A Casket Full Of Betrayal

From: Mike Hastie, US Army Medic, Vietnam

To: GI Special

Sent: February 07, 2006 3:31 AM

Subject: A Casket Full of Betrayal

When I saw the picture of Robson de Lima Barbosa [below] looking at his son, Corporal Felipe Carvalho Barbosa in his casket, I am reminded of a stark truth.

The people who are in control of America's war machine, will never wind up in a casket with a military uniform on.

It is so easy for them who don't go, to say he or she died for their country.

That line rolls off their lips with such ease.

Kind of like saying, "Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."

Such concern, and thoughtfulness.

I heard this so many times during the Vietnam War, until I went to Vietnam.

Two weeks after I came home, something was wrong with me.

Something died inside of me, and when I saw an American flag, I felt a sense of profound betrayal.

For years, I imagined putting an American flag in a casket, so I could grieve.

Because, that symbol is the most painful death of my life.

Mike Hastie

Vietnam Veteran

February 6, 2006

Robson de Lima Barbosa of Brazil with his son, Corporal Felipe Carvalho Barbosa, February 6, 2006.  Corporal Barbosa , 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment of the U.S. Marine Corps was killed in Iraq on January 28, 2006. REUTERS/Ellen Ozier

Ed. Note: Mike is a member of Veterans For Peace #72 in Portland, OR.