Operation POPCORN

During the Vietnam War, a secret war was fought in the neighboring country of Laos. The CIA recruited around 80 percent of the Hmong people in Laos. Led by General Vang Pao, the Hmong warriors fought the communist forces of Pathet Lao, attacked the NVA on the Ho Chi Minh Trail, and rescued hundreds of downed American pilots.When the United States strategically redeployed, the communists took control of the government. Pao kept fighting until 1975 when he left for Thailand.  

Many of the Hmong that survived the war fled the country for fear of reprisal. The people that stayed behind were subjected to “re-education” camps where many died in the harsh conditions. In retaliation , the Lao government attacked their mountain settlements with aerial bombardment, artillery, and chemical weapon attacks. The Hmong have been under attack ever since, but in recent years the Laotian and Vietnamese military have intensified their attacks. The worst part – our government classifies these people as terrorists, even though they fought on our side. Since they are terrorists, they cannot seek refuge in the United States.

Think Uncle Sam is done screwing things up? Of course not!  On June 4, General Pao and ten other men were arrested for violating the Neutrality Act. They dubbed the plan Operation POPCORN for Political Opposition Party’s Coup Operation to Rescue the Nation. They were purchasing weapons and recruiting mercenaries to come to the aid of the besieged Hmong and overthrow the communist government. He claims his operation had the support of the CIA. Pao and his merry band face life sentences, and since they are considered a flight risk, they are being denied bail.

Laws are there for a reason. However, in this instance, it would be in everyone’s best interest (except for the commies and lawyers) to take a look at the big picture and give them a slap on the wrist. We live free today because men like these fought tyranny and oppression. Amazingly, we now put patriots behind bars. This beats all that I have seen.

Chris Carter is the host of “Unto the Breach.”
COPYRIGHT 2007 CHRIS CARTER