I think the stain went higher up then most here. I think many here are trying to spin this puppy away. But of course, our system as a whole is not impeached, because we will set it right. In that sense, our ideals will be yet again be put out there for all to see, and it will set the standard for others to try to match, and almost none will. I did not mean to suggest that the indictment was of our society and our values as a whole, and you were right to call me on it, and give me a chance to further elaborate my remarks, for which I thank you.
After the bombs, when Americans first went into Tokyo, there were still 250,000 fully armed and trained Japanese troops on the Kanto plain, within a day's march. Many were willing, even eager to die for their country.
Rumors abounded; that Americans would rape Japanese women; that there would be mass retribution; that the Americans would steal everything, including the meager foodstuffs. Every Japanese was waiting for the first confirmation that the Americans were the barbarians that they had been described as. It was a conflagration waiting to happen, but it didn't.
Why? Because Americans didn't rape, murder or steal. The Japanese were treated with honor, far beyond what they probably deserved. Old sins went unpunished but out of the distrust an enduring alliance was born.
We may have missed our chance this time.