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Gus Kappler MD FACS
a book bubble about
ONE DEGREE
Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Author Insight
#16) "Kill the Messenger"
The disease is a figment of my imagination. But, the abusive treatment of returning Vietnam veterans is so real. The January 31, 1968, VC and NVA planned and successfully executed Tet Offensive, imploded, and disseminated the US myth that the “good guys” were winning. Our proficient guerrilla opponents had fiercely attacked throughout the entire length and breadth of South Vietnam. Intense, bloody fighting erupted, resulting in vast numbers of casualties on both sides. The “good guys” prevailed, but we did not win. We are so powerful! How could this happen? Why are our leaders pursuing this mutilating, immoral, and deadly action? By then, there 40,000 American KIA. The antiwar sentiment became a movement. Walter Cronkite’s pessimistic broadcast fueled the flames. The killing of innocent civilians increased; Collateral damage. No way would we win their “hearts and minds.” The public’s twisted conclusion placed the blame on those fighting in the Vietnam War quagmire. They were an easy target, especially entering airports when returning home, awarded with all the acts I described, including physical violence. The word spread that a quick trip to the bathroom to change into civilian clothes was the best protection. These young adults, averaging twenty-two, were already devastated and confused by their wartime actions. Now, they endured a total rejection by their country.
Book Excerpt
ONE DEGREE
What Matt discovered was that in the seventies across the US medical spectrum, in the printed news, and on national television, there were deluded attempts to explain this new and challenging medical problem. The fanciful false proclamations of a speedy investigation to resolve this disease’s transmission to reassure the public were a smoke screen. Our nation’s citizens were fearful of contracting this dreaded disease. TV talking heads inflamed emotions by proposing, “Was it spread by breathing the same air, eating contaminated food, having sex, sitting on a public toilet, or being in contact with an infected carrier of the disease?”
Alarmists proclaimed, “The public must avoid contact with those perceived to be infected by this disease.”
As a result, in addition to the name calling, egg throwing, and spitting, the returning Vietnam veteran was further shunned and isolated. Schools, businesses, workplaces, movies, restaurants, motels, and other gathering places were becoming off-limits to those who served in Vietnam. A societal disaster was developing. Where would our Vietnam veterans work, eat, toilet, sleep, or attend college? Would not the currently difficult reintegration of the stigmatized Vietnam veteran into US society be made more difficult? An irrational defensive mode gripped the nation’s populace.
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