why is it always assumed that an entire NATION must be somehow responsible for the actions of its military or government?

I didn't vote for these people, and I think bombing Afghanistan in retribution for something a bunch of Saudi Arabian nationals did defies logic...I mean, it's so illogical it isn't even wrong...

As for "them" attacking "us" first...get real. 9-11 was a wake-up call for anyone who has not yet realized that there is a huge amount of hatred for the USA across the globe. I personally do not feel this is entirely deserved, but it would be extremely naive and not a little bit dishonest to think that we as a nation have not also wrought a great deal of evil in the world...

No one deserves to be bombed to death.