Right choice: U.S. has moral obligation to stand up in Iraq

It is not about Christians vs. Muslims. It is not even about the continuing unrest in Iraq -- although that matters, too.

The reason that there was a need to act -- and to act quickly -- to save the religious minorities trapped by Islamic militants is simply because it was the right thing to do.

And sometimes, you have to take a big risk to do the right thing.

President Barack Obama made the right decision in sending U.S. jets to strike the militants and to clear the path for the refugees to escape. And the U.S. absolutely should have taken the lead in the humanitarian aid.

This was a crisis that had already resulted in many deaths -- and had the potential to result in thousands more. It was, and is, a criminal act that no country of our history and legacy should stand for.

There are moments when leadership counts -- and this weekend, the United States became the leaders. This nation showed the world that sometimes you have to stand up when evil tries to take over.

And, by the way, we had to do it with decisive action, not more diplomatic kowtowing.

With great power comes great responsibility -- and that is exactly why there was only one response that could come from this nation.

And it is one we need to follow with more action, attention and commitment.

Sitting back and waiting solves nothing.

Taking a stand matters -- and saves lives.

It is a lesson the Greatest Generation taught us long ago.

Published in Editorials on August 11, 2014 11:15 AM