Why Don't They Hate Us?

At the risk of appearing immodest,

I believe myself to be a frustrated “realist”.

For three weeks in Vietnam I listened,

And heard no condemnation of America.

In relating my surprise to my friend Andy,

He confirmed a similar experience in 1989.

There was no apparent venom then, 

Merely an explanation of the label “American War. ”

For almost 10 years we savaged their country,

In order to “save it from communism.”

We never stopped to recognize they were fighting for unification,

It is still a communist country, but now with a capitalist edge.

Given the 500,000+ troops we sent to Vietnam,

The local fatalities of over 1,000,000 people,

Along with agent orange, and the My Lai Massacre,

Who could forgive?

Maybe it’s Buddhism, followed by 80%

Of the Vietnam population, which finds no solace

In revenge, and encourages acceptance

Of different skin-tones and forgiveness?

Perhaps the improving economy

Moves the Vietnamese to a belief in a brighter future?

They hope for peace and good jobs.

I’m not ready to forgive my generation.