On one level, I take offense, because I see no grounds for the claim you made against America (and trust me, I am constantly around wild claims with which I disagree but can attest that there is some reason to think this or that way).

On another level, with regards to the moral culpability, I've read Daniel Goldhagen, "Hitler's Willing Executioners," and I don't really buy it. I mean, sure, one could do more, as you said about yourself in S. Africa, but you did not take part. So, I guess I agree that you are somewhat responsible for that (just going by what you said), but I think it is futile to beat yourself up about it, because it would have been futile to oppose the situation in a position of so little power (at that age and without any power or expertise).

Anyway, I am not telling you how to think. I am picking a fight about what you think - if you really think that America "forces...." as you wrote earlier. You saw my concessions, and I stand by them. Of course, rape, murder, etc go on here and it is terrible. Yet, it is not forced by the government. If it is, it is not overlooked. If it is overlooked, then it is the fault of some individual who should not have overlooked it. It is not a cultural, mass-political head turning on atrocities.

We certainly don't force men to join the military (except during the draft, so part of my argument goes out the window in those instances), and we certainly don't hold their families hostage to do so.

There is plenty wrong with America, but next to Saddam's regime it is like smooth vanilla ice cream. And, anyone who says otherwise deserves a lesson.