[winewood]

I applaud the care and conviction in which these posts were put together. I often find it amusing that most social judgements are dependent on completely unrelated and political arguements. I do want to take the time to lift up the arguements that uphold the mindset, culture, and scope of the people in that historical conflict.

I believe that regardless of a peoples brainwashing, or "innocence" in Japan, more lives were spared by those nukes. And from a purely humanistic view, the countryside of the entire country was not systematically destroyed and the children and elderly from each invading city were spared enormous suffering and destruction. (remember the children from Guadacanal??)

June 21 1945, The Pacific island of Okinawa is captured by the Allies. Japan has lost 160,000 men in fighting on the island; more than 12,500 Americans have died on Okinawa as well. Now take an easily comperable Japan with more resources, people, and indoctrination with a more personal stake to loose and recreate that scenario. Taking in consideration that 160k was MEN and not the women and children the loss of life is amazing and it's not even the homeland!

Now lets bring up China, which was invaded by Japan. 8 Million casualties. If the allies would have had to also weed out the Japaneese from everywhere in which it had captured, the loss of life would have been quite staggering. If someone said that peace could have been achieved with positive results with only 100k of lives (regardless of whose side it was on) the pricetag seems cheap in retrospect. I thank God that this option was avaliable to us. Lets not judge the past with our current 15 second moralities.

This war could have gone either way, and I believe that our good God spared us enormous suffering and pain overall. The Allies were blessed with an expedient meathod of peace that was truly remarkable when you count the cost of the battles that were on the horizon.

Good posts guys!