Letter to Senator Boxer

Today, I sent the following to Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA):

Senator Boxer,
You worked tirelessly to end the ill-conceived War in Iraq, and I applaud your efforts on the front.
I write to you now because I am concerned that the U.S. is about to get itself involved in yet another ill-conceived conflict, spending yet more money that we don't have to support the perpetrators of unspeakable atrocities, and harm the cause of democracy world-wide by encouraging even more sectarian, religiously oppressive, anti-freedom activities.
I'm referring specifically to the statements coming from President Obama and others indicating that the U.S. will be sending military assistance to the rebels opposing Syrian President Bashar Assad.
The line of reasoning in support of the rebels has been the reports (unlikely and unconfirmed, but let's assume for the sake of discussion that they are accurate) that Assad has used chemical weapons, which is against international law, and so should be punished.  Furthermore, that we should support the rebels because they are fighting for democracy in the face of a dictator.
However, we ought to consider what kind of people they are first.  There are documented reports coming out of the country every day that show the rebels committing atrocities so brutal and animalistic that it is difficult even to name them.  Nevertheless, I shall try.
Today, I read a report that the rebels suicide-bombed a food-for-the-hungry distribution line, killing four hungry poor people, and wounding many more.
Yesterday, I read (and watched the video) of them beheading two men for the simple crime of being Christians.
Last week, I read of (and watched the video) of one of the rebels literally eating the heart of a Christian he had just killed, and vowing to do the same to all infidels and secular Muslims (i.e. who don't measure up to his standard of fanaticism).
Every week, I hear of yet another kidnapping of Christians, yet another murder of Christians, yet another bombing of churches, monasteries, and even orphanages, by these militants.  They have no respect for democracy; no concept of religious freedom.  Their actions are antithetical to everything our great nation has ever championed!
The militants have kidnapped (and, we think, likely murdered) two bishops who were negotiating for the release of other kidnap victims, after murdering their driver in cold blood.
They have murdered priests who voluntarily handed themselves over to take the place of their parishioners who had been kidnapped.
They have desecrated and destroyed historical buildings, locations, holy places, which have been revered and honored by Christians and Muslims alike for hundreds of years.
They have shown, at every turn, a disregard for basic humanity unheard of since the disgusting, barbarous conquests of the Mongol hordes (worse, in some instances!)  And yet we would support them? In the name of "progress", no less?  Farcical at best!
Given these documented abuses, I find it difficult to imagine that they are truly fighting for democracy and fairness.  I find it difficult to believe that they simply want to be "free".
Add in the facts that the United States is in more fiscal danger than ever -- we cannot afford another war! -- and that the rebels are known to be supported and run by our sworn enemies (Al Qaeda and similar), I would think that the folly of our proposed path is evident.
I beg you, Senator: use every facet of your formidable ability to stop this madness.  Keep us out of Syria!
For the love of freedom, democracy, and all that is good and for the sake of the innocent women and children suffering at the hands of these monsters; apply every ounce of your power to stop the flow of U.S. aid to them and any who support them.  Keep us out of Syria!
For the sake of history, which certainly shall judge our actions minutely, stand up!  Take back your right as a member of the Senate to say "NO!" to War, for the good of the country, democracy, and freedom everywhere.  Keep us out of Syria!
Please let me know your thoughts on these matters.
Your constituent,
Steven Allen

I plan to send similar letters (appropriately customized, of course) to Senator Feinstein, President Obama, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, Governor Brown, my State Senators, my Assemblyman, and anyone else who will listen.  This madness must be stopped.

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Hi! Feel free to comment. However, I was getting posts from different Anonymous people, and it's difficult to know who is who so I can keep the conversation straight in my head. So I'm requesting that you please bear with my weakness, and identify yourself. Even if you want to use a different name than your real name -- that's fine. But give yourself a handle for me, please. :) Thanks...

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