President Obama Visiting Hiroshima - No Apology?

In reference to President Obama's scheduled visit of Hiroshima, Assistant C. Rice phrased the US government's position this way in her interview with CNN, May 15:

"It is interesting that the Japanese have not asked the United States to apologize...in any event we would not..."

The message is clear that the US government "would not apologize in any event". But the point is : Why is it "interesting " that the Japanese have not asked for one?

Let's face it: this leads many to infer that the US government half expects Japan to turn around and ask for an apology or that the US government wouldn't blame them if the Japanese decided to ask for one. How valid would such an inference be?

Meanwhile, Rice categorically emphasized that President Obama visits Hiroshima, for one, to draw attention to the enormous sacrifices forced on numerous civilians and to mourn all war victims and, for two, to appeal for a world without nuclear weapons. President Obama also hopes to energize the receding momentum for nuclear disarmament, Rice said.

Earlier last week Rice met representatives of the veterans' organization and conveyed the government's position to that effect out of deference to latent calls not to apologize for dropping the a-bombs.

President Obama made his points crystal clear in his memorable speech in Prague in April 2009 that "as the only nuclear power to have used a nuclear weapon, the United States has a moral responsibility to act".

The crucial point is how the United States could best fulfill its responsibility for trespassing against morality. Morality? Why, what else but destroying hundreds and thousands of non-militant, innocent citizens. That's immoral - something you repent yourself, not apologize others for. Apology is a mere phraseology, so is repent.

So, here's my straightforward advice to the government and people of the United States. Could you not possibly repent having dropped the a-bombs - if it were too hard for you to apologize for the deed? That should help fill the vacuum. This is Nathan Shiga and more power to President Obama on visit to Hiroshima.