Doug, my point was that if it's justified for soldiers to kill unarmed civilian prisoners in Vietnam to protect himself, it'd be justified for other soldiers to do the same in the town you live, if there was a war on. Agree to the one and you agree to the other, simple as that. You pays your money and you takes your choice.

As you say, bad things happen in war. But in principal at least it is recognised by most countries, including the United States, that there are certain actions which are outlawed, including killing unarmed civilian prisoners whatever the circumstances. In principal...