Doonesbury by Garry Trudeau for February 14, 1982

Transcript:

Mark: Coming up: the Vietnam vets' hour....brought to you by many of the same sponsors who brought you the war. The debate over the Vietnam vet rages unabated, with us tonight is former G.I. Willard Malone, who believes he is but one of over a million vets who still suffer some kind of psychological damage as a result of their experiences in Vietnam....Joining him is former green beret captain Bart Boone, who believes that the last majority of vets are happy, well-adjusted, productive citizens, and not the unstable psycopaths that are often portrayed in the media. Gentlemen, might there not be some truth both your positions? Is there really such a thing as a "typical" Vietnam veteran? Willard: Well, probably not, Mark. But it is true that virtually every vet has undergone some kind of stress since his return. Bart: That's just bull, man! I've been around and I can tell you most vets have had no trouble at all readjusting! I'm sick and tired of a few wimps and weirdos grabbing the spotlight and making us all look crazy! Willard: Denying the problem won't make it go away, Bart. Every study shows there is a huge number of vets out there who are still suggering from post-traumatic stress. I say it's time we faced up to our responsibility to help them. Mark: Mr. Boone? Bart: I say it's time to waste 'em! Let's get this war behind us! Willard: But that's not fair! You're healthy!