Discuss: Agent Orange: A Chapter from History That Just Won’t End

That is actually fairly common. I am pro peace, have been to marches during Vietnam and since Iraq got started. One would think family members and would be more like me, but that is not so. However, that being said, there is a marvelous group called “Veterans for Peace.” But try looking at some sociology books to find your answer.

Pesticides harm more than their intended targets. This article clearly brings home that message. I work for the Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides, a group founded 30 years ago by reforestation workers and residents of forested watersheds who banded together to fight the widespread spraying in the Northwest of the same chemicals that made Agent Orange. Ben’s brother, Keith, brought this article to my attention. The writing inspires me to continue to work hard to right the wrongs of pesticide sprays. These toxic chemicals touch all of us intimately, profoundly, and in many cases over generations.

Ben, you have clearly inspired many others by your writing. Your story gave me a clear visual of what life must have been like for you. As a social worker, I can tell you this is an important part of the healing process. I am glad to see you making such an impact.

I am a writer, and I recently responded to a contest held by the Pulitzer Center and hosted at Helium.com which offers a number of topics to write on, with the goal being more widespread publication and a bit of recognition by the Pulitzer group, and perhaps some small drop of notoriety; that in my case may help with the sales and promotion of my novel.  I wrote in response to the question of whether the US government should be held accountable for the damages caused by our use of the toxin agent orange during the Vietnam war.  It is a topic I find compelling for a number of personal reasons, but after reading Ben Quick’s article here on Orion, I find myself thinking that my own words pale in comparison.  I urge Mr. Quick to enter his essay in the contest.

Go to http://www.helium.com/ The Pulitzer Center link is in the upper left corner, in ‘Highlights.’ My article has been rated highly and could result in achieving my goal; but I think Ben Quick’s is the more compelling.  An excellent piece of prose, and worthy of much more widespread accolades.  Kudos and appreciation from one wordsmith to another.  I am humbled.  Thank you for sharing this.

I knew of the potential damage caused to the offspring of those sprayed. Spoke with a vietnamese lady whose child was born with deformities. Until our conversation she had always blamed herself. Our conversation was as though someone lifted a hundred tons from her shoulders. She was grateful. I’m certain this story will enlighten many as the effects of Agent Orange still remain one of this country’s best kept secrets. I am a cancer patient who was sprayed with this potent mix of death. Very good article indeed.

Thanks for your insightful article. Hmmm...Monsanto made Agent Orange. Still makes Roundup, which contains 2,4-D. Now makes Roundup resistant soybeans, etc.
About 4-6 percent of our population suffers from severely debilitating symptoms when exposed to low levels of different chemicals. Almost half of these folks trace their hypersensitivity to pesticide exposure. We’re still suffering from this stuff.
Maybe we should see if Monsanto can bioengineer Roundup resistant humans?

Christine, Yep you’re right about Monsanto. Soybeans not fermented are also not good for you and I wonder if it because they have genetically engineered them.

I love this article, Ben, and I hope you do turn this into a longer story. You should take Mr. Wright up on his suggestion. Your prose is more than an attempt to express something to your audience- it is clearly your own emotional process and awakening. That’s what makes it so darn powerful. I hope you can teach this amazing ability to your students. Your buddy - JV.