Paris attacks no big deal
I tire of the drumbeat to escalate our military presence in the Middle East citing an unresponsive and somnolent president to current events. Are memories so short we’ve forgotten George Bush’s bullhorn moment atop the rubble of the Twin Towers?
A marvelous photo-op yes, but his bellicose attitude ensnared us in two wars, destabilized an entire region, fomented an economic collapse and caused the unnecessary deaths of tens of thousands.
As terrible as the Paris attacks were, individual acts are not a casus belli. We don’t go to war because of what eight malcontents did or what other similarly sick-minded individuals may or may not do in the future. Polls show many are ready to go to war but with whom and to do what?
Obama’s steady hand and measured response are the essence of leadership and exactly what we need in times like these. Caving to the most recent poll reflecting an urge to lash out and strike back is not leadership, it is pandering.