>>We dont steal a real soldier's identity and forge language in a tape to home and then publicize a fictitious death
>
>Who can say for sure? Maybe not to the internet, but what about other methods?
>
>During WWII lots and lots of 'dirty tricks' were practised regularly by all sides.
>Communications then weren't what they are today, but I'm sure that for their time they were pretty "underhanded".
>
Every side tries the things they believe they can get away with. And in retrospect some dirty tricks will be glorified, others will be hidden/talked down, more easy on the winning side.

>"We" have done things that really are quite shameful, and my guess is that we're getting better at these things, not worse. And "we" are doing much to our own (wire taps, opening mail, spying on domestic group, opening mail, etc) which, in an allegedly open/free society, should be universally decried.

I'm with you that many rights and freedoms are rolled back.

>I agree its dispicable.

Here I disagree (talking on the propaganda item!):

a) I would think less of any officer *not* using propaganda to keep his troops alive.
(It is telling STORIES, not gasing whole regions)

b) If the "home front" is weak enough for such stupid propaganda to work, there is no need for troops to die. It's lost anyway.

c) Morals can (more) easily be agreed on amongst nearly equals. When one opponent is overwhelmingly stronger in "usual warfare" as in the current case you must expect unusual warfare. As throwing rocks against airplanes is not really successful, why are people surprized that there still are some determined people finding targets that "hurt" the US - even if the tactics are not "morally sound". Still - I think US soldiers crippled are the ones to care for, not the people "suffering" from similar propaganda attacks. See b)

d) War is about surviving/winning. Here in germany after 9/11 the govermant tried to legalize air force to shoot down passenger liners clearly in terroriat hands heading for inner cities. Stopped by our highest courts. Yes I would hate to sit in such a plane when it is shot down - but I am probably done for anyway. One plane did not crash into the white house: the passengers died anyway but stopped at least the enemy from realizing his goal. A smart enemy could probably find even US targets to crash with a jet here in germany... Why are we inviting such incidents ?

sometimes I am in a cynic mood... still regards (and hope your other troubles resolve)

thomas