"We pretended there was no problem with Agent Orange after Vietnam and later the Pentagon recanted, after untold suffering by veterans"

This quote by Jim McDermott is referring to making use of Agent Orange throughout the Vietnam War. Agent Orange was a chemical used by the United States military to defoliate the forest as well as ruin plants. It was later on discovered that Agent Orange contained a poisonous chemical that created major health problems for those revealed to it. Originally, the Pentagon denied any connection between Agent Orange as well as the health problems experienced by experts, but ultimately they needed to recant this statement after the experts experienced unknown suffering. This quote is a suggestion of the significance of taking duty for our actions and the consequences they can carry others. It also acts as a warning to be conscious of the potential repercussions of our choices as well as to do something about it to avoid them.