Kontan’s Place

You Should Get a PhD in Liberal Arts (like political science, literature, or philosophy)

You’re a great thinker and a true philosopher. You’d make a talented professor or writer.

i hate political science. ok, not hate hate it. but i dont like it. but i like the phd thoughts and the liberal arts area. being a professor is a goal. teaching seems to be working out for me so i might as well take it to a higher level.

djembe has a gig tonight and i have accomplished absolutely nothing today. well, wait..i take that back. compchaos has a new template. check it out, i call it liberty. i’m not thrilled with all aspects but i do like it ok. ooo, i also weeded the front bed…washed my car…and persuaded my kids to fold their clothes. wow, something was accomplished today. too bad i still have two baskets that need to be folded. i would rather not. ick. i hate folding clothes. i’m not motivated to do much of anything lately. currently my temp is up. this is not a good sign since our five year old is sick. i just checked her and her 102 temp tonight has broken and she is clammy. clammy, what the snot? who thought up that word?

read a great funny on dgsos today. digsauce, that was perfect! just found out auburn lost. eeek. djembe is not going to be thrilled. bama won though. i didnt bother to watch either game. it is so quiet around here that i didnt want to disturb the peace. i’m loving the silence now. think i will go enjoy it with my garden tub and a good essay. (yes, i’m still trying to decide what i want to write about the bombing of Japan.)

smiles and kontan jou.

I am finished reading my book essays for the bombing of Japan but thought I would search the net for various arguments. I came across this list here…my thoughts follow…

Why the bomb was needed or justified:

• The Japanese had demonstrated near-fanatical resistance, fighting to almost the last man on Pacific islands, committing mass suicide on Saipan and unleashing kamikaze attacks at Okinawa. Fire bombing had killed 100,000 in Tokyo with no discernible political effect. Only the atomic bomb could jolt Japan’s leadership to surrender.

This seems to be a valid point. No amount of destruction was leading to surrender. However, there were some who were pushing for surrender and for negotiations with the US. They were not being listened to, but with a demonstration of the destruction to come would they have been able to persuade negotiations?

• With only two bombs ready (and a third on the way by late August 1945) it was too risky to “waste” one in a demonstration over an unpopulated area.

This is where the moral issues comes into play. Innocent life was taken by the bombings. Preventing that loss does not seem like a “waste”.

• An invasion of Japan would have caused casualties on both sides that could easily have exceeded the toll at Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Probably. Another valid point.

• The two targeted cities would have been firebombed anyway.

And there would not have been fall out to deal with. I am not familiar with the destruction of fire bombing, but understand it to be more than severe. It would not have been as bad as the use of atomic weapons. I wouldn’t think anyway. It really makes one think about the war tactics of today and decisions that are made to preserve civilian life.

• Immediate use of the bomb convinced the world of its horror and prevented future use when nuclear stockpiles were far larger.

It certainly convinced the world of its horror. Some argued against the dropping of the bombs stating that they did not want the US to be remembered as the first to do so. It is likely that if the US had not been first to drop the bombs, they would have been the first to receive such an attack.

• The bomb’s use impressed the Soviet Union and halted the war quickly enough that the USSR did not demand joint occupation of Japan.

I need more study before determining this to be certain. It is a good argument.

Why the bomb was not needed, or unjustified:

• Japan was ready to call it quits anyway. More than 60 of its cities had been destroyed by conventional bombing, the home islands were being blockaded by the American Navy, and the Soviet Union entered the war by attacking Japanese troops in Manchuria.

Japan was not ready to call it quits. Some within the foreign ministry were pleading for negotiation, yet others were planning strategy even after the bombing of Hiroshima. There was no real desire to give up. The fighters were also determined. I can not imagine kamikaze Americans. We view human life very differently.

• American refusal to modify its “unconditional surrender” demand to allow the Japanese to keep their emperor needlessly prolonged Japan’s resistance.

Truman declared only “unconditional surrender” would be accepted, and it was a rallying cry for the US. There were thoughts of modifying requirements and allowing the Imperial status to remain as a point of negotiation and appeasement. However, this would have caused Truman to go back on his own declaration.

• A demonstration explosion over Tokyo harbor would have convinced Japan’s leaders to quit without killing many people.

Wouldn’t there still be issues with radiation? I think life would have been taken still…but possibly not as many if detonated in the harbor. However, the destructive power of the A-bomb it would have still been bad.

• Even if Hiroshima was necessary, the U.S. did not give enough time for word to filter out of its devastation before bombing Nagasaki.

I agree to an extent. I think word travels pretty fast in moments of devastation. However, it is also documented that Japan was still not backing down after Hiroshima.

• The bomb was used partly to justify the $2 billion spent on its development.

That is a poor justification for taking innocent life. I would also add the possibility of military curiousity.

• The two cities were of limited military value. Civilians outnumbered troops in Hiroshima five or six to one.

