Quote Originally Posted by Gawain of Orkeny
Wow I cant wait to see that. He was the Rumsfeld of my times and man did i hate him. It seems his concious has now gotten the better of him.
The line the whole thing was a complete mistake really makes me feel good that I served over there. War should not be entered easily. Ive said it a million times "if your not willing to fight with all your might then dont do it" We havent had that will since WW2. Again thats why I opposed the invasion of Iraq .
That the Vietnam War was a mistake was reinforced by a conversation he had with a former Vietnamese (foreign?) minister some years later. The North Vietnamese were no more fond of Chinese (their historical enemies) and Soviets than the Americans were, and would gladly have joined the anti-Soviet bloc if asked or encouraged. But there was no dialogue, and hence no understanding. That's probably the most important lesson of the film.

Always keep talking, even to your deadliest enemy, even in the deadliest fight. Your POVs may not be as far apart as you originally thought they were.

Contrast with the absolutist "no talking with terrorists" stance.