Craig, again you make some very valid points. If I fully expressed my opinions on this it would serve no purpose except to most likely anger folks on both sides of the issue so I'll shut down here. My last comment though will be this... I believe not all diplomatic possibilities were exhausted.

Our American ancestors, north & south alike, were more ready to fight than talk. How sad they had to learn such a bloody lesson. If American history were ended today it would include the fact that the greatest slaughter of Americans was performed BY Americans.

Great comments my friend, I enjoyed this exchange a great deal!