If the Hamas had more weapons and access to weapons, there would be bloodshed equaling Israel. Hamas is founded and bred in hate. The Jews feel it necessary to defend that land based on the persecution they experienced. Neither Muslims or Jews have fully adopted the true prophet code "Love your neighbor as yourself. Pray for those who persecute you." -Jesus

Great title on this article, and the references much appreciated. The reasons for a particular action in war may remain points of contention. This rebuttal obfuscates the primary thesis of the article it disputes. That is, the purpose of the war (for the US Gov) was psychological control of US populace, expansion of military hegemony, and geographic exploitation. The bombings were part of the means to that end. Mr. Rees would have us believe the US was the victim, indirectly justifying crimes against humanity. What is particularly interesting is how Mr. Rees ignores this, "Big Lie techniques, orchestrated the near-total media black-out about the provable controlled demolitions of the three World Trade Center buildings on 9/11/01, explosions..." Is this just too big of a postulate for Mr. Rees to take up?

I thought the unconditional surrender terms were related to the problems arising from the conditional surrender of Germany after the first world war, and the subsequent rise of the Nazi party. Unconditional surrender means truly accepting defeat, at which point the allies could be in a position to rebuild Japan.

The Japanese military did not consider the deaths of civilians. Even the fire bombing of Tokyo had not caused the Japanese military to give up. They were preparing a fight to the last man/woman strategy. Who knows what the long term consequences would have been for conditional surrender. Many allied soldiers had fought and died for the complete defeat of Japan and the return the world to piece. At that time the dropping of the bomb was justified.

The real problem arose after that. The cold war enshrined continued military spending in the USA, which has continued even after the collapse of the Soviet Union. This has militarized and corrupted the USA, which was prior to WW2 a non interventionist country.

As an added factor the "right to bear arms" has enshrined a macho violent culture in the USA. What made sense in the war of independence is now a recipe for a violent gun culture where thousands of people die unnecessarily every year.

In conclusion, second guessing the decision made in 1945 is pointless. The real question is how to deal with the worlds current problems. How to dismantle the american military, ban inappropriate guns, end the macho gun culture and heal race relations. Isn't it the time the USA had a critical look at itself?

Safer nuclear reactors are possible. Thorium reactors and modern uranium reactors are much safer. The sad fact is that antic nuclear sentiment stops the building of safer nuclear reactors.

Wake Up!

Why don't you post something that happened less than 50 yrs ago? we can't fight old battles or rake the coals of our conscience. try writing about North Korean leader.

Minnesota has a history of provincialism and distrust. I attribute it to reserved Scandinavianism.

Most Duluthians don't care about dress. That is why they wear faded farmer shirts, boots in summer, carry backpacks instead of handbags, and don't have one slew of makeup on their face. But thanks for trying.

Interesting how the author assumes that there were no opponents to surrender among the Japanese. There were.

I am an addict for three years i am ready to stop.

i know what your talking about

Very good article. The mania in Duluth's financial plans, (or lack of plans), kind of goes hand in hand with hundreds of optimistic nations and millions of optimistic businesses worldwide. People have never learned from past financial crashes, and neither will they ever learn in the future. The next crash is likely to be worse than the "Great Recession"

I really enjoy reading about mining and mineco. I find it very interesting to read about all the amazing things that have been discovered. And also how much money is involved. The stats that go up and down can change so much.

virg
this was a very well written article. it is very well organized and reminds me of a legal brief. you also must have a lawyer in the family. nickis information on gaza is also very rational. i want to make copies of part of it for an 89 year old preist who lives here and is very interested in this conflict.

Mr. Tridgell,
Thank you. That is a high compliment, coming from you, knowing that your daughter is also a lawyer.Here is a report about the war in Gaza. It is written by my youngest daughter, Nicolette. I am so, so, grateful that it was a year ago that she spent an extended time in Gaza, instead of this year. She is now living in Beirut, Lebanon. She is a lawyer working on human rights for CIVIC (Concern for Innocent Victims in Conflict). She has also lived in Israel for extended periods of time.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nicolette-boehland/no-safe-place-in-gaza_b_5689418.html

I'm sure you did very well, raising her.
Did you ever go on your walk-about?
Good on ya.

This is my favorite TV show. I love it so much. Keep writing about it.

I fit your description to a tee. I have tried to self reform myself and only succeeded slightly

[deleted]

Hi, Nice site article I enjoyed reading it. Thanks for sharing. Would it be possible if I contact you through your email? Please email me back. Thanks!

Aaron Grey
aarongrey112 at gmail.com

Maybe Obama should leave it alone and the Islamic world will implode itself. Saddam killed 650,000 Shias btwn the Gulf War in 1991 and 2003. That does not even count the Kurds. Bashar Al Assad of Syria is the only leader who protects minority religions like Christians and Alawites. When they are all dead, there will be no one to blame.

Good. Funny.