Time for action: Cautious rhetoric no match for barbarians' advance

Strong words and strong actions.

That is what the U.S. needs now as yet another American loses his life at the hands of the Islamic militants in Iraq/Syria.

There is no more time for negotiation, moderate response talk and calls for alliances.

If we want the world to take us seriously -- and to trust that we will respond with strength and resolve when faced with other challenges, like the Russian advance in Ukraine -- it is time to do more than just talk about an aggressive response.

It is time to actually have one.

Dealing with terrorists is not like battling a sovereign nation. They are cowards who hide behind women and children and who have no compassion for human life -- even those of their fellow countrymen. They are brutal. They are demented, and they are dangerous.

And it is time to quit fooling around.

The reason for an aggressive response is not only that there are people suffering in the Middle East, though that is a strong reason, too.

There is a real danger that this scourge could spread across the oceans and hit Americans at home -- much in the same way we were hit nearly 13 years ago.

We cannot afford to look indecisive, weak or without direction anymore -- not and keep our children and families safe.

Enough is enough. It is time to be the America we have always said we were and to stand up to what are nothing but thugs hiding behind religion. No more backing down. No more veiled threats.

The strategy really is not that complex: You kill innocents. We blast you.

There are seasoned military experts who know what to do. It is time to listen to them -- sooner rather than later.

We need to lead. Now.

Published in Editorials on September 3, 2014 11:05 AM