John Smith wrote:
I think this topic is so emotional that it makes it hard for people to read.

That may the case for many people.

Where did I stated the killing of students was either justified or
warrented.

When you repeated the falsehood that the Guardsmen were surrounded, and
then later when you said that they were threatened, faced with angry
yelling protestors, and probably very scared... all that implies that
you think the shooting was justified.

... I stated it was a tragedy.

Agreed.

... I stated that the troups "freaked
out".

Well, there's lots of ways to "freak out"... buying 1968 VW and painting
it neon swirls, going to Tibet and hanging around ancient monasteries,
growing strangely barbered facial hair, etc etc. These are not
necessarily good, shooting people dead is a very very bad way to "freak
out." One that can easily be considered murder.


... American's have the right to peaceful protest.

Sure. Although the US gov't has less and less tolerance for it as time
goes by. Nowadays you have to go to an authorized "protest area" and
sign a waiver. Isn't freedom wonderful?

DSK