Democracy Dies in Darkness

Vietnam’s toxic legacy continues, and Agent Orange looms large

‘The Long Reckoning,’ by George Black, focuses on the ongoing work of public accountability and private penance for America’s mess

Review by
Vietnamese marines are reflected in a pool of water as they patrol in Long An province, South Vietnam, on Sept. 20, 1964. (Horst Faas/AP)
6 min
correction

An earlier version of this review incorrectly said that Chuck Searcy, who served in Vietnam, was with the Marines. He served with the Army. The text has been corrected.

“The truth of all wars is that they never really end,” writes George Black in “The Long Reckoning,” his well-researched account of Vietnam’s lasting legacy. Think of the Civil War and today’s virulent battles over Confederate names and monuments. Or World War II and Vladimir Putin’s obsessive fear of NATO troops, especially German tanks, deployed along Russia’s western border.

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