war comes home

[kandrathe]

I think this also played a role in the Vietnam war where several horrible incidents where soldiers had been killing civilians take over and reflect on all of the soldiers coming home (of whom 99% just did a good job). So in (my) conclusion; the army should deal very strict with war crimes in order to keep a good image, which then makes it easier for the soldiers when they are back home again.

Horrible incidents happened during and after WWII as well, but the media was not as vociferous and the camera's were not there to record the nightmares. War is force, and giving the power of life and death to young soldiers. Only through discipline and leadership can they be expected to not abuse this power. I've heard stories of the horrors in the pacific campaign that make the most barbaric head hunter tribes seem civilized. There were also acts of great courage, and of compassion.

But, war is hell.

<blockquote>"You cannot qualify war in harsher terms than I will. War is cruelty, and you cannot refine it; and those who brought war into our country deserve all the curses and maledictions a people can pour out. I know I had no hand in making this war, and I know I will make more sacrifices to-day than any of you to secure peace. But you cannot have peace and a division of our country. If the United States submits to a division now, it will not stop, but will go on until we reap the fate of Mexico, which is eternal war. The United States does and must assert its authority, wherever it once had power; for, if it relaxes one bit to pressure, it is gone, and I believe that such is the national feeling." - William Tecumseh Sherman</blockquote>