I'm not an historian, but I agree that there are many who have been in power and have blood on their hands.  But I see a difference that comes down to intent.  There is a very calculating and cold-blooded approach to making policy and waging war, and intimidating dissenters, in this administration.  I'm sorry, but I simply don't buy that it's all been a series of unfortunate "mistakes" in this instance.  Cheney is a man who, when asked during an interview what he thought about the fact that many Americans feel that the war has not been worth the loss of life, simply smirked and said, "So?"  He's also a man who participates in canned hunting, in which basically domesticated, helpless animals with nowhere to run are killed as "trophies".  That's not a "mistake" either.  The intent is do cause pain, suffering, and death to another living creature for a personal "reward".  I find that heinous, and I don't apologize for what I said.  You can equate what I said with wishing for their deaths if you like, but that's really not what I said at all.  I would simply lose less sleep over the death of a cold-blooded, calculating killer than I would over innocent American and Iraqi men, women, and children, and animals who are killed with no regard for their suffering and fear in exchange for their heads.

Perhaps, at least in this case (and I'll have to brush up on my history regarding the others you mentioned), the expression "great men of history" isn't all that accurate.

And yes, you have every right to make your feelings known.

Doe

Doe,

thanks for understanding my point, and making some very valid points of your own!

I've been thinking, most of the sleep I lose is due to worrying about the fate of this country's people due to the decisions and actions of our government.... that being said, I think I'd sleep better knowing they were out of the equation. As Doe said, we wish them reform in this life or the next. I  hope their souls can be saved somehow... and also, I agree that it's a lot to do with intent... very much so. I have made MANY mistakes that caused people a lot of pain, but never on purpose. I meant well and knowing that's the only way I can forgive myself (and others who make similar mistakes). Those who hurt on purpose and take pleasure in others suffering should not be allowed to do so. I'm not saying I'll pull the trigger ... but then again, I don't own a gun.