March 14, 1977
Page 7384
A VIETNAM VETERAN'S VIEW OF AMNESTY
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, I want to share with the Senate the reaction of a young Vietnam veteran to the pardon for draft evaders that President Carter announced shortly after taking office.
I think Roger Corbin's letter expresses the feelings of many Americans; a pardon granted by the Government does not detract from the worth of the service our veterans performed, or from the self-respect and justifiable pride that these men can and should take in having honorably carried out their duty.
The differences that divided Americans over the conduct and purpose of the Vietnam war have not invalidated the worth of these young men's sacrifices; differences over the nature of the pardon cannot denigrate their contribution either.
Roger Corbin expressed his feelings to me forcefully, and I think they are worth the attention of the whole Senate. I therefore ask unanimous consent that the text of his letter be printed in the
RECORD.
There being no objection, the letter was ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as follows:
DEAR SENATOR MUSKIE: I'm a Vietnam Veteran. I served in Vietnam from July 23, 1968 to July 23, 1969.
If you look at the history of this cold war you'll notice — that year was one of the most critical years we spent there. For twelve months, I served my country in Vietnam as a Combat Infantry or what we used to call, "a grunt". I didn't get a rear job but rather out in the boonies my entire year.
I do not want a pat on the back, for I know myself and what I have done for my country. I do not want a favor, for my country has given me the G.I. Bill which helped me get through college. What I do want from you is to consider my opinion on the subject of amnesty.
I do agree with President Carter giving amnesty for these people as he stated. Let these men come back to their country if they want to. Let these men judge themselves and live with their judgment. I know what I have done for my country and I can walk proudly among them.
The issue being used by such men is that we didn't belong there. The real issue, in my opinion, was answering the call of our government to serve our country. Whether such action taken upon by our country was right or wrong, the fact still remains, are you going to back your country's decision at a time it thinks it’s doing right by it.
One thing I will be against, if the issue over occurs, is the draft evaders asking amnesty for deserters. Draft evaders and deserters are two separate elements. You are now talking about men who have raised their right hands and sworn to protect and serve their country.
If you are asked in our courts of law, to raise your right hand and swear to tell the truth and do not stand by what you swore to, you will be punished.
It is with this in mind I feel these deserters should not be granted amnesty. If a deserter wants to come back to the U.S. of America, then let him face the punishment the American Government gives him.
Senator Muskie, our Democratic Government tells its people that they have a say in government by representation. A very small percentage of your saying is my saying.
If the issue on granting amnesty for deserters is brought out on the Senate Floor, I would appreciate if you would keep in mind my small portion of representation.
If ever you should read this letter on the Senate Floor, then I would have to say to you Senator Muskie, that you have represented me above and beyond the call of duty. Thank you very much.
A Loyal Citizen,
ROGER G. CORBIN.