Time for action: It's time to get serious about ISIS threat

There are reasons not to want to send American troops overseas to fight the growing threat that has become ISIS.

The first, and most convincing, is that we do not need to risk American lives unless we are going in to win, which means that we are prepared to do whatever it takes.

The second is that although this is about American policies and western influence, that is not all it is about. This is a civil war and a religious dispute between factions. There has to be fundamental change or there will be no end.

The third is that thousands of Americans have died over the past 13 years to bring peace and some form of control to the Middle East. It is heartbreaking to watch towns that our service members fought to protect and to keep from enemy hands falling under the control of these barbarians, with a high civilian death count.

But there is another factor to consider, especially in light of yet another announcement of the murder of an innocent American.

It is only a matter of time before this group becomes even more emboldened and decides to take this battle across the ocean.

Analysts say that Islamists militants do not respond to overtures and negotiations. They understand one message only -- strength.

And to this point, those same analysts say, that is not the message this government has been sending.

So, we need to do something different.

The United States needs an aggressive and determined response and it needs it soon. And if, in the process, officials can manage to get other allies to join in -- great.

But right now, in this climate, we need to send a message -- and quickly -- that this nation is done negotiating and is prepared to put its foot down, hard.

Is it time for troops on the ground? No one is saying for sure, but several military leaders have said that the war against these extremists cannot be won without them.

And make no mistake, the U.S. wants and needs to win this war.

It is a big decision, and one that should not be made in haste, but the cushion to weigh the pros and cons is rapidly diminishing.

The time has come for a reboot of this nation's foreign policy and a shift from bowing and kowtowing to strength and resolve.

Leadership in the world community requires resolute and wise decision-making, acknowledging when something doesn't work and exhibiting the kind of determination that inspires others to believe that you are serious about the task you are undertaking.

Unfortunately, there has not been a lot of that lately.

This recent murder -- coupled with the others, as well as the indiscriminate slaughter of men, women and children -- signals the time has come to stand up and do something. And in the process, we have to also admit that what we have been doing is not working.

It won't be an easy decision. But this nation, as citizens and as compassionate human beings, need to be part of the rising swell of voices that send the word out that we can no longer wait.

And in the process, we must continue to call on Muslims all over the world to condemn the actions of these barbarians.

President Barack Obama is right about one thing, we cannot and should not fight this fight alone. But it will take someone with a strong voice to make it happen.

The U.S. needs to be that voice.

Published in Editorials on November 17, 2014 11:16 AM