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CSM said:Initially, no I don't think it was his primary motivation. Recently, yes I do think so. I can tell you that for some severely wounded, part of the recovery therapy was (and sometimes still is) to write out the individuals feelings. A few managed or desired to publish said writings. I can only speak of one instance with knowledge but in looking back on some of the things written at the time, they sure don't reflect the feelings now.
I think everyone has to deal with their experiences in that regard, each in his own way. The man who actually introduced me to the book Born On The Fourth of July, and whom I met in the early '90's, was a vet who coped by becoming very active and outspoken. He was one of the people who worked very hard to get a parade for the Vietnam Vets in NYC in the mid to late '80's (I forget exactly when it was). He also read everything he could on the subject (one of his letters actually made it into "Dear America: Letters Home From Vietnam") and kept an extensive bibliography of books on the war which he was kind enough to lend me. He also thought very highly of Kovic, which, given my regard for this person, was enough for me.
I can't speak to Kovic's motivations today and, again, I don't agree that there is never a reason to fight, but I think his is a valuable voice.