Hiroshima was the location of an army depot but had limited value outside of that. It was a good radar target with a size that would allow extensive damage. If it was to be an example then it was a “good” target to choose. However, the civilian argument is still present. At the beginning of WWII civilian attack was considered barbaric. As the war progressed such ideas changed. The psychological effects of the bombing were a factor in target choice as well. It was wanted that Japan would back down, and that the power of the A-bomb would be demonstrated to the world.

• Japanese lives were sacrificed simply for power politics between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.

Arguable point, but I’m not certain about the merit to it yet.

• Conventional firebombing would have caused as much significant damage without making the U.S. the first nation to use nuclear weapons.

Yes, and I addressed this in the pros for dropping the bomb. Area would have been destroyed but without the fall-out destruction. However, if the US had not been first. . .

yesterday was just one of those crazy days. i taught hard all day while my wonderful husband dealt with our youngest. she was sent home from school with a fever and instead of calling me, her school called djembe. being the wonderful man he is he took care of things and stayed home with her…never calling me or emailing saying your child is sick…he did what needed to be done and didn’t complain an ounce. i’m so proud! it worked out well, today is a better day for me to be off and i was able to introduce my students to the various catalysts of the civil war and leave seat work for today. “tweety” got to stay home with daddy and have a great day. she seemed fine after getting home, and was even able to complete her school work. she even felt good enough to go car shopping with djembe…(sidenote…we got a new car! finally!) by evening she was feeling cruddy again. fever soared to 104.8, dropping only to 103.6 after meds and waiting one hour. she went to bed without a fight but woke up within an hour. her arm was rigid, she wouldn’t respond. it looked to me like she was trying to. and her lip started twitching. we decided it might be a good idea to take her in. this was about 9:30 PM. by 2 AM we had no real answers…an infection diagnosis and a Rx for antibiotics. of which she can’t take b/c it is in pill form and i have yet to manage a change. fever is down some today. highest was 102. she is currently building a tent so i would say feeling better. it was an ordeal though…

i received this from a friend this morning…thought it was appropriate:
Before I Was A Mom

Before I was a Mom I never tripped over toys or forgot
words to a lullaby.
I didn’t worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations
Before I was a Mom - I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Spit on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night
Before I was a Mom - I never held down a screaming child
so that doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby
sleep.
Before I was a Mom - I never held a sleeping baby just
because I didn’t want to put it down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I
couldn’t stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my
life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom - I didn’t know the feeling of having
my heart outside my body.
I didn’t know how special it could feel to feed a hungry
baby.
I didn’t know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn’t know that something so small could make me feel
so important and happy.
Before I was a Mom - I had never gotten up in the middle
of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, The joy, The love, The
heartache, The wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn’t know I was capable of feeling so much before I
was a Mom.
And before I was a Grandma, I didn’t know that all those
“Mom” feelings more than doubled when you see that little bundle being
held by “your baby”…

Remember that behind every successful mother……
Is a basket of dirty laundry.

You Passed 8th Grade Math

Congratulations, you got 9/10 correct!

HA! i know, there may be some shock here…but i successfully completed the 8th grade math quiz. for those who don’t know…this is an accomplishment. i can read and analyze. i have the ability to think and even do so for myself. but the whole math thing…not a forte.

today was better than yesterday. i dread the next fish day. we’re modifying and it’s working for us. djembe has taken over the cooking, ok he’s been doing most of it for the duration of grad school anyway, but for now he is handling our healthy choices. this would be a lot harder if we hadn’t given up fast food months ago. my ideal meal is not grabbing a fast food burger or greasy nasty chicken from some fastfood place. ick. we were also pretty tired of chains too so eating out was frequently at local businesses. i really liked that. some are a little more expensive but worth it.

i’m having motivation issues. i’m enjoying the essays i’m currently reading, but i can’t kick myself in gear to start writing. no choice but to get to it soon. 7 essays and a 15 book annotated bib due by december. no problem but my procrastination tendencies. prof made a comment at my comps about another student (who also started one year late in the program) always turned his work in early. he was grinning when he said it, but i got the point. i plan to finish early just to surprise him, haha.

hard to get motivated. i’m enjoying that extra time with djembe. i was able to sit and watch tv with him tonight and not worry about having to study. that was very nice. i love the stress off my shoulders.

and i can go to bed early without feeling like i am not accomplishing something. . .

I am reviewing documents in Major Problems in American History Since 1945, chapter two “From World War II to the Cold War: The Atomic Bombing of Japan.”

Document 1: “an interim committee appointed by President Truman recommends the bomb’s immediate use”

“President Harry S. Truman’s Advisers Discuss the Atomic Bomb, May 1945″

Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson praises the scientists involved with the Manhatten Project and embraces the grand scale of such a project stating it is not merely a military venture but “a new relationship of man to the universe.” There is also a warning that such distructive power must be controlled so that it would be leverage for peace and not “a menace to civilization”. Included is a brief description of the destructive power, not nearly as detailed as a later essay.

Secretary Stimson concludes that concentration on a civilian area was not advisable, but making an impact was, therefor Japan should be given no warning. The goal was to make a psychological impact on as many as possible. The best target would be a war plany employing large numbers, and one which was closely surrounded by workers housing.

