Posted on Aug 7, 2015
SGT David Ewers
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Yesterday was the 70th anniversary of the United States using the first atomic bomb dropping it on Japan, many news organizations and individuals recognized this historic event. A post by one of my friends caught my eye “…why Japan had apologized for its wartime atrocities repeatedly, but the people of Japan had never received an apology for the dropping of two atomic bombs.” Should the United States apologize for the use of atomic weapons that ultimately ended World War II?
Posted in these groups: Wwii logo WWII World War TwoImages JapanNuclear popularsocialscience com Nuclear
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Responses: 131
MSgt Curtis Ellis
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Edited 9 y ago
No, I feel that doing so would open numerous doors for war crime and associated other issues, as an apology would indicate an unneeded/unnecessary wrong by the American people... It would be as bad as apologizing for saying "All lives matter" and carry with it similar repercussions on a much larger scale... We collectively decided, and took this step during a time of war knowing the outcome, and assumed the acceptable risks in doing so, so there is no need to apologize as right or wrong in this case is moot; unless we are now indicating that our actions were, indeed, wrong...
"Disclaimer" Most of you probably already know my feelings on the bombing of Nagasaki... If the US were to apologize for anything, I would agree it would be that bombing only.
I know this is contradictory to what I just wrote, but regardless right or "questionable", I will always back my Country over any others despite my feelings...
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SGT David Ewers
SGT David Ewers
9 y
You brought up some good points I never thought about, didn't even consider if the outcome would have changed if we just stopped with Hiroshima. Did we make our point during that bombing or did we not give them a chance to surrender? I still don't believe an apology is necessary for the bombings but it does offer another point of view as to what was necessary force to secure the surrender.
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MSgt Curtis Ellis
MSgt Curtis Ellis
9 y
SGT David Ewers - In light of it's recent anniversary, we have a discussion posted referencing that here on RP. Check it out as it offers some opinions, and others, on this that you may find interesting. Thanks for the comment!
I believe the link below will take you to it, stop by and leave a comment or two!
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MAJ Ken Landgren
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No because Japan was using a Total War concept.
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SSG Byron Howard Sr
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Never. Have they apologized for the attack on Pearl Harbor?
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CSM Thomas McGarry
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Actually Japan has NEVER officially apologized for their war time atrocities. And not only no but H__L No!! We should not apologize for dropping the bombs. You do of course know that the Japanese Government was preparing to execute all POWs they held prior to the end of the war, Also they were gearing up to defend their homeland with military civilians etc. Bill Reilly's book on this subject is very good!!
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SSG Edward Tilton
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Old timers in Japan are now contending that they tested a nuclear weapon off Korea. I doubt it but if true we needed to put an end to that.
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Lt Col Jim Coe
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I'm with those who say, No! WWII was total general war. The full resources of many nations were engaged in the fight. President Truman believed using nuclear weapons would save American and Allied lives. He was right. The US and our Allies won.
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SPC Greg Carr
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No.
America should apologize to Russia, China, Korea, and SEA for not bringing adequate justice on Japan. The atom bombs were nothing to them.
http://www.nytimes.com/1995/03/17/world/unmasking-horror-a-special-report-japan-confronting-gruesome-war-atrocity.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm
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CWO3 Retired
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The first thing that came to my mind is Why should we? Are you aware that they don't discuss this and their atrocities in their schools. Did you ever been to any battlefield in the Pacific? I have just to name a few: Wake Island, Midway, Okinawa, Guam, the Philippines, and Mainland Japan, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and yes Pearl Harbor and Kaneohe Bay, my home. I think that before we ask these kinds of questions we should consider the consequences of our asking the question. Again, "Why Should We Apologized for something that happened 77 years ago. Just leave well enough alone. Both Nations sacrificed a lot and we don't need to bring up the dead if we weren't there to begin with. Don't you agree?
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MSgt Roger Hoyle
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Never
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SSG Edward Tilton
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Wouldn't even think of it until after Japan has apologized for the Rape of Nanking, Luzon, the famine in Vietnam and every other crime they committed
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MCPO Roger Collins
MCPO Roger Collins
7 y
To name a few atrocities they committed.
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