Regarding Kiroku Hanai's July 23 article, "U.S. owes A-bomb apology": I find the article sincere and having merit after living in Japan and learning for myself more of what was behind World War II and the colonization of Asia by Britain, France, the United States and other countries.

I find disgusting the arrogant attitudes (including mine at one time) of Americans and other foreigners expressed in letters on this page that, in effect, say it was OK and necessary to use the A-bomb on innocent men, women and children of Japan in the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to end the war.

When is it ever OK and necessary to kill the innocent or weak according to the Christian Bible, Bushido code, Buddha's teachings, etc.? Moreover, we in the West backed with the force of our Christian convictions have taught the world political and corporate corruption, how to buy and steal elections, and that leaders can lie and take no responsibility for their actions.

I stand firm in saying my country has a lot more apologizing to do than Japan ever had, or now has, to do for its past dealings with everyone in the world. Starting at the time of Commodore Perry's opening up Yokohama harbor in the mid-19th century, Japan was forced by the U.S. to become a part of a worldwide game that has become a nightmare for many. Japan learned well and quickly and became a great and feared player in that game and still is today. My hat is off to Japan. Great job.

I for one, as an open-minded American having learned the truth by seeing for myself, would like to apologize to the people of Hiroshima, Nagasaki and all of Japan. I hope that someday America will also apologize not only to Japan but also to the Native Americans, African Americans, people of Iraq and all the people of the world for enslaving and killing millions of innocent people and/or forcing our democracy on them.

arnie hove