Does the west lack the fortitude and courage to stand up for itself?

Interesting, and I believe it raises fundamental issues and questions. I'm not saying I have the answers but they provoke thought. Do excuse me if I make any mistakes - I know you're sharp on historical accuracy

1) The Japanese pilots acted 'on behalf' of the government of the nation where they were based. This raises 2 issues:
a) Evidence of the people responsible was clear, whereas in this case it was not immediately clear. It this time it is new believed we know who is responsible, but evidence is not in the public domain.
Bin Laden (assuming it is him) is an individual with an agenda. Granted he was supported/sheltered? by the Taliban government. Who do you take action against even if the perpatrator is known? It is acknowledged that the typical Afghan is not a target. Why was this different in Japan (i.e. Hiroshima)?
Was this because it was acknowledged that the Japanese people supported the actions?
Was this because the implications of retaliation were less (i.e. nuclear attack)?

2) This is going to be a provocative point. It's not meant to be antagonistic, just a thought.
In 1941 many nations were already at was with Japan as today many are at war with terrorism (The UK, Spain, Israel etc).
There is an argument (rightly or wrongly) that Pearl Harbour and the WTC incident stimulated the US into action, and that their interest in combating these pre-existing issues occured when they felt the impact directly.

Again I'm not insinuating anything - no flames please - just stimulating comment!!!

I'd respectfully mention that the war started before 1941.

The artwork is nice...where can I download it from?

TANKERx - is that not my point? Though the US supported nations at war, they weren't at war themselves UNTIL 1941 whereas we in the UK started 2 years, previously, as did others.

The United States has a lot it needs to learn from UK. The UK has a pretty good record in the 20th century for standing up for what is right. They have spent countless blood and treasure in the name of principle and the world is a better place.

Let us remember that the UK went to war with Germany to DEFEND Poland. Great Britain had the moral courage to stand up to evil even when it meant a lot of suffering on their part.

The question I have for my fellow Americans is this: Do we, as a people, have the moral courage to do what is right. Or are we going to hand to our children a world in which bombings and terrorism is an accepted part of life. Accepted because we are worried we might "offend" sunny weather friends.

But who is the ennemy? Who are we to bomb?
In 1941, it was clear, it was Japan.
Assuming, as it seems to be, that Bin Laden is behind it, and that the Taliban are protecting him. Who do we do? Attack Afganistan and eliminate the Talibans? Sounds like a good plan, but the problem is that very few Talibans soldiers are actually Afgan. They come from Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and other places. Just destroy the Talibans without asking any questions to anybody and you'll get neighbouring countries against you. Better to get those contries on your side and get them to help you.
Diplomacy is crucial is the goal really is to get rid of terrorism, not just to get rid of a handful that will quickly be replaced.
We are not in 1941 and the situation is very different today.

paxx said it best. Personally, I believe the parody is inaccurate, and the only reason now one had done one up tillnow is because every writer with half a brain knew it was an inaccurate parallel to begin with.

"But who is the ennemy? Who are we to bomb??"

Exactly.

paxx said it best. Personally, I believe the parody is inaccurate, and the only reason now one had done one up tillnow is because every writer with half a brain knew it was an inaccurate parallel to begin with.

I'm also afraid that in Bush's haste to satisfy his constituents deman for a culprit he'll ignore proper UN procedure, as he's been doing latgely.

"Help us... or else."

"Hand over bin Laden even though we haven't provided a shred of evidence... or else."

It's getting tiresome.

Didn't Great Britain step in when Germany ran through Belgium? No wait, that was WWI. Argh, I'm getting confused.

Hehe, we'll protect anyone who make's nice chocolate ...

/sarcasm mode on

Dear Brad:
Please don't confuse me with the facts: My mind is made up already.

/sarcasm mode off

Elwin: hehe

paxx is 100% correct on this subject.

Hey Ron:

To answer your question, absolutley nothing. But this is a *community* site. And any community worth its salt will generally not be so limited in scope as to exclude or ignore major world happenings.

Oh, and Ron, please watch the language. Such profanity is not welcome here.

I deleted his profane response.

Hehe. Then, uh, delete mine too. It looks like I'm talking to myself.

(j/k)

As long as you don't answer back to yourself.