[houeto]

There's no telling how many tinpot dictators were suitably impressed by this display of military power. Do you really believe the Communists would have refrained from aggressive military action against us had we not shown our willingness to use these weapons?

I am not in any disagreement with any of your points. I am simply saying that such a huge loss of life on a general population center is horrific.

Were there a way for all the deaths to have been Japanese military, I would be calling for the fireworks stands to be open each year for the occasion.

Sadly though, that was just not possible.

Another thing. If we don't take off the kid gloves and show the Islamists just how ruthless a people we can be, the terror attacks will NEVER stop.

[abb]

I am simply saying that such a huge loss of life on a general population center is horrific.

War in and of itself is horrific. My point is that once undertaken, you had better be prepared to do whatever it takes to finish it successfully. And I don't think it necessary to apologize. For the record Nagasaki was an important military target.

"The city of Nagasaki had been one of the largest sea ports in southern Japan and was of great wartime importance because of its wide-ranging industrial activity, including the production of ordnance, ships, military equipment, and other war materials."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomic_bombings_of_Hiroshima_and_Nagasaki

Another thing. If we don't take off the kid gloves and show the Islamists just how ruthless a people we can be, the terror attacks will NEVER stop.

Here, we agree.