wmw999 2,589 #1 January 27, 2003 I'll ramble a little. Hey -- it's my post. My father is a veteran of WW2. Spent 18 months rebuilding ships in the Boston Navy Yard, and then several in the pacific. He feels very strongly an attachment to the "greatest generation" concept. But he's said again and again (particularly lately) that while he's proud of how American responded to the war situation, he's far prouder of how we handled the peace afterwards, with the MacArthur plan. No, we didn't end up with a lot of countries that salivate at our approval. There are, instead, in part because of our efforts, more countries that had a somewhat easier time rebuilding after the war. Which means that they became strong and independent, and have their own opinions and interests. I like that thinking. I'd much rather have our country be part of an alliance of strong, intelligent countries, going back and forth on our various interests, than the leader of a pack of yes-men (or yes-women). It's a sign of continuing capacity for growth. Wendy W.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites