Issue Position: Syria

Issue Position

Crisis averted on this one. Thankfully voices of reason prevailed and we did not involve our nation militarily in Syria. Bumbling haphazardly into war is never advisable. A world awash in debt and rhetoric is a world where a regional conflict could quickly devolve into a world war and collapse of trade.

Without a doubt the situation in Syria is the biggest threat to American security and prosperity. Bumbling haphazardly into war is never advisable. A world awash in debt and rhetoric is a world where a regional conflict could quickly devolve into a world war.

In 1914 when a Serbian assassinated Archduke Ferdinand no one predicted a world war would be the end result. Had they looked closer they would have realized that it was only going to take a single spark to light the powder keg. The winds of war were everywhere and blowing stronger. England was building dreadnaughts, France had increased the length of time for conscription and Kaiser Wilhelm the second was filled with virtiolic rhetoric. (In fairness he later tried to stop the war). In the years prior to 1914 the culture in Europe had become "accustomed" to violence. Far from being war weary it appears in hindsight that there was an acceptance to small conflicts. Within 30 days of the assassination Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. (Will the United States 100 years later start a war with Syria?).

Germany quickly declared war on Russia (both sides had been preparing for war). Within a few weeks the German had invaded Belgium, declared war on France and England declared war on Germany.

A single event thus plunged the world into war. The "peace" of that war would directly lead to World War 2 a generation later. History does not repeat itself precisely but the patterns often hold strong.

I fully supported the war in Afghanistan. I also supported the war with Iraq and the liberation of Kuwait. But this is a war that is completely different. President Obama, Secretary Kerry, Senator McCain and Speaker Boehner all seem to be itching for a war over an internal atrocity. Where will this end?

Some are suggesting that we do have real evidence that Syrian dictator Bashir Al Assad was involved and that the government simply cannot show us the evidence as it could damage our intelligence gathering capacity. I don't for one second believe that the NSA, CIA or FBI can relase every bit of intelligence. But when you are asking Americans to go to war you have to show us your cards. It's that simple.

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