Reply #11: The unending ambiguity of it all - [View All]

[Tangerine LaBamba]

the eternal sensation of trying to walk on water. That would drive anyone insane, for sure.

In WWII, the enemies were identifiable and real, and their defeat meant it was over and we would win. So, that's a very huge difference.

Kurt Vonnegut's best friend was from my home town, and he returned after WWII to marry, go to college and law school, and practice law in our little town. Vonnegut used to come visit Mr. O'Hare from time to time; in fact, it was Mrs. O'Hare who pointed out to Vonnegut that they had been little more than children when they were caught in the bombing of Dresden. That's how he came to write about it.

But, Mr. O'Hare, like his compatriots who I knew, never lived anything but an exemplary life.

I think it was the clear objectives and the fact that we truly were the good guy going after the bad guys.

These kids are being sent to slaughter people who are innocent of anything, and, at the same time, they're subject to attack at any moment by the guerillas defending their country.

Yeah, it makes sense now.

Thanks to all for the help in starting to answer my question ....................