Just finished reading Nick Turse's article about the people still suffering in Vietnam from the American War. My response is this. Every day that I wake up in this country I can't hear a child laugh without thinking of the lives our government has shredded in my name and with my tax money. The feeling of helplessnes, and profound sadness is only overcome when I do whatever I can, even if it is something as small as writing a letter to the editor to express these feelings that I can look at myself in the mirror as an American. I'm sure there are a lot of Americans who also feel this way, and that's the only solace I have at this point. That and never giving up on making our government accountable for these nighmares as constructively and compassionately as possible. Best of luck to us all. Please share my letter overseas with anyone wondering if anyone cares over hear about the fate and well being of others than ourselves. I can definitely vouch for myself.

Adam Adamowicz

Washington, DC

While I am somewhat out of date, I was a Munitions Specialist in the Air Force in the late 1950s. I worked in what is popularly known as the bomb dump, and while the munitions we handled were not as sophisticated, they were similar to modern ones. As to the shepherd who was killed, there would also have been a large number of dead sheep around if cluster munitions were involved. I don't see how an embedded reporter could miss the promiscuous use of these munitions. They are not that easy to clean up.

As to cannon shells, they differ greatly in size and effectiveness. The C-130 carries a really big cannon that is used by regular artillery unit units on the ground. I believe they also have some Gatling guns similar to the A-10. Twenty-millimeter cannon shells have been used by aircraft since WWII. They were used against other aircraft, close air support, and other ground targets. The A-10 is designed to be a tank buster, and the higher caliber shells give them a lot of firepower. These shells look like oversized bullets. Rockets have also been used since WWII.

I am sure there have been civilian casualties, but I am doubtful of the figures and the weapons systems that may have been used. Ask the soldiers and airmen and -women involved. Some or all will tell you the truth.

Pervis J. Casey

Riverside, CA