What bearing does Vietnam have on our presidential election this year? While I'll admit that if we knew all the facts, the absolute truth of everything that happened back then, we might have some insight into the character and principles of the two major candidates. But it seems to me that we'll never have access to the knowledge and understanding that we need based on these subjects, and there are much better sources for insight.

The only aspect of this whole debate that might be instructive is Senator Kerry's anti-war efforts back in the '70s. Many of his words are written in transcripts, captured on film, and are reasonably indisputable. The senator's voting record is concrete, as are President Bush's official actions as Governor of the Great State of Texas and as President.

How about we consider these subjects, as well as any actual plans for the future? Wouldn't that be much more meaningful then unsubstantiated (and unsubstantiatable) claims about what happened over thirty years ago?

Oh, and so you'll know where I'm coming from on Vietnam, while I'm not a Vietnam Veteran, I am a Vietnam-Era Veteran (that being the official Department of Defense term), retired from the U.S. Navy after 20 years of service in 1994.

Update: Joe Gandelman doesn't think the Vietnam disputes will end until all of us who lived in or with that war die. He's probably right.