Agent Orange – America’s shame 9-17-2017

17, September 2017             Agent Orange – America’s shame

Ken Burns’s documentary, “Vietnam”, compels us to revisit the horrors of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, – countries that never threatened the US.  These three countries suffered a staggering 3.8 million deaths. A large number of civilians continue to suffer horrific birth defects from exposure to US chemicals.

The long tortuous history of Vietnam and Agent Orange should shame all Americans. Fifty years ago, the US sprayed more than 20 million gallons of various herbicides over Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos from 1961 to 1971. Agent Orange, which contained the deadly chemical, dioxin, was the most commonly used herbicide. It was later proven to cause serious health issues—including cancer, birth defects, rashes and severe psychological and neurological problems—among the “Vietnamese” people as well as among returning U.S. servicemen and their families. Oblivious of the dangers, US serviceman used the empty 55-gallon drums for makeshift showers.

The Pentagon denied such health hazards fearful of the huge liabilities that would have to be paid to the victims.

Chemical companies were well aware of the birth-deformity hazards of their products but chose to remain silent. The offspring of the soldiers continue to suffer exceptionally high birth-rate defects. It is time we offered unconditional apologies to the Vietnamese, Cambodians and Laotians, massive reparations and offers to clean up the deadly deposits of Agent Orange.