Topic: contemporary piece on Iwo Jima 60th anniversary and today

[TomorrowHERD]

http://www.opinionjournal.com/extra/?id=110006317

The lesson of Iwo Jima is in fact an ancient one, going back to Machiavelli: that sometimes free societies must be as tough and unrelenting as their enemies. Totalitarians test their opponents by generating extreme conditions of brutality and violence; in those conditions--in the streets and beheadings of Fallujah or on the beach and in the bunkers of Iwo Jima--they believe weak democratic nerves will crack. This in turn demonstrates their moral superiority: that by giving up their own decency and humanity they have become stronger than those who have not.

[carolinaherdfan]

TommorowHerd,  you have interesting, insightful posts, and I thank you for them.  My father, who was an officer in the US ARMY, as well as myself, but during WWII,.  We'll let me just say it touches me in a special way.  May God Bless You!

GO THUNDERINGHERD!

 :P

[TomorrowHERD]

Thanks Carolina.  I have just had eye surgery so I am taking a 2-3 week break from much internet use.  Herd boards and 2 news sites only for a while.  We had several dozen Iwo Jima veterans here this week on their way up to Iwo for a visit.  I met with them and herd several good stories.  When the Vets were here last year for the 60th of the invasion of Saipan and the Marianas, I spent a week with them as the medical officer.  I went to numerous seminars and learned quite a bit.  My eyes are starting to get crossed now ---better stop typing.   :shock:  8)