“I agree with many of you that the evidence was not clear that it was Assad-—indeed, it could well have been ISIS. I also agree this does not help in our fight against ISIS. I further agree that regime change is dangerous on a number of levels.
That said, the strike was a multifaceted message, and unfortunately one that absolutely had to be sent, somewhere, somehow”
Essentially, that says we aren’t sure who did it, and it might be the exact opposite of who we accuse. But it was important that we attack -someone- to send a message. That’s the very definition of sociopath.
We are at a point in our history that being RIGHT actually matters.
If a cop shows up and just shoots the first person he sees to send a message, unsure of guilt or innocence, we arrest him as quickly as we can.
That is one confused post. Could you give me the example of the cop who arrived on the scene and shot someone because he had to shoot someone?
Also that has nothing to do with the definition of sociopath whatsoever...perhaps a bit of google time.
Third no one was shot, after warning the Russians who warned the Syrians some equipment that was used by someone to launch chemical attacks was made nonoperational. The message was that America will not tolerate chemical weapons being used on civilians. This precise targeting allowed other messages to be communicated to the International community & the Chinese & the NK... Capisce?
No, I don't think that is the definition of a sociopath.
This attack was carefully engineered to do a minimum of real damage but to be decisive and spectacular. There were too many major players in the world that had to be told NOW that the days of no consequences are over. This attack pointedly reverses Hussein’s Red Line mumblestumble. He is keeping a silly promise made by Hussein. Essentially America made the vow and it was important that it be redeemed.
LS, thanks. On target again.
Rhino, while I see your point, I think you need to remember that America is now fighting for our life.
The “brush-back” pitch is an outstanding analogy.
My chosen analogy is still the jab. This is a punch that is not meant to be devastating, but to probe, to create a reaction, to create an opening for the real power.
I am suggesting to all of those who have VERY LEGITIMATE MISGIVINGS about this attack, that we must keep our EYES ON THE BIG PICTURE—saving America from the hole that has been dug for us by the neocons and the Left.
I do not see Trump going neocon on us, but neither can he await the “perfect” single punch solution, complete with Congressional Declaration of War etc. As part of “negotiation” he must be a credible Commander in Chief.