The images are shocking. High school students burned over
80% of their bodies among other civilians in Syria. In a recent genocide
against their own people, the Syrian government has used chemical weapons
creating a political crisis for the leading countries of the world. To the
credit of President Obama, he has delayed any military force until a vote of
confidence takes place by our Congress. I ask, have we learned from our mistakes over
the last ten years since the attacks on 9/11? In two wars, there have been
mistakes and brave decisions, thousands
of American troops lives taken in combat, countless veterans returning with
many physical and mental challenges and the many military families left behind
to find a way forward without their loved ones sent off to war.
Our country has been war weary and detached from the Iraq
War and the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan.
Recent pictures of the suffering Syrians, creates an emotional sense of
urgency as it did shortly after 9/11. When were the last time a pictures of an
IED exploding an American tank, a flag draped casket being unloaded at Dover
Delaware Air force Base and the actual crashing of aircrafts into the Twin Towers
shown on the evening news? Yet again we
are presented graphic images of the horrific acts in Syria.
A line in the sand has been crossed. The question we face as
Americans is do we continue to be the police power of the world at what cost to
our own people. We have the opportunity
as citizens to have a voice in this decision by contacting our Senators and
Congressman to express our concerns and views of another military attack. Why
not economic sanctions and diplomacy first?
War only brings more death and destruction and should only be used as a
last resort. I remember President Reagan challenging Russian President Gorbachev to tear down that wall.
Then one night I watched in disbelief as the wall came down. Without a single
shot the Cold War was over. We fight new and old enemies and I ask are we prepared
for yet another engagement that could potentially ignite a new outbreak of wars
throughout the Middle East? Let us learn from our mistakes of the past and make
intentional, purposeful, well thought out decisions before we rush to war.
