DAVE ROSS

Why is this debate even happening?

Sep 8, 2013, 10:03 PM | Updated: Sep 9, 2013, 12:41 pm

Charlene Ball, and Libby Ware protest against a U.S. attack on Syria in Atlanta on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013. (AP Photo/Rebecca Breyer)

(AP Photo/Rebecca Breyer)

The United States does not hesitate to pull the trigger when we feel threatened. Afghanistan and Iraq have the craters to prove it.

But so far, the videos coming out of Syria haven’t convinced a majority of Americans to feel threatened. That’s what is allowing this debate to happen at all: Syria is not a direct threat to us.

I feel pretty sure that the NSA has transcripts of every word to leave the lips or the pen of Bashar al Assad. And I think that if there was the slightest hint he was even considering a gas attack on U.S. territory – there would be no debate, no consultation with the UN, no concerns about what happens on Day Two, or whether there’s a Plan B. There would just be a huge crater where Assad’s Palace used to be.

And I think the world understands this.

Yet weirdly, we seem to be debating whether we’re “weak” – debating whether America has enough of a temper. Look at the record. Heck, just look at the local police blotter.

If we get attacked, we will not only bomb the country that launched the attack, we will take it over, and then, we may even bomb and take over another country just for good measure.

And let’s suppose for a moment that Congress votes no, and the president backs down. Does that really give a green light to Syria, or Iran, to threaten us or Israel?

Only if they’ve figured out a way to do it without using a phone, a computer or anything detectable by a satellite a drone or the numerous Israeli spies and bugging devices that I’m pretty sure we’re not supposed to talk about.

Related:
AP poll: Most Americans oppose strike on Syria
Assad warns of repercussions for a US strike

Dave's Commentary

Dave Ross on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM
  • listen to dave rossTune in to KIRO Newsradio weekdays at 5am for Dave Ross on Seattle's Morning News.

Dave Ross

privacy pods...

Dave Ross

Ross: Tracking employees’ vital signs at work via privacy pods, what could go wrong?

I saw a Bloomberg story about the latest innovation to reduce your stress level at work: Privacy pods.

17 days ago

car culture...

Dave Ross

Ross: Are we killing car culture? Or is car culture killing the US?

I don’t think the question is whether we're going to "kill" our car culture. The real question is can we stop our car culture from killing the U.S.?

24 days ago

drivers data insurance...

Dave Ross

Ross: As cars release driving data to insurance, is your driving my business?

Every move you make, every swerve you take, every lane change you fake – someone’s watching you. Do drivers have a right to keep driving data private?

1 month ago

rent control...

Dave Ross

Ross: Rent control was never the answer in Wash.

The rent control bill died in the Washington State Legislature this week, even though Democrats control both houses.

2 months ago

end of democracy...

Dave Ross

Ross: Conservative activist earns applause for pledging an ‘end of Democracy’

The theme from Jack Posobiec's speech is that Jan. 6 was a righteous attack not on democracy, but on those who threaten democracy.

2 months ago

Image: Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colorado, is seen on Capitol Hill on Jan. 6, 2023. (Photo: Alex Brand...

Dave Ross

Ross: Voters can help cull bad politicians from the herd early

Let's remember that just about every occupant of a higher office once occupied a lower office, and was put there by us, Dave Ross says.

2 months ago

Why is this debate even happening?