Remember Hiroshima

Sorry for the late notice, I just found out about this event going on tonight to commemorate the 62nd anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima:

From Hiroshima to Iraq: Take the Nuclear Option off the Table
Monday, August 6th 2007 7:00 pm

"From Hiroshima to Iraq: Take the Nuclear Option off the Table", a commemoration. Welcome from Chapel Hill Town Council Member Mark Kleinschmidt, proclamation of Mayor Mark Chilton, University of North Carolina historian Wayne Lee speaks on "War, the Nuclear Option, and Habits of Mind", readings, music by Catherine Grodensky and Jim Magaw, candle lighting ceremony and chanting led by members of the Chapel Hill Zen Center. Children's activities.

Location:
Gene Strowd Rose Garden, Chapel Hill Community Center Park Estes Drive opposite Chapel Hill Post Office Chapel Hill NC 27514

Sponsored By:
Orange County Peace Coalition (NC)
- United for Peace & Justice : Events

Issues: 

Comments

While the atomic bombings on Japan were horrible things and I am in no way advocating we use such methods again unless absolutely necessary, some of us probably wouldn't be here had the bombs not been used to bring about a speedy end to the war. An awful lot of American lives were saved by avoiding an invasion of the home islands.

So while nuclear weapons should not be used if at all avoidable, I don't think it's right to say they need to be taken off the table. Association with a war that wasn't needed is really unfair for one of our most powerful and terrible tools that we can use if we are ever losing a war that *is* needed...

I hope before anyone responds to the above that you consider whether a discussion over whether wars can ever be justified will contribute anything to discussion of local issues. (Also whether arguing with admitted nationalists is a good use of your time in general.)

Chris,

All I'll say is that you should read some history of the bombings & then decide if you think it was a clear case of saving American lives.

Mark, you just couldn't help yourself? Thanks.

My pleasure - I thought it an important point. I bet even most of the people reading this blog think that the A-bombs were somehow necessary to end the war.

Like most things Mark, it all depends on which version of the "truth" ou subscribe to. "Necessary" becomes a loaded word in this context, doesn't it?

 

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