Hello ztecc,
I'm glad I have someone I could debate this over with. What I'm insinuating is that the US, while it's good that they play the role of helping another county in distress, some of us think that they have other motives behind this support. It's no secret that the US supports democracy and is encouraging other nations to this kind of governance but one could argue that what they would like is a government in support of the US. Others also argue of other motives like the exploitation of another country's natural resources like Iraq's oil. While to others these accusations seem farfetched, looking at it in an unbiased view, the likelihood cannot be ignored.
As for Vietnam, the kills I'm referring to also include the US. How many US troops, Viet Kongs and civilians were killed during the war? Was the situation REALLY better? Also, why the US? Why is it that I hear only of US troops being deployed? Why can't we hear that other countries, especially in Europe deploying troops out there? In any case, the US's involvement doesn't make it easier, especially within the US itself. My appreciation goes out with the soldiers in the front line and contempt for the politicians fueling these wars.
Going back into the situation in South Ossetia and Georgia, the events are too close to call at this moment. While most of the nations think Russia intends to invade other nations starting with Georgia, events up to this point show Russia's intention of securing South Ossetia and stand by their "protection of their citizens". As of this moment, Russia announces their troops to withdraw. Others including myself believe Russia made a power play against the US, UN, NATO and EU. With all these nations and organizations telling Russia to stand down, you'd think Russia is being bullied. Putin does not want to give this image to Russia and the world that they're being bullied. I hope this wouldn't be true as many people in Georgia and South Ossetia are suffering. Anyway, from what I hear in the news, US are declaring accusations against Russia which is already straining the peace talks and I think their involvement is worsening the situation. But hey, that's just me. What I'm saying is to try to look at it in an unbiased perspective.