Reply #13: It was necessary.

[Shanty Oilish]

Intercepted Japanese communications clearly show the mindset of the decision makers in Japan.
As late as August 1945 the unyielding Japanese leaders were trying to forge an alliance with the Russians and carve up Asia between them. Then the Russians invaded Manchuria (Japanese-held territory) and might have proceeded to attack Japan---imagine where that might have led. Plus an American invasion---whether or not fouled up by Russian involvement as in Germany---would have cost innumerable American lives. Read "Marching Orders" by Bruce Lee (you can get it on Amazon for $2 used; DU homepage has a link to Amazon). This book combs through the intercepts and discusses the decision to use the bomb.

While you're at it read these archived threads:

Should Truman have dropped the bomb? http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=174804

about that "should we have dropped the A-Bomb" discussion http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=196175

Hiroshima mayor lashes out at Bush on atomic bombing anniversary http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=133254