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Absolutely fascinating responses! As I knew they would be...

Posted by Karen on Fri Apr 12, 2002 02:17:14 PM

In reply top Re: When is an enemy no longer an enemy, and who decides? posted by Mike Henniger on Fri Apr 12, 2002 12:15:29 PM

The collective experience, wisdom, education, and intelligence of this board never disappoints!!

I left my own feelings, and beliefs out of my question, because I wanted to hear others feelings on this subject.

I had the priveledge of speaking with a Pearl Harbor survivor, recently. This man does more in our community to honor veteran's than anyone I know. Anyway, I asked him about Pearl Harbor, the movie, and in his opinion did they get "get it right"? He told me that no movie EVER could capture what happened that Sunday morning. He is still very bitter towards Japan.

In my opinion, I never felt Imperial Japan was as vilified as Nazi Germany. Neither, the U.S., or her Allies, ever went after war criminals from Japan. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. I think this was very politically motivated.

I do not feel we should hold younger generations responsible for the sins of their prior generations. Nor do I believe we should bear any animostity toward the common soldiers. After all, it is the leadership that ultimately decides what will occur. At least in most cases.

I think the respect among pilots may have something to do with a mutual admiration, and respect for their opponents ability to handle these incredible machines. Also, being in the air much of the time, they were saved from the gruesome brutality, of war in the trenches, and on the battle front. Normandy is a good example of this. Although I would not have wanted to be a pilot during the invasion, I believe it was still safer than storming the beaches.

In short, I believe an enemy is no longer an enemy when it is financially, and politically beneficial, for both countries. (I.E. The U.S. normalizing relations with Vietnam.)

This is just my opinion. BTW, thanks everyone for some great reading, on an otherwise dreary Friday!
KGT

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