How I learned to hate the bomb
I write you now from Hiroshima.
Yes, that Hiroshima.
It is impossible to describe what its like to be in this city as an American, to see the remnants of a day where we took one of the largest cities in Japan and simply made it vanish. The most I can say to help you understand is that when I saw the remains of the torn up industrial building that is the ONLY thing left of pre-1945 Hiroshima, I was struck by the saddest feeling Ive had in years.
People argue that Hiroshima was necessary, that we had to get the Japanese to surrender. I look at this place and I wonder, was it really? Did we really have to blow up a city of civilians to end that war? Japan was on its knees--they had lost, and they knew it. And even then, is it really acceptable to take the easy way out and say that we had to do it? Can anyone say that with a straight face while looking at a slab of rock with a picture of a woman burned in to it as she was vaporized by the bomb? Can anyone look at a picture of a child dying slowly of radiation posioning and say it HAD to happen?
I could go on forever, but I have other things to write about. Kyoto was beautiful--with Maos help we saw at least 13 different temples and shrines. Her uncle helped us explore the area too--hes a really cool guy. I have lots of fun photos, including the old geisha district at Gion. Its...different from what youd imagine.
Tomorrow we arrive at Tokushima, and the glory of quasi regular internet access. Maybe now I can upload some damn photos and start my epic history/picture rant on facebook.
Tomorrow is the 56th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima (August 6, 1945). Even if you do think it was necessary, take some time to think about it. Thats all I ask.
Yes, that Hiroshima.
It is impossible to describe what its like to be in this city as an American, to see the remnants of a day where we took one of the largest cities in Japan and simply made it vanish. The most I can say to help you understand is that when I saw the remains of the torn up industrial building that is the ONLY thing left of pre-1945 Hiroshima, I was struck by the saddest feeling Ive had in years.
People argue that Hiroshima was necessary, that we had to get the Japanese to surrender. I look at this place and I wonder, was it really? Did we really have to blow up a city of civilians to end that war? Japan was on its knees--they had lost, and they knew it. And even then, is it really acceptable to take the easy way out and say that we had to do it? Can anyone say that with a straight face while looking at a slab of rock with a picture of a woman burned in to it as she was vaporized by the bomb? Can anyone look at a picture of a child dying slowly of radiation posioning and say it HAD to happen?
I could go on forever, but I have other things to write about. Kyoto was beautiful--with Maos help we saw at least 13 different temples and shrines. Her uncle helped us explore the area too--hes a really cool guy. I have lots of fun photos, including the old geisha district at Gion. Its...different from what youd imagine.
Tomorrow we arrive at Tokushima, and the glory of quasi regular internet access. Maybe now I can upload some damn photos and start my epic history/picture rant on facebook.
Tomorrow is the 56th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima (August 6, 1945). Even if you do think it was necessary, take some time to think about it. Thats all I ask.