Maximus, I routinely disagree with Jack, but maybe YOU should pick up a book. War does not excuse terrorism. You are giving the US Gov't. a pass because we were supposedly in a "defensive war". The war was well on it's way to won and the point proven when Truman made the decision to nuke Japan.
The argument has been presented that there are similarities and had you actually READ any non-standard history books you wouldn't be encouraging people to read that which you have not.
One more thought that I tracked down for you. "...there are such things as civilians but that the cause for which their group fights is so important that it trumps the ethic of civilian protection. Much as they might like to protect ordinary people, they must abandon the idea in this war and hurt civilians in order to win." - Hugo Slim
Read the rest here as this is preceded by a different point.
http://www.odihpn.org/report.asp?id=2901
Another case of interpretation. Denmark Vesey was tried, convicted and executed for conspiracy. He was executed for expressing his hatred towards his enslavers and supposedly (this has been debated) organizing a revolt.
As with all revolutions, they begin with treason and often result in murder as your article points out. But then, hardly anyone makes a stink over Hiroshima and Nagasaki (again as you pointed out).
History is written by the victors of war, at least it always has been. Maybe now in the information age this will cease to be the case. You can't deny that the average American is (or has the potential to be) a great deal more informed about the state of revolutions and persecutions and genocides on down to basic civil governmental change going on today.
Do I blame Vesey for his hatred? No. Do I agree with it's extent? No. The slaying of women and children seems extreme, but I am inclined to believe that the feeling is largely based on cultural more rather than truth or righteousness. The American Government certainly didn't treat the Native American population with regard to women and children. No oppressive force ever does.
In summation I think this is a problematic issue. Do we celebrate an individual who was motivated (possibly) to organizing an uprising against slavery as both an institution and a reality-situation? In that do we ignore the ruthlessness of the plan? Again, most people don't fault Truman with the scope that is being suggested in relation to Vesey.
Great article. It brings many ideas and open discussion to the realities of revolution.
Re: “Bling happy momma hoards beer and pretzels”
AMEN WES WOLFE! I have a degree, follow the rules and still cannot afford insurance! BTW, what do tattoos, gold teeth, sneakers and r&b ringtones have to do with this? Oh wait, racism. Still. Really?