Kent State

[MORTARDUDE]

On May 6, 1970 I was with the 1st Bridgade of the 25th Infantry Division who crossed the Rach Cai Bac river into Cambodia. We had no idea what was about to happen. I heard about Kent Stae a little later. I watched a special on TV about it a few days ago. I agree that if the ROTC building had not been torched, none of this would have happened. What struck me from the TV show, was the lack of a command structure with the Guard. The whole episode was shameful, but just one of the many results of a war waged by politicians. The "incursion" into Cambodia, and the bombing of North Vietnam in 1972 should have happened many, many years before...

Larry

[frisco-kid]

my post as agreeing with the protestors. However, I think they had the right to protest. This post was in response to someone stating that they hadn't "felt this good since they blew away those assholes at Kent State." That statement really bothered me. None of these kids did anything that they should have been killed for. Plus, it's my belief that the blame is on the commander of the Guardsmen involved. BTW, no one was ever charged or punished for this incident. Now I'm sorry, but if it had been one of my kids lying dead after the shooting stopped, and no one was held accountable, somebody involved would have been answering to me, possibly with their life.

I hope that no one's insinuating that I, somehow, put a higher value on the lives of these students over the lives of KIA in Nam that died on the same day. However, an armed soldier in a combat zone always knows that this is a real possibility. I always did. Was given alot of reminders. An unarmed protestor, or student in the wrong place at the wrong time, doesn't. Nor should they.

ARROW: Thanks for bringing these Fallen Heroes' names to us. May God keep them near Him. They will always be remembered.

[Arrow]

"I hope that no one's insinuating that I, somehow, put a higher value on the lives of these students over the lives of KIA in Nam that died on the same day."

Frisco...no way...we all know better than that....

Sid said it too...the commander involved was responsible for what happened at Kent State....

Arrow>>>>>

[Arrow]

You all are welcome...

[sn-e3]

Tom it was I who posted that comment about kent State. Its how I felt at the time of the insident. You had to see that those folks thought it was all fun and games to harrass the guard. burn buildings and disrupt the establishment. at the time I was just one year out of the Navy and just married trying to live the american dream. while these jokers were going around trying to distroy everything I had just fought for. I got fighting mad everytime I saw the North vietnam flag flying. In fact I left a few jerks looking for replacement teeth while I lived in Ohio in late 69 to 71 but thats another story. For what ever its worth I stand by my views I don't have not patience for anti war protesters. never have never will case closed. nuff said....chris

[frisco-kid]

I knew who it was. I didn't feel it was up to me to put a name to the quote. I just felt a need to respond to it. As someone who is in favor of Capital Punishment, I believe that there are some things that you should be executed for. I just don't think protesting is one of them. Or harrassing the guard, or disrupting the Establishment.

Now, I don't have a problem with the way the cops here in Oakland responded earlier this week. They were physically assaulted and out numbered. Non-lethal weapons are acceptable. And if some of the injured protestors weren't actually perpetrators, well too bad. They should pick who they hang with a little better . And Chris, just like they have the right to pull this crap, we for sure have the right to disagree and not like it .

Always a friend, Bro.

[sn-e3]

Thanks bro I just wanted to get things straight between us I have broad sholders and will except blame when I do something or sat something. Are you coming up this way this summer? the psyco campout is at my place the weekend of july 4th I'll be taking wendsday through the following tuesday off on vacation if anyone wants to come early or stay late. also salmon season will be open and the river holds little native cutthroat trout.

[frisco-kid]

Kath and I have discussed trying to make it, but we're not sure yet. She's not working right now, so it depends on her work status by then. Also, alot going on the next couple of months. We leave for Nam 1wk from Sunday; our son and his family is home for a visit from Japan in June. So can't commit right now, but know that we are giving it some serious consideration. I'd love to make it.

[usmcsgt65]

Just to add to 82Rigger's info. Governor Rhodes, who could not run for governor again, was in the Senate race. His ratings were down, for a good reason. He was a terrible politically person. He sent the Nat. Guard. The town did not want them. The University did not want them. Only the governor. Rhodes used the burning of the ROTC building as his reason. The demonstrators were in the Quad and confronted the troops. The troops actually backed up the hill to their rear, but run into a construction site. The troops were stopped by a fence. Only about a squad fired on the demonstrator at this point. The majority of troops did not shoot. They were not ordered to fire. Seems to me they were trained. The one thing that none of the Guardmens did was to go to the aid of any fallen person that was in their line of sight. They all retreated to their camp area. The Governor dismissed them, after the Highway Patrol came in and took charge of the situation.
I was at the University of Cincinnati when it occurred. I was out of the Corps for two years. Later, I taught with three people who were at Kent State when it happened.