From:  Ken Kalish

   Dated: November 9, 2017

Subject:  Compelling New View of (Ngo Dinh) Diem

Not to mention Nixon’s interfering with the Johnson Administration’s peace efforts.

Ken


AFVN Group Conversations

    From:  Rick Fredericksen

   Dated: November 8, 2017

Subject:  Compelling New View of (Ngo Dinh) Diem

​Rebuilding a legacy...the media's complicity and a lost opportunity? Eye opening, and very contrary to Burns' documentary.

Rick 

Click Here


    From:  Steve Sevits

   Dated: November 8, 2017

Subject:  Compelling New View of (Ngo Dinh) Diem

​Ken Burns' documentary on Vietnam will stand as the benchmark on Viet Nam as opposed to even the most authoritative recounting of actual history.  The public is lazy and most would prefer to watch a series of videos rather than read a book. 
As a society we have been indoctrinated to accept what we see on the tube as "it's got to be true, it's on TV."  A simple radio drama of decades ago caused panic with the prospect of an alien space invasion.  Television executives tout the great impact of television commercials, so there is little doubt that material presented on television has great impact regardless of its authenticity.  With its many faults, Burns' Vietnam documentary will endure as "the story" geared to influence the thought, thinking and beliefs of generations to come. 
The Burns' documentary has the cachet of being the biggest and loudest voice on the subject of Vietnam, not necessarily the most accurate, but the single most prominent public source on the subject.  It's sad when such failure to tell a balanced story becomes the major source for a representation of history even when it fails the test of impartiality, documented history and common sense. 
Steve

    From:  Preston Cluff

   Dated: November 9, 2017

Subject:  Compelling New View of (Ngo Dinh) Diem

Way to "tell it like it is", Walt! 

Preston


For more comments on Ken Burns' "The Vietnam War' go to The Vietnam War Discussion.

Compelling New View of Ngo Dinh Diem

This Man Could've Saved Vietnam, but the U.S. OKed His Assassination

November 2017

    From:  Bob Morecook

   Dated: November 8, 2017

Subject:  Compelling New View of (Ngo Dinh) Diem

Its the most recent There were at least two prior comprehensive histories.  This one (I think) was much awaited because of the high quality of his civil war series Bob M


    From:  Walt Christiansen (?)

   Dated: November 8, 2017

Subject:  Compelling New View of (Ngo Dinh) Diem

Except for Vietnamese Catholics Diem and his brother were despised by the South Vietnamese people...his regime was corrupt to the core...and as far as Oliver North is concerned his career ended in disgrace for his part in the Iran-Contra scandal...and Nixon's peace with honor took 5 more years and another 25000 deaths....