Saturday, August 06, 2005

Fireworks in Kuching, but Not For Mawi

I will now pretend that everybody cares. Mawi won, Felix second place. And I don't care.

But the fireworks in Kuching are not for Akademi Fantasia if you are wondering. No, it is for the Kuching City Parade! In the month of August, 1988 (31st to be exact) Kuching was declared a city (bandaraya). Special meaning for everyone else as well since it's also the Independence Day (and the anniversary of Princess Diana's death, might I add.)

Speaking of anniversary, today is the 60th anniversary of the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. We all agree that it is horrific, that it must never again happen anywhere in the world, not in our time or our children's. Debate over the decision to bomb is still raging to this day, and I announce that I am in the opposition camp.

Firstly, had Germany dropped a nuclear bomb on any Allied city it would be called a war crime, and whoever is responsible for that decision will surely be made to stand trial in Nuremberg. Secondly, while Hiroshima is militarily significant, the city targeted consists mainly of civilians. This is no difference from the Allied bombing of German cities in the days nearing the war. Their morale has already been broken and there is no justification for such acts to be done.

Thirdly, Japan is already on her knees. There is no hope anymore for Japan. But to be fair, I present to you the points that support the bombing. It is essential, essential for us to try to understand both sides' view on an issue as it signifies an open mind and reassuring that we are not bigots.

Hiroshima, never again!

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