e part of a faithful ally.) The third tragedy was the number of lives lost both during and after the war. Five hundred and one Australian soldiers died in Vietnam and 2400 were wounded. Since their return, where soldiers were labelled as baby killers by their own countrymen, 288 believed that suicide would be painless. An Australia wide study revealed that Vietnam veterans have 20% more chance of dying from cancer and 10% more chance of suffering from heart disease.Was it worth destroying the lives of thousands of Australians who still today sit in special hospital units suffering from post traumatic stress disorder? Was it worth destroying the lives of their families just so we could play the willing accomplice to the United States, or previously, to Britain? However, under whose control would Australia be now if we had not fought? Would we be a communist country? Would we be ruled by the Emperor of Japan? Would we be free? Were those thousands of lost lives wasted? That is the crux of the question. What is the price of freedom?The topic question " Should Australia involve its self wars which do not directly affect its security " has raised many other questions. Perhaps this shows what a morally difficult issue this is. With out knowing what would have happened to Australia had they not participated in these wars only makes it harder. However, in order to maintain and strengthen alliances (economic and military), it is necessary to come to the aid of our allies when requested or these alliances will deteriorate. Australia believes in freedom and democracy and these basic principles determine its foreign involvement. Therefore Australia must involve itself in wars which do not directly affect its security in order to preserve its freedom and future....
