President Bush said that he was sorry that the Chinese pilot who had buzzed our plane had been killed. And yes, it is a distinction with a difference.
Our Lefty pols and pundits wanted the president to grovel. China, with a U.S. balance of trade in her favor, though hoping to test the new president, was not quite as rabid.
The English sailors and marines kidnapped and held hostage were searching Iranian vessels for contraband. They followed orders. To suggest that they are in any way at fault clouds the issue.
Iran has violated the law of the seas; her actions are acts of war. The lawless primitives who are in charge in Iran want a confrontation with the West.
I don't agree that they would not dare go after US troops because they are afraid of our might. They have already done the hostage thing with our citizens during Jimmy Carter's ruinous presidency and they would do it again because they know that we are more hated in the West than they are, and that perhaps half of our people would like to see this country diminished if not destroyed.
Your turn, now, England -- our turn, again, not much later.
Good post, but just one thing.
The Sailors are all British, but not all are English. Just a little bugbear of mine! :)