael D. Fay

Date published: 1/26/2006

This is in response to Douglass Ferguson's letter ["We cannot let Iraq become a second Vietnam," Jan. 10]. As one serving in Iraq, I am weary of the off-the-shelf rhetoric comparing Iraq to Vietnam.

This shopworn logic reminds me of Al Bundy from "Married With Children" wedging the feet of middle-aged matrons into ill-fitting, out-of-style pumps in a vain attempt to make sales.

Iraq is not Vietnam. However, there is an element of truth in Mr. Ferguson's opinion.

The "like Vietnam" mind-set has the potential of becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. A closer analogy to Iraq is found in our own Civil War, and a brand of Democrats called "Copperheads."

According to Wikipedia, "Copperheads nominally favored the Union but they strongly opposed the war, hated the blacks, blamed the abolitionists, and demanded immediate peace.

"They resisted the draft laws, fought the Republican party, and collaborated with Confederate agents and plotted insurrection.

"Copperheads denounced expansion in the powers of the federal government as corruption, and attacked the Lincoln administration's reliance on private contractors who made high wartime profits. They opposed wartime measures which infringed on their civil and political liberties, especially their free speech rights."

Sound familiar? America's will being tested during a war. A noble cause's worth in question.

Many felt the war was going on too long, its conduct inept, and Lincoln's switch from saving the Union to justifying the war based on emancipating the slaves impeachably misleading.

Former Gen. George McClellan, convinced Northern soldiers would vote for him, ran as the Democratic Copperhead candidate.

They did not, he lost, and Lincoln stayed the course. Result: one nation, no slaves. Here in Iraq, the military is engaged in a noble cause, bringing to Iraqis the transition from mere subjects to free citizens.

Perhaps some should examine their attitudes and prejudices about Arabs, and question whether they're modern-day Copperheads believing that certain races either aren't capable or worthy of their blood and treasure to liberate.

We who are here believe they are. So, yes--let's not let Iraq become another Vietnam.

Fallujah, Iraq

Warrant Officer Michael D. Fay is a Fredericksburg native.

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Date published: 1/26/2006