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Half measures pointless

Thu., Sept. 5, 2013

As President Barack Obama ponders a possible military strike against Syria, what are we talking about? Yes, a reported 1,300 people were killed by a chemical attack. But why does their suffering warrant such a response, and the suffering of the 100,000 people who have been killed by bombs, bullets and fire do not?

I think pronouncing one kind of killing worse than another seems childish. And a measured or limited response is just as dumb: “Since you killed some people, we’re going to kill some people.” Never mind the fact that the people getting killed rarely even know why. If we really believe something must be done, then it should be all or nothing.

Either take Syria and force peace on them, or stay out of it.

Devin Barber

Spokane

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