As I've stated several times here, the scariest part to me reading some of these comments as well as in other places, is just how easy it is to generate mob mentality. And get the mob to move in a direction that you just wouldn't think possible.

I hve no doubt that were another event similar to 9-11 occur in the next several months, our current govt would be able to shove many laws thru that you and I would have thought unthinkable 10 yrs ago. And there would be plenty people available who would jump at the chance to enforce said laws.

>And thank you for this.
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>>I disagree. During war, the rules do get blurred - much like in the streets for cops. It is difficult when you see such violence and gore and attrocities committed to know exactly who is the enemy and when it is safe to offer help instead of trying to stay alive. It is difficult to 'pull back' when 10 year olds are planting bombs or the man who needs your help was trying to kill you 2 minutes ago. However, it has to be done. There will be those isolated incidents when it isn't clear. There will be those who pretend surrender and then pull the clip. However, if we are captured, it is only the threat of this country seeking restitution for war crimes committed that we have any hope of decent treatment ourselves. If we do not abide by the rules of war, then we cannot expect or hope anyone else will either. When a fighting force knows that they will be treated humanely when captured, they are more likely to surrender when it is clear they are overtaken. Otherwise, they fight to the
>>death or fake wounds and even death to become suicide killers. This is happening now. For all the terrible things that happen, and the lessons we must learn from them, we do need to keep in mind the actual situation our soldiers are placed in - the choices that have to be made under extreme stress and fatigue can mean the loss of another life or your own from moment to moment.
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>>However, I do agree that every man and women who picks up a weapon and uses it against our troops becomes the enemy. We do have to remain decent human beings though and do our best to recognize when the enemy becomes the victim.
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>>>>Agnes, you are exactly correct in one respect. Freedom can only be measured by the openness of dissent and opposition to the ruling party. Bravo, and good point.
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>>>>OTOH, we don't kill our opposition. We don't have a White Rose Society but, if we did, I doubt they'd be hung or beheaded.
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>>>>We also don't occupy for genocidal reasons or destroy a nation and call it the General Government.
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>>>>Gosh, who could I be thinking of?
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>>>I think once we are attacked, there should be no rules. The "rules of war" is a joke. The VC didn't have any rules, nor the Japanese, nor Germans in WWII, etc. If we are at war, I say we should do whatever it takes to win. The rules are - there ain't no stinkin rules! - Throw Down!
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>>>I know, I know, that's just my kinder-gentler self oozing through....