Document 2: “Atomic Scientists Urge an Alternative Course; June 1945″
“A group of scientists engaged in work on the bomb at the University of Chicago urge a demonstration of the bomb’s destructiveness on some uninhabited target.”

Determines the possibilities for destruction were staggering, therefore warranting special consideration outside of what would normally be given discoveries in the field of physics. Several warnings are included within this essay. Specifically, the political implications of possessing such destructive power.

“The development of nuclear power not only constitutes an important addition to the technological and military power of the United States, but also creates grave political and economic problems for the future of this country.”

The scientists state that such weaponry can not remain secret for any significant length of time as other scientist possess the scientific facts necessary for development. Also included is a warning of a future armaments race in which the US would be at a disadvantage due to its “agglomeration of population and industry in comparatively few metropolitan districts” when compared to the scattered industry in other areas.

Their suggestion was to demonstrate the power of atomic weapons in an uninhabited area giving the public an opportunity to respond to the destructive power. In other words, they warned the government to take into account political opinion and the leverage demonstration would give for the US to be a leader in pursuing international control of nuclear warfare.

Document 3: “US Science Advisers Endorse Dropping the Bomb, June 1945″

Offers 3 suggestions for the use of atomic power. First, discuss capabilities with other world powers to both inform them of the destructive power possessed by the US and to seek their suggestions for improving international relations. Second, they did not feel a demonstration would bring an end to war, and did not have an alternative to direct military use. Their third comment recognized the negative impact of use, but no suggestions for preventing the political, social, and military problems that would result from introducing atomic power to the world.

Document 4: “Undersecretary of the Navy Ralph Bard Urges Alternatives, June 1945″

Believed Japan should have at least a two to three day warning before having the power of atomic energy released on their society. Stated that, “during recent weeks I have also had the feeling…that the Japaneses government may be searching for some opportunity which they could use a medium of surrender.”

Interesting points made in this memo, but very weakly presented.

Document 5: “General Leslie Groves Reports on a Successful Test, July 1945″

Summarizes six test points conducted at the detonation in New Mexico with the basic conclusion that the atomic bomb was much more destructive than imagined.

Document 6: “President Truman Discusses the Bomb at Potsdam, July 1945″

“Excerpt from the president’s diary reveals the bomb was much on Truman’s mind as he met with Soviet premier Joseph Stalin and British prime minister Winston Churchill at Potsdam.”

The final entry stood out most for me. “Even f the Japs are savages, ruthless, merciless, and fanatic, we as the leader of theh world for the common welfare cannot drop this terrible bomb on the Old Capital or the New.”

Although recognizes the need to preserve civilian life and stick to military targets the strong wording is supportive of some arguments that cry racism.

Document 7: “The US Strategic Bombing Survey Concludes That the Bomb was Unnecessary, 1946″

“drawn from a report…based on captured Japanese documents and interviews with Japanese military and political leaders conducted during the fall of 1945″

States that the blockade of Japan’s sea communications made Japan vulnerable and the ability to rebuild was exceeded by losses with 88% of total merchant shipping lost. The blockade had resticted resources, creating shortages and an unbalanced Japanese economy. Also indicates US military actions were taking a toll. There was also fear within Japan of homeland bombing. It is assumed that surrender was being considered and Japan was pursuing peace well before Nazi collapse.

The survey offers the opinion that “Japan would have surrendered even if atomic bombs had not been dropped, even if Russia had not entered the war, and even if no invasion had been planned or contemplated.”

day 2 was better. headache a little less. ok, it’s 9:25 and i am still able to keep my head up without the throbbing pain so i call it a good day. i have to say my poor students are getting the brunt of the lack of caffeine frustration. i don’t mind changing my habits, i mind the mind numbing pain of cutting out caffeine and sugar. i plan on having a diet soda tomorrow. i can’t do 3 days no caffeine and my students still stand me. they don’t deserve that. mmm, well actually they do but that is a rant that i should go on. (quick summary, high school kids are not nearly as motivated as i remember being and i was a minimalist in everything but music!) ok, back to the diet. pretty much the same as yesterday up ’til dinner. we had salmon tonight. have i mentioned that we HATE fish? ugh. djembe did an excellent job with what he had to work with. fish is fish. he keeps saying that some is not fishy. i think he is just telling me that to keep me doing this with him. no, no, i know it is true. and all honestly the salmon was not bad.

now it is finally time to begin my modern US essays…first up: Why did the US bomb Japan?

i actually ate breakfast this morning, a very tasty and healthy cereal with skim milk. decaf coffee…had a cheese stick for snack…salad for lunch….jello for later snack…steak and broccoli for dinner…water to drink all day. outside of the pounding headache no worries. djembe did an awesome job with the steak and i love the veggie choice. did i mention the headache? i dont know maybe i’m coming down with something. i’ve been freezing all day. granted it is chilly on my hall…i swear it has the potential to snow in the room next door. maybe the exhaustion from comp prep is catching up with me. ok. the head is still pounding. i think i’ll just go to bed. tomorrow is another day…and i’m still no closer to starting my modern US essays.

sage…i linked, if you mind let me know.