Only smart people with high IQs may hold 50 different contradicting beliefs in their head at once.

But even those of average intelligence can hold a handful or so.

Hey, ever since 9/11 people should not be surprised at the irrationality of folks. Not anymore.

Most of the Native Ameris did the same things against each other. You can justify inter-clan warfare all you want, but it does nobody any real good. But good is after all, a higher standard than simple “justifies some fighting”.

equal or greater atrocities today.

Like what?

And to add my bit, I think this is what you get when two civilizations, particularity in regards to weaponry, of vastly different states of evolution, you can call it ‘differences’ if you want to, come in contact with the other. Look at what happens when ants meet termites. This may also show how stupid the idea extraterrestrials visiting earth is.

I think that the fact that they were defending their own land, despite what France, Spain, and the US had to say in their little treaties, justifies some fighting. We’re not even in danger of losing our home, yet many people don’t mind ignoring – or even encouraging – equal or greater atrocities today.

American History is nothing but one long tale of theft, slavery, treason, defeat, etc.

Alphie then sez:

I’ll start in the 20th century to avoid offending certain people’s delicate historical sensibilities:
Phillipine-American War – Empires just ain’t worth the trouble these days.
WWI – If possible, jump in on the winning side near the end and claim glory.
WWII – ditto
Korean War – During a war, avoid making new enemies, especially China.
Vietnam War – Don’t back losers.

And Alphie goes on to sez:

“I’m not an isolationist.”

and caps this off with:

I hate to bust your bubble, but I’m a Republican, born and raised.

Am I the only one here who would like to cap that off with a Great Big WTF?

I have no earthly idea how you can even claim to reconcile all those, let alone in the same thread.

I’m just baffled.

The smallpox blankets. Well, I guess if you like to think of Indians as victims, you can focus on that. They were warriors first and yes, they also committed atrocities. And the people living through those times were reacting to the events they knew about or heard about.

Honestly, if you want to learn about history, you need to stop protecting your own precious point of view and try to read some conflicting viewpoints. Try reading a few contemporary accounts too. The libraries are unfortunately as full of this nonsense as the history books, but you can find other viewpoints if you try.

I once wanted to be a high school history teacher. It’s probably a shame that I didn’t go that route as I find it interesting. Then again, I’d be stuck using those dreadful things that pass as textbooks these days.