[RobbyS]

I am quite aware of the events you describe. I also know that the pre-war Polish regime was quasi-Fascist and —like the Czech regims, not kind to minorities. However, that is beside the point. We in the South enslaved millions of people and even went to war in order to preserve our system. BTAIM, we were invaded and finally over whelmed by large Union armies, which not only destroyed our economy (in 1870, NYState alone had a large GDP ; than the entire former confederacy) but left us for us under military government. In 1877, the North abandoned its effort to coerse the South and allwed state government to return to the hands of their white majorities. Not until the 1960s can it be said that the South recovered from the Civil War. </i>
I recite this history to remind you that an angry scar never heals and is a constant reminder of past injuries done. You have a point about the benefits of letting go. But it is silly to compare the evils done by the Poles with those done by the Germans or the Russians. They simply never had the power.

[OESY]

Basically I agree with you. The comparison is one of character, not magnitude. Just as the British use of concentration camps in the Boer Wars does not compare in scope with those of the Nazis. Similarly, the bombing of Rotterdam and Coventry do not measure up to the bombing of Hiroshima or Nagasaki. But protagonists argue precedent, not degree. Conflicts escalate as history evolves and technology advances. Not to trivialize, but some claim records are made to be broken.

Now if only we can convince the Islamic fascists (with military might, if necessary) that they can like as they want in their own societies. But they seem intent on staging spectacular killings--with the explosion of a nuclear device in a U.S. city high on their wish list. Maybe we have to set an example, but if they agree and live in peace for 60 years, or 140 years, I for one am willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. How about you?

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