Farr tells UN association chapter that bombing alone won't defeat lslamic State group

montereyherald.com ^ | October 11, 2014 | John Sammon

[Tailgunner Joe]

MONTEREY >> Rep. Sam Farr said this week that the U.S. must take a more thought-out approach to combatting terrorism in the Middle East rather than just seeking military solutions. But he noted it is imperative to stop the Islamic State group, declared as a terror organization by the United Nations.

"We need stability and we can't unless Isil is reduced," said the Carmel Democrat. "But bombing alone isn't going to do it. Bombing buys us space and time to arm and train folks, hopefully not our own troops. That's what they (terrorists) want, American troops on the ground. I don't feel we can afford that again."

Farr's comments came during a Wednesday meeting of the Monterey Bay Chapter of the United Nations Association of the USA, held at the Monterey Institute of International Studies Irvine Auditorium. Under the theme "A World in Turmoil," Farr discussed the role of the UN and the U.S. regarding a variety of issues including terrorism, global warming, illegal immigration and the Ebola virus.

Farr said that although he supported President Barack Obama's decision to remove the threat of the Islamic State group, he couldn't support the plan laid out by the White House because it was too vague.

"I asked, where's the reconstruction plan?" Farr said. "We needed more discussion. Congress did not perform checks and balances. The world calls on us to do 911, but over time the U.S. has been very effective in getting involved (militarily), and not in getting out."

Farr said he is hopeful countries and moderate elements in the Middle East can be galvanized to take their proper parts in the struggle.

"I have faith they'll own up," he said.

Farr described relations between the UN and the U.S. as "mediocre," and said the world body could be more effective if it was given the proper resources to do its job, working toward world peace, health and security. He said opponents of the organization both among the populace and in Congress have a fear that by participating in a body with other countries and observing UN rules, America loses sovereignty.

"There are congressmen who brag they've never left the U.S.," Farr said. "The John Birch Society morphed into the tea party. These are the same people who deny global warming."

On the issue of illegal immigration from Central America and, in particular, thousands of children who recently crossed the Mexican border, Farr said the American people need to understand parts of the region are unstable. He cited Honduras, called the murder capital of the world.

He said immigrants should be allowed to make their case to determine if they should be given refuge or deported. Noting that some called for immediate deportation regardless of circumstances, Farr said not all communities acted that way, including Monterey County, which received 71 of the refugees.

"It makes me angry," Farr said. "Children should have due process of law. Let's act like parents. If a child showed up at your door and said they need your help, their sister had been raped. You don't say, 'what's your address, I'll take you back home.' "

Regarding Ebola, Farr said people should listen to medical officials and not panic.

"Because of the international capability of travel, we can't isolate ourselves," he said. "But if we listen to experts, we can contain the disease."

On climate change Farr said each person can start in his own home to make environmentally friendly choices.

"We're starting that as a region," he said. "California is banning plastic bags."

Farr said the ongoing effort also involves more effective monitoring of the oceans to combat "acidification."

He called for people to show more involvement in their community and to better the world through organizations like the Peace Corps and UN.

"We have to take back our sense of citizenship," Farr said.

[FlingWingFlyer]

The freaks at the UN now have local UN “chapters”? What the heck is that crap all about?

[Balding_Eagle]

I do think bombing could end all of this.

We just don’t have the courage to drop about a dozen nuclear bombs on Mecca.

That would stop thing for a pretty long time.

[knarf]

It’ll sure make a dent .... bomb’s away !!!

[tumblindice]

Good luck with that Klinger and give `em Hell. Make sure and write!