End US Denial of Role in Vietnam's Agent Orange Crisis

Despite the declassification of Operation Ranch Hand documents, exposing America’s use of Agent Orange, the United States has yet to accept blame or apologize for its conduct during the Vietnam War.

This is America's legacy in Vietnam, here is a chance to sign a petition and do something about it.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - The goal of a current petition effort regarding Agent Orange contamination, involves obtaining a formal apology from the U.S. to Vietnam for the use of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War.

After nearly 40 years and 2 failed Supreme Court cases, the United States still refuses to accept blame for the 3-4 million Agent Orange victims in Vietnam. 20 million gallons of herbicide were dumped by the United States on Vietnam during the Vietnam War, resulting in more than 50 known diseases and genetic deformities for those in contact with the chemicals as well as every one of their family’s future generations.

Vietnamese victims receive $5-7 a month through Vietnam’s Healthcare System for Agent Orange compensation, yet their symptoms are nearly three times worse than those found in American veterans. Furthermore, all studies of Agent Orange related illnesses are based off American veterans symptoms without consideration for differences within Vietnamese victims.

Dioxin, the main chemical in Agent Orange, is as toxic as nuclear waste. Nearly 75% of Vietnam was sprayed by the US during Operation Ranch Hand. Over 10% was sprayed more than ten times. Some areas people are living in have dioxin counts 1000 times higher than the acceptable international levels. Also, nearly all of Vietnam’s flora and fauna is endangered. What might have originally been less than a few hundred thousand victims, has risen in the millions over the years due to continuous exposure and lack of containment, clean up, dialogue, or even basic research.

Despite the declassification of Operation Ranch Hand documents, exposing America’s use of Agent Orange, the United States has yet to accept blame or apologize for its conduct during the Vietnam War. The US has even accused Vietnam of falsifying victim data and symptoms in order to receive money from the US government. Until this denial is over, the people and families of Vietnam will continue to live, breathe, and eat from toxic land and food. Force the United States to take blame for Agent Orange in order for Vietnamese victims to be treated with the same respect and financial priority as American Vietnam veterans.

Your participation in matters like this makes a difference, it only takes a minute to visit forcechange.com and sign the petition, please do it.