Facts of the Vietnam War-We Learned From That? Or Did We? Who Will You VOTE For?

Facts of the Vietnam War-We Learned From That? Or Did We? Who Will You VOTE For?

Facts of the Vietnam War?
Lots of people died
Vietnam War pictures
prove that.
History
defines us
we learn
regain our strength
pull up our bootstraps
and then ask
for more...
Do we?

If somebody asked you to defend them
would you?
And if you would
just how far would that line go?

Line in the sand
is there one?
Does it stretch across the desert
or end before your feet
take
one single step
forward?

So you are thinking it all over
are you?
Dare I say
I hope so?
What depths does life depends on
what line is worth defending?

How many lines have been obscured
before you even look out your window
have your morning coffee
read your newspaper
listen to the news
on TV?

How many tokens does it take?
How many bumper stickers
how many walls
how many monuments
how many gravestones
uniforms
folded flags
passed on
to the next grieving family?

Who do we allow
to send a son to war
and now a daughter too?
How many orphans will we allow
a decision maker
make?

Who
do we allow
to set that contract
telling a mother
a father
a husband
a wife
a sister
a brother
and the most pitiful of all
a child
of a human race
to race on.

Who?
do you
VOTE for
Who?
Do you
allow to set the stakes
and for what victory?

If somebody asked you to defend them
would you?
And if you would
just how far would that line go?

Thinking it over
decided on that line?
Set with your thinking
are you?
Or maybe
just maybe
does it all need to be better
defined?

Facts of the Vietnam War?
Lots of people died
Vietnam War pictures
prove that.
History
defines us
we learn
regain our strength
pull up our bootstraps
and then ask
for more...
Do we?

by Kathy Ostman-Magnusen
copyright 2008

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First image is of my painting:
"Denny"~detail
30x40x2 oil on canvas

ABOUT Kathy Ostman-Magnusen

I paint and sculpt female fantasy art and map fairy tale adventures. I dream of beautiful women on canvas and art of exotic women.

I have illustrated for Hay House Inc.,"Meditations For Women Who Do Too Much" CARDS, taken from Anne Wilson Schaef's book. I also illustrated for Neil Davidson, who was considered for the Pulitzer Prize in feature writing, and several other publications. My paintings are collected worldwide.

Giclee canvas art work, greeting cards and posters are available for sale on my website:

http://www.kathysart.com

Sign up for my mailing list for FREE ART GIFTS suitable for children: Drawings of whimsical angel pictures, legends of mermaids and fairies in art. Tiny angels whisper fantasy art for shrink art, or coloring pages. Also a "Letter From the Tooth Fairy", ya just never know when you might need one!

I am Represented by:

Monkdogz Urban Art, Inc., 547 West 27th Street, 5th floor, New York, NY 10001

ORIGINAL ART may be purchased through Monkdogz

http://www.monkdogz.com

Check out my Squidoo Lens:

http://www.squidoo.com/martinlutherkingvideoshowcase

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Peripheral Neuropathy HELP and SUPPORT:

http://www.neuropathy.org

The Neuropathy Association is the leading national non-profit organization serving the peripheral neuropathy community. We provide support and education, advocate for patients’ interests, and promote research into the causes of and cures for neuropathy.

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"Shallow Grave" A Poem About Vietnam

"Shallow Grave"

1. Bury my rifle
in a shallow grave
covered with dust in a hideaway
up in the hills it was paradise
down below tears fill my eyes

2. Bodies lined up
on a chopper pad
flown in by birds of prey
forty years doesn't change a thing
I wish I could just walk away

3. I cover my songs
in layers of blood
it's just too hard to see
memories that fade return in the night
they won't let go of me.

4. Don't need your words
of sympathy
it doesn't work that way
you can't understand what you've never seen
if you've never been blown away.

Break:

Changes, changes
I've never needed you more
the view from the top
isn't quite the same
when you're soaked in blood on the floor
you can't stand up
you just can't open the door
no way to find that door.

5. Crossing the night
my chariots on fire
to the depths of Mauna Kea
into the sea this ball of flame
like the path of Kilauea.

6. Wrapped in a shroud
of my babies dreams
covered with snow and ice
boots marching through the night
while up in the hills it's still paradise.

7. Two hundred and twenty volts
running through my veins
I'm pinned against the wall
take me now to the dead of night
let mercy break my fall.

Dennis G Magnusen
23 August 2008
copyright 2008

http://www.squidoo.com/agentorangevietnam


Peripheral Neuropathy HELP and SUPPORT:

http://www.neuropathy.org

The Neuropathy Association is the leading national non-profit organization serving the peripheral neuropathy community. We provide support and education, advocate for patients’ interests, and promote research into the causes of and cures for neuropathy.

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Peripheral Neuropathy DUE TO Agent Orange- A Vietnam Vets Story

Facts about Vietnam, Agent Orange, Peripheral Neuropathy.. this is Dennis' experience, just in part. It has been a very long road full of much heartache.



Aloha, my name is Dennis Magnusen

I am a Vietnam Vet.; I served in the army from 1967-1970, my time in Vietnam was 1968-1969. I was in Saigon during the Tet Offensive for about a month, then in Can Tho (Mekong Delta) for the remainder of my tour. My rank was sergeant.

I learned the devastations of war first hand, I saw too many dead and mangled bodies. I questioned myself, what can I do to prevent war? I became an educator (Mentor Teacher). I taught 16 years; the first 8 years in grades 1-3, & 6, the last 8 years as a math teacher for 7th & 8th grades during the day as well as "home students" in the afternoon and high school in the evening at a "store-front community school" in the evening. Those
last 8 years I taught in a hard neighborhood for kids to grow-up in, Hawaiian Gardens, California.

Although I taught a variety of subjects, in between the lines I spoke of tolerance, peaceful resolutions amid conflict, and allowing others to speak their "mind" even though their views may be different. I encouraged them to speak up for their "rights". I respected my students, in return, they respected me.

In 1990, I had to go on disability leave; the effects of Agent Orange (dioxin), Agent White (dioxin), and Agent Blue (arsenic) finally took their toll. I now spend most of my time in bed, unable to do most of the things I used to do.
It took the VA 18 years to properly diagnose me, and even then, it was at my persistence.

__________________________________________________


I had to dig and research until I found a test that would do the job, the VA was of no help in this matter, if fact, they resisted. My neurologist, Chief of Neurology for the VA in Hawaii at Trippler, always told me that there was nothing they could do for me, and always questioned my pain that was progressing. They said it was a "mental problem".

Finally, I called Walter Reed (mid 2007), I talked to nurse Nancy Reed in the neurological ward. She told me of a nerve biopsy test at Therapath Lab (http://www.therapath.com). It took my neurologist months to finally authorize it. On 3/19/08 I finally got the results, but not from my neurologist. I got the results from an "outside" doctor who performed the biopsy. On the test from Therapath it stated:

DIAGNOSIS: left calf & left thigh; skin with significantly reduced epidermal nerve fiber density, consistent with small fiber neuropathy.

My neurologist was supposed to interpret, with more detail, the results of this test to me as well as a course of treatment. But he can't, he doesn't even know what small fiber neuropathy is, and this is the VA Chief of Neurology for Hawaii. I can only imagine how many of my fellow vets, from Vietnam to the present, could be properly diagnosed with this test from Therapath. They don't need to be told they're crazy, they need to be helped; But THEY'RE JUST WAITING FOR US TO DIE.

An on-line friend who writes for the Neuropathy ass. newsletter was wheel-chair bound. He went thru IVIG treatments (intravenous immune gamuglobulin), now he walks; I am close to that wheel chair.I asked my neurologist if I could have IVIG treatments. He said that it was too dangerous, that it would destroy my liver and that I would be on a dialysis machine for the rest of my life. We did the research, it's been used for 25 years without complications for a variety of diseases.

As for me, I still have things to do. Remember the back cover of Richard Bach's book "Illusions";

"Here is a test to find whether your mission on earth is finished; if you're alive, it isn't."

There are so many vets who need help in getting properly diagnosed and treated, the VA has to wake-up. This has become my mission, I'm still alive. Think how many vet suicides this might prevent, how many bodies could be saved from deterioration; my fellow vets still have missions to finish.
_______________________

9/2/08
I just spoke to Nancy Spencer, a nurse in the neurological ward at Walter Reed. About a month ago my neurologist, Dr. Ross (Chief of Neurology for the state of Hawaii, VA) at my insistence, was to talk to her about reading my biopsy test for small fiber neuropathy since he could not; he does not even know what SFN is. Dr. Ross has not called me since their conversation. I have left a message every week at his office at the VA in Honolulu, he has not called me back. Nancy Spencer told me that she told Dr. Ross to refer me out to someone who could be of help. She also said that Dr. Ross never asked her help in reading my biopsy test results. She was shocked. Nancy told me to go to my computer and look up NIH.gov, then click on National Institutes of Neurological disorders & strokes for information about treatments that would help me. Nancy also said to write my congressmen, I am a vet, someone should help me. Nancy ended our conversation by saying "hang in there, don't give up".


__________________________________________________


Peripheral Neuropathy HELP and SUPPORT:

http://www.neuropathy.org

The Neuropathy Association is the leading national non-profit organization serving the peripheral neuropathy community. We provide support and education, advocate for patients’ interests, and promote research into the causes of and cures for neuropathy.

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Facts About Vietnam and Agent Orange - My Soldier Has Been Wounded

"Facts About Vietnam and Agent Orange - My Soldier Has Been Wounded"

My soldier
has been wounded
in his soul
and his heart
and he's come
to some conclusions
alone
in the dark.

I check on him
at midnight
and then again
in the morn
and although I sleep
beside him
in his pain
he is alone.

~ And it feels like a long way home
a long way from that war
yet as I look around me now
fighting again
I've seen this man made war
before.

Tainted
is a soldier
sent to
foreign lands
neglected by a country
he's asked to
to stand
forever stand grand.

~ And it feels like a long way home
a long way from that war
yet as I look around me now
fighting again
I've seen this man made war
before.

Don't tell him
you understand
He's heard
those words
before
when all is said
and done
every soldier
dies alone
from war.

Our memory
a story
a love song
pure and free
and
in our alone hours
those memories
though sacred
seemed to
freeze.

~ And it feels like a long way home
a long way from that war
yet as I look around me now
fighting again
I've seen this man made war
before.

I see it all
around him
the color
Agent Orange
and in a plea
for mercy
his candle
that I cradle
is softer
in this song

My soldier
feels forgotten
by a country
not looking back
a new war
has been started
no lessons
from soldiers
lost
between the cracks.

~ And it feels like a long way home.

03 September 2008
by Kathy Ostman-Magnusen

The image is a detail of my painting "Denny" it is a 30x40 oil on canvas that was received a Juror's Choice Award at East Hawaii Cultural 2004

Peripheral Neuropathy HELP and SUPPORT:

http://www.neuropathy.org

The Neuropathy Association is the leading national non-profit organization serving the peripheral neuropathy community. We provide support and education, advocate for patients’ interests, and promote research into the causes of and cures for neuropathy.

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New Zealand Apologized to Vietnam Vets for Agent Orange

New Zealand offers a formal apology to their Vietnam Veterans and honors their service by thanking them and telling them they will be taken care of.





Peripheral Neuropathy HELP and SUPPORT:

http://www.neuropathy.org

The Neuropathy Association is the leading national non-profit organization serving the peripheral neuropathy community. We provide support and education, advocate for patients’ interests, and promote research into the causes of and cures for neuropathy.

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The Effects of Agent Orange

The effects of Agent Orange on the people of Vietnam and to our very own soldiers is heart wrenching. USA has never accepted responsibility for its spray missions. People are often surprised to know that the US Government does not accept most US soldiers claim of being affected by Agent Orange by saying their complaints are not "Service Connected". Peripheral Neuropathy is ONLY accepted by US Government if it was reported within the first year after leaving Vietnam.

Back then, people were not putting little yellow decals on their cars saying they,

"Support the Troops",

no, they were spitting on many of them, angry, and not supportive,

so who would have noticed a little tingling, a little vomiting and weight loss? They were just happy to be out of Vietnam.



Watch this video and ask yourself if the US Government should admit to responsibility.

Do not look away.

Know that this is one of the things that war does.

All you anti-choice people? Know that war kills and maim babies too. Think twice before you agree and support the next war. US now has business' in Vietnam.. business as usual I guess.

Ask yourself just how many wars you plan on supporting from a distance.

Many Vietnam Vets ARE out homeless and discarded... think of them next Veterans Day, next Memorial Day or maybe the next time you see a homeless man on the street around 60 years old.



Peripheral Neuropathy HELP and SUPPORT:

http://www.neuropathy.org

The Neuropathy Association is the leading national non-profit organization serving the peripheral neuropathy community. We provide support and education, advocate for patients’ interests, and promote research into the causes of and cures for neuropathy.

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Facts About Vietnam - Agent Orange - Peripheral Neuropathy

Facts about Vietnam, 58,148 Americans were killed. Vietnam War summary, 304,000 were wounded from the 2.59 MILLION who served. Vietnam War Memorial? Vietnam War Statistics? 75,000 were severely disabled.

Casualties remembered? Some of them died alone.

Some live in continuing pain TODAY due to Agent Orange exposure. Many have peripheral neuropathy, both long nerve fiber neuropathy and short nerve fiber neuropathy.

Their claim is denied by US Government.

They suffer from pain due to Agent Orange, White, Blue, Pink and Purple, it's an added bonus to the casualties of war.

Don't forget these men and women who fought for you and continue to suffer on a daily basis, even NOW.




Lyrics

White Rabbit
(G. Slick)
One pill makes you larger
And one pill makes you small,
And the ones that mother gives you
Don't do anything at all.
Go ask Alice
When she's ten feet tall.
And if you go chasing rabbits
And you know you're going to fall,
Tell 'em a hookah smoking caterpillar
Has given you the call.
Call Alice
When she was just small.
When the men on the chessboard
Get up and tell you where to go
And you've just had some kind of mushroom
And your mind is moving low.
Go ask Alice
I think she'll know.
When logic and proportion
Have fallen sloppy dead,
And the White Knight is talking backwards
And the Red Queen's "off with her head!"
Remember what the dormouse said:
"Feed your head. Feed your head. Feed your head"



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