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Letters to VVAW

By VVAW

Dear VVAW,

Would appreciate a copy of the four page form concerning Agent Orange (the Agent Orange Self-Help Guide).

The herbicide 2,4,5-T and 2,4-D is being used here in Manitoba. In 1974 Irene Stein began the fight against the use of malathion being used for foggin mosquitos and spraying forest tent caterpillars. Phenoxy herbicides were used by Manitoba Hydro and the Department of Highways on the perimeter highway WHICH CIRCLES OUTSIDE OF Winnipeg city. 2,4-D is used extensively on golf courses, city boulevards, agriculture, rail-right-of-ways and pasture land. 2,4,5-T mixed with 2,4-D is used on crown lands to defoliate brush and aspen. This procedure is then followed by cattle grazing to finish trampling the brush. Hopefully, Manitoba beef has not been sold in the U.S.

I found 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T mix containers in the garbage dump within the Whitesbell Provincial Park. My daughter in ' 75 was at our cottage while spraying with Agent Orange was going on 3 miles north of our cabin. We were totally unaware. She became ill, vomited blood and was in bed, all alone for three days. She said she was very weak. Our well water is contaminated but our provincial lab refuses to test for 2,4,5-T and dioxin.

We had sent our daughter away to the cabin to escape the city's massive spray program, but enroute, the highways had also been done.

Today Manitoba has the 2nd highest cancer rate and highest infant mortality rate. There is data showing Manitoba's environment is contaminated with Phenols...

N.Z.
Manitoba
Canada

Dear VVAW,

Enclosed is a small contribution to help your work. I wish it could be large but I am 82 and money doesn't stretch far anymore. I remember greeting you when you marched near her (Operation RAW-rapid American withdrawal—in 1970) and am so pleased to hear you're keeping up the work.

L.M.
Philadelphia

Vietnam Sin

Far away, lost civilization I was a kid, I did not know.
Nobody had the realization
What a sad blow.
We had committed a sin.
All they said was win.
I lost my soul, I cried my tears
Now I'm not the same
The scars in my face show the years.
I'm half insane and in shame.
America they say was right
Go there and fight
What do I do now?
Cry, I don't know how
I lost that those years
I have no more tears.
Now they say: "Stay away"
You remind me, the say
Of Vietnam our sin

Lettman
Chicago