per Colby, the lessons of Vietnam were partially learned: ” we must not try to determine the leadership of small and far away states whose cultures are different from ours, but that we should be true to our own values of democracy and human rights….” Lost Victory, pg 369 published 14 years after the last cable out of then-Saigon by his replacement, Polgar, whose last words ( before yanking out the electronic gears) were ” Let us hope we will not have another Vietnam experience and that we have learned our lesson. Saigon signing off.” (pg 354)
Then decades later, we witnessed this Gate, that Gate in Kabul (North Gate, Abbey Gate, “Secret Gate” via a tunnel, very much like the VC’s Cu Chi). Tell me we have learned our lessons. Not when mothers still tossed babies over barbed wires like “basket balls”. Not when loyal multi-lingual interpreters were left behind. The tide reversed to erase most if not all our well-intended efforts.
All is vanity, says King Solomon. The beauty of the lillies surpasses all of his wisdom (at least the King learned his lessons).
To rule (or by today’s words, to lead) is a difficult task. One needs to get out of the way and let History asserts itself. Very much like Arts and Humanity. The larger our egos loom, the shy-er beauty seems. Let’s take one example. Zelinsky. He was, to me, just a humble leader who previously had been bullied by DJT (threatened to withhold US aids a few years back).
Now, it’s Putin who feels the rug about to be pulled out under him, while Zelinsky smells like roses. Of course, not without associated costs e.g. being away from his family, from his comedian wardrobe (wearing only fatigue for this new part).
Lesson, lesson, lesson. Nixon in his parting words, ascribed to the “enemies” who once allowed, will not let you win….yet he went on to pen a book about Leadership. This is like Bill Cosby trying to sell his Fatherhood copies. I’d rather read David Gergen’s Eyewitness to Power, Nixon’s speech writer assistant. It’s not the lesson of Vietnam, or the lesson of Afghanistan, or of WWII.
It’s the daily choices we make while projecting our selves, asserting our imaginary powers, and making plans accordingly (Defense Logistic Agency). Power often alludes us. I have a library full of “the Rise and Fall of so and so”, Christendom and martyrdom, Kingdom and Superdome.
All things must pass. Of the three (faith, hope and love), guess which is the greatest (per St Paul).
It turns out, none of us has the last word. Even Morrie with his Tuesdays. As soon as we saw a flash of wisdom, the next thing we know, we’re dead.
Lesson never learned, only taught. When we kill the ego (goose), we also kill the golden egg. With power comes responsibilities and ….HUMILITY. Arrogance only leads to hubris, time and time again. This applies first to me, you, and you, and you.
At least South Vietnam’s final President , Big Minh, was straightforward “I have been waiting for you since early this morning” (to hand over the key to the Palace). He knew his place and time, in the scheme of things.
All things must pass.
In Colby’s case:
“…taking to heart what we learned in Vietnam about the primacy of ‘people power’ at home and abroad”.
a former Saigonese, signing off.
Thang Nguyen 555 