Trump’s decision to launch cruise missiles into Syria was the right call
Apr 7, 2017, 1:12 PM
In this image provided by the U.S. Navy, the guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) launches a tomahawk land attack missile in the Mediterranean Sea, Friday, April 7, 2017. The United States blasted a Syrian air base with a barrage of cruise missiles in fiery retaliation for this week's gruesome chemical weapons attack against civilians. (Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ford Williams/U.S. Navy via AP)
(Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ford Williams/U.S. Navy via AP)
Earlier in the week, we were appalled — and by we I mean all Americans — at images coming out of Syria of a chemical attack on its citizens, including young children.
On Thursday, we saw President Donald Trump’s response in the form of 60 Tomahawk cruise missiles fired from U.S. warships.
When I first heard about the strikes, I will admit I was a bit cynical. My thoughts turned to the Republicans losing the health care debate, then to the Republicans using the nuclear option and how much bad press they are getting.
I felt like I was watching the movie “Wag the Dog.”
But as the smoke has settled and we’re getting a clearer vision of Trump’s military action, I’m changing my tune.
First and foremost, this seems like a one-and-done mission. In my eyes, that’s the best kind of mission.
Our own Sen. John McCain has said it’s now up to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to determine what America does next.
If this remains the case, we should all applaud Trump for showing the world that we will not stand for war crimes.
We should celebrate military action that doesn’t include invasion.
Which brings me back to McCain. The senator spoke with Arizona’s Morning News KTAR News Friday morning and alluded to the fact that, if he had his way, we would be dedicating more troops and wiping out both the Assad regime and the Islamic State .
This is the old way. This is the way that led us into Vietnam. This is the old way that led us into Iraq. Trump’s way sent a message and did not cost a single American life.
If elected officials cannot say what will be considered a clear definition of victory, they should not be allowed to vote for war.
And because I’m the type of guy that likes to dig the blade deep, I would follow up by asking are you willing to trade the lives of our young men and women in uniform to save their citizens that aren’t? If so, why?
In the coming days, we will see Assad’s response and if the old ways or the new will win out.
