Middle America's Worldview

“To know your Enemy, you must become your Enemy.” ― Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Seems we are closer to this reality than many wish were true. The enemy was called out during the 9-11 tragedy, calling for war against Al-Quada and terrorist. The word terrorist was used more than any other word to inform the average American citizen the despicable incident and hone in the importance after the 9-11 tragedy. Soon afterward, we went into war with Iraq, to beat out terrorist and remove a dicator. This is regardless, 15 of the 19 hijackers were from Saudi Arabia
[Source].

Bush requested from Congress to go to war, and Congress approved it, albeit after troop buildup. Within the Constitution, Article 1 Section 8, “The Congress shall have Power To….. declare War”. [Source] This is why Bush requested approval, and why

Obama is now seeking approval.

To do so outside, would be

a) considered un-Constitutional and

b) to appear their actions are justified to the public.

In today’s world, too many additional news sources and voices can be heard louder, and war is made within the Public Relations more so than in the past.

With the advent of the Internet, the citizen can speak to a greater public audience and voice their opinions to the masses, while providing citations and push their views over the corporate media. Recently during the Boston Marathon bombing, this becomes self-evident. During discussion, a citizen pointed out two other suspects with backpacks before the bombing, and no backpacks after the bombing. This was conveyed, when the FBI was focused on different subjects, during a press conference. [Source] The perception created was the FBI ignoring all possible information, leaving the audience questioning why so adament on only these two, and not reviewing all possