Ten years ago, I wrote a column reflecting on my reactions to visiting Vietnam. Given the lack of revulsion to, and even flirtation with, communism (or its more mildly named version, socialism) among many young Americans, it is worth revisiting. It was difficult to control my emotions – specifically, my anger – during my visit to Vietnam. The more I came to admire the Vietnamese people – their intelligence, love of life, dignity and hard work – the more rage I felt toward the communists who brought them (and, of course, us Americans) so much suffering in the second half of the 20th century.
