Chris B, I have the impression that you think that I do not agree with the use of the atom bomb. That is far from the truth. The past is the past, we learn from what was done, try not to repeat mistakes and move forward. We learn from the past, but noone should dwell on it. There are thousands of "what-if's." Perhaps even thousands of millions. The atomic age was bound to spring forth, and as Truman wrote, he (as I) is thankful that we (America) discovered it first. Nazi Germany, devoid of moral backing, would have used no restraint. Nor would Stalinist Russia. A man that can kill 12 million of his own people wouldn't have hesitated to use the bomb first on Germany then on his allies.

There's an interesting thing about today, we think about nuclear weapons. Who owns them, who wants them, and who will not show restraint and use them. Is there any wonder we (Western nations) try to control them worldwide? Is there any wonder the U.S. still occupies Japan and probably will for another 40 years? Not to mention occupation in Germany. I'm sure the revisionist history the children of those countries speak not of their atrocities, but of the horrors of American occupation. I may not totally agree with current events in Iraq (I do favor Afghanistan), I do believe in occupation in Japan and Germany. Especially Japan. I fear one day, the U.S. will turn a blind eye to that island nation and will be sadly mistaken (ok, maybe I've read "Debt of Honor" too much).