RE: Heart of Darkness: The CIA- MACV-SOG & Phung Hoang (The Phoenix Program)
There's nothing like first hand knowledge when it comes to secret government ops. And you make such an important point about how there's nothing in the official records in regards to what you witnessed and this is true for obvious reasons - national security / the true nature of the CIA and all that. I'm certain that the CIA records are full of 'official narratives' that mask deeper operations, misdirection, and straight up lies. Sometimes we don't have much to go on but we gotta make due with what we have and in this case the CIA docs don't shed any light on the subject. We're so lucky to have your perspective on this, as horrible as the truth of what went on in S.E.A. during the Vietnam war is.
I also appreciate your candidness with stating how your thinking has evolved since you were a young man in the middle of these covert operations. I for one am heartened to know that people's perspective changes as they gain more wisdom and experience.
Awesome piece @richq11 what a great contribution to Deep Dives!
V
Thank you Brother. I became so disheartened when sifting through the official records that I began to wonder if we were even talking about the same war. Things have evolved on their side as well. Obama passed a codicil to the NDAA so they can declare anyone an enemy combatant and deal with them accordingly. Back then there were those pesky rules of engagement that had to be circumvented... that's what the whole op was about- new rules for killing civilians.
And I want to thank you... This was my mea culpa, a chance to get that stuff off my chest. I've been holding it in for 50 years, not daring to say anything and it was driving me crazy- so thank you for giving me the courage to speak out.