Photo: Justin Brown

In following the developing crisis in the Middle East, I have come to feel a bit helpless.

We don’t get to vote on whether or not we start bombing Syria. Posting news reports on Facebook feels like a flaccid exercise. Speaking to friends and family about it, regardless of their position, results in avoidance of what is obviously an uncomfortable topic.

We are poised upon the precipice of one of the most dangerous moments in world history. I have strong opinions about what should and shouldn’t be done, and I don’t know what to do about it. I am a well-informed citizen living in what purports to be a democracy.

What is my recourse for being heard?

Not knowing what else to do, I composed the following letter and submitted it via the Contact Us form at WhiteHouse.gov. I am skeptical anyone at the White House will ever read this letter, but I had to do something.

Apparently, I am not the only one who feels this impulse.

I encourage you to join us. My letter may not get read, but if there are thousands like it, chances are some of them will. I don’t know if it will make any difference. I don’t know what can be said to get through to these people we call “leaders,” but we’ve got to try.

Otherwise, what are we doing?

You are invited to copy and submit any section of this letter which you feel accurately describes your own feelings.

President Obama,

I am strongly opposed to military intervention in Syria. Nothing can be gained by engaging in this conflict.

More than 90% of the US population is with me on this issue. If you allow the planned attacks to proceed, this will be the most unpopular war in the history of the U.S., if not the world.

Instead of committing resources to another arbitrary war, we need to invest in education and infrastructure within our own borders. Actions define priorities; what are yours?

Make no mistake: if we attack Syria it will be a war of choice—a war of aggression—which is considered the worst war-crime possible under international law. These consequences will be far worse than those of any scandal currently engulfing the Beltway (I will spare you the listing of said scandals).

Worst of all, any attack is likely to lead to global conflict on a terrifying scale. Russia, China and Iran have very clearly established their position in this scenario. Regardless of our stated intent to perform limited air strikes, there is an imminent and unacceptable risk of becoming engaged in a long, drawn out confrontation in which innocent persons of many nations will suffer and die.

Before you allow actions taken on behalf of American citizens to spark a third World War, I beg you to deescalate the situation. There must be a diplomatic solution.

You have the power and ripe opportunity to shift the arc of history in the direction of justice and peace. Imagine yourself as a Nobel Peace Laureate, and imagine what such a person would do at this critical juncture in the world story.

Be not swayed by your over-zealous colleagues and war-mongering contemporaries. Instead, please be guided by your own highest ideals, and see what can be achieved. In seeking peace, we the people are with you.

Respectfully, with love, compassion and firm conviction,

David T. McConaghay

A good friend of mine agreed with my premise, but decried my “soft-ass language.” He suggested his own wording, which went something like this:

“Dear F#ck Face,

I understand Afghanistan is winding down and you’ve got contractors to feed, but we have spent enough on your ‘for profit’ war business. I know you huffed and puffed and threatened to blow the Bashar’s house down, but he’s not budging because he’s got Iran and Russia on his side, but you already knew that; and that’s the real impetus behind this strike. You’ve had it up to your ears with Putin’s lack of respect and Iran’s posturing and you want them to pay for it.

We, the people, are sick and tired of being dragged into your juvenile slapping matches with our soldiers and our wallets taking the blows while you orchestrate destruction with a maestro’s wand. Third time’s a charm, maybe you’ll piss enough people off this time around to incite a violent rebuke from your own citizens. Then you can let loose the hounds to ‘maintain order’ and Russia can send over some bombers to disband your oppressive regime, you ^&%* mother *^%%^& son of a *^$$%& (*&^ pole &^%$ gremlin *&%^& little *&%$^…”

I very much share his passion, however I prefer to “kill them with kindness,” as it were. If I become barbaric in opposing barbarians, what have we gained? Where are we left?

Please share your thoughts and feelings far and wide, and let your friends, family, government and fellow world citizens know how you feel about the current crisis. Thank you.

Om Namo Narayanaya

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Ed: Catherine Monkman