WWII nostaligia

[Jairus]

It's not the plane itself that people would find offensive... it's the act that the plane was used for that many would find offensive.

Also, you have to remember... in any war there are always TWO sides–both who believe that they were on the "heroic" side... the "right" side of the conflict.

The "act" is no longer being perpetrated against anyone any longer. Are you equally offended at a car used to ram innocent people standing at the curb by a crazed maniac? Should the "car" be destroyed? A car is just a car and an airplane is just an airplane and a gun is just a gun. It is the people in charge who wield the power that should offend you and that would be those who made the decision to point the gun/airplane and pull the trigger.

The Japanese attacked us on December 7th 1941! The Japanese also systematically were invading and perpetrating genocide on the Chinese people. They were the bad guys and not "heroic" in anyone's eyes especially those of the Chinese.

So do you equally consider the crazed maniac's "side" when he detonates his exploding vest in a crowd of innocent children in Israel Harry?

[Modelmartin]

Ahem!!! Jairus, Harry. I thought we were not going to engage in these conversations anymore, were we?

[Jairus]

HEY! Ahem yourself dude, Harry started it and I will not let a liberal statement get by the "filters" here with-out a response Andy.

I wonder how many Japanese folks would like to see the Enola Gay fly again...

[Modelmartin]

Give me a break, "dude"! "He started it" - you sound like you are eight years old.

[Ken]

At times like these I think about the family guy episode where Stewie and Brian go through Germany. When the tour guide skips 1939-1945 and Brian confronts him about it, the tour guide goes crazy shouting that the entire country was on vacation...

Edited April 26, 2010 by Ken

[Harry P.]

The "act" is no longer being perpetrated against anyone any longer. Are you equally offended at a car used to ram innocent people standing at the curb by a crazed maniac? Should the "car" be destroyed? A car is just a car and an airplane is just an airplane and a gun is just a gun. It is the people in charge who wield the power that should offend you and that would be those who made the decision to point the gun/airplane and pull the trigger.

The Japanese attacked us on December 7th 1941! The Japanese also systematically were invading and perpetrating genocide on the Chinese people. They were the bad guys and not "heroic" in anyone's eyes especially those of the Chinese.

So do you equally consider the crazed maniac's "side" when he detonates his exploding vest in a crowd of innocent children in Israel Harry?

I never said I was "offended" by the Enola Gay. I was just pointing out that many people would be, if it were to take part in some sort of "barnstorming" exhibition across the country, given its history and the mission it was used for. Therefore not a good idea to break her out of mothballs and fly her again, given that history.

If you actually read my posts and pay attention, you'll see that I even said that the plane itself isn't at fault. I never said that I was "offended" by the plane. And I never said the plane should be destroyed. Where do you get this stuff? Do you see words in my posts that I didn't put in there??? This isn't the first time you've come after me with misguided anger. What's the deal?

Dude... read my posts more carefully before you come at me. Disagree with what I say, that's perfectly fine. I have no problem with opposing views. But don't criticize me for something I never said. With that, I do have a problem.

[sjordan2]

This is kind of a strange turn of events, which I really don't understand. If we all want to be social and moral activists (and from what I'm seeing, prohibitionists) about the origins of our subjects – implying that we should avoid subjects with dark histories – we could not build or buy a Mercedes, Toyota, or have any historic interest in armor and aircraft, etc. This politically oriented ###### has no business here.

What about historic dioramas? The General Lee? These are not necessarily political statements until the creator brings them forward that way.

Come on,let it go. This is crazy.

[Jairus]

I am not angry nore did I post anything that could even remotely be considered an "outburst". Did I type anything in ALL CAPS? Heck, I thought I was having a great day!

My post was no more or less forceful than was CJ's, or any other post here so why are you not saying the same thing about CJ? My post was simply in response to the drift of the thread as I saw it. I am done with this thread and the subject as it seems rather than discussing the subject you two or three would rather attack me (i.e.:"Read more carefully", "Pay attention", "Probably no longer a part of....", "...you sound like you are 8 years old!")!

Harry, you did use the word "offensive" in correlation with the event the aircraft took part in. The inference was very clear that you felt embarrassment with regard to the aircraft saying it could be offensive to someone. I was simply coming to a logical conclusion regarding your views and trying to help you see what I felt was an error in your judgment. I was not attacking you Harry! I see you debating with others in good natured ways but it seems that you and I can no longer do so on this forum. Pity. I shall make sure to give you wide berth in the future.

Dave, I took a sabatical from the magazine. It was my choice and not Greggs. If you will look at the latest issue you will see that I have a Sketchpad there. Also, I just sent Gregg another How-To article last Friday and am currently working on another Sketchpad. My political affiliations have nothing to do with my work not appearing in the magazine during the dozen months. Gregg and I traveled the country for 5 years discussing politics and to this very day remain friends. But you are free to believe whatever you want to, it's still a free country.

This thread is off topic and should never have been allowed to go further than a few posts IMHO!

[Modelmartin]

Gregg and I traveled the country for 5 years discussing politics and to this very day remain friends.

Is that why he hits you all the time?

[PatRedmond]