I would not announce opposition to the Syria resolution today

[cthulu2016]

I have opposed it and I do oppose it, but if I was in Congress and had not stated my decision on it previously I sure as hell would not announce my opposition to it for the first time today.

If I had already announced my position it would be my position, and I would continue to say so, of course. I am talking about undecideds picking today to announce opposition.

Why? To what good purpose?


I would like to think that everybody would prefer a negotiated solution of some sort. If serious negotiations are ongoing, why would one be in a hurry to make Obama's weak hand manifest? It's not like there is a vote today.

One would hope that any "no" voter would be seeking the goal of no bombing strikes. Proclaiming Obama's "paper tiger" status does not help in that goal.

(Once serious negotiations start the impetus to use force if they break down is greater. That much more credibility has been invested.)


I would suggest that anyone announcing their opposition for the first time today, and particularly any Republican doing so, is either a dunce or is not seeking peace or good outcomes for America.

[David__77]

1. I think it's a great day to proclaim opposition. It's already clear it would be defeated.

It's also important to announce opposition to the "alternative resolution" being developed by the pro-war forces. The bottom line is that the administration can do what it wants, but not with the approval of the UN or congress.

[Hoyt]

2. I agree. Now is the time to keep pressure on for a peaceful resolution.

[TwilightGardener]

3. It's odd, but then, some of them aren't terribly bright.

They're already going to be changing the resolution in light of new developments anyway, I thought. So they're opposing what was proposed last week, or what will BE proposed in the future?

[David__77]

5. Same thing.

The new war resolution isn't much different in that it hands to the administration approval to launch war. It's drafted by proponents of the old resolution, and I don't see much movement, certainly not enough to win House approval.

[wandy]

4. Especially now that the Russians have gotten involved although I grant.......

in a most unexpected manner.
If Assad continues to fly in the face of what the world considers common sense, I expect the UN to less unresolved the next time around.

That is if the Russians do not decide to curb their dog in a manner they find more expedient.
You do not tick off you're protector, and Assad may have done so.

[msongs]

6. exercising your democratic rights is being a dunce or seeking a bad outcome for America? sheeesh nt

[pnwmom]

8. Timing is important. There is no reason someone can't wait a week or two to exercise

this particular right. Anyone who's waited this long can wait a bit longer.

[pnwmom]

7. YES. Why should we weaken Obama's hand just as it appears the other side's buckling?

[LittleBlue]

9. I think they are interested in self-preservation

The more they can pressure Obama to make a deal, any deal, the less chance they have to vote on an unpopular war a year before an election.

That's the way I read it, anyway. Self-preservation and self-promotion always wins out.