Right but we haven't really learned anything by saying that. It's like saying that Germany didn't invade Poland in 1939 but rather a collection of humans carrying guns and some driving tanks wandered into what was called in some parts "Poland". We have not really advanced the argument or our understanding by breaking it down like that.
> We have not really advanced the argument or our understanding by breaking it down like that.
Breaking it down by saying:
"It's like saying that Germany didn't invade Poland in 1939 but rather a collection of humans carrying guns and some driving tanks wandered into what was called in some parts "Poland"."
Because I've never heard anyone seriously break it down like that. Rather, I hear it like so: Germany invaded Poland.
So, to contend: "We have not really advanced the argument or our understanding by breaking it down like that." ignores the very relevant fact that it's never really been broken down like that.
Regardless, that ruins the argument of breaking it down by US government and the citizens of the US (which is what you are suggesting we do).
If anything, history shows that generalizing or stereotyping people into groups (e.g. "the government" or "blacks" or "the jews" continuing from your example) has done more harm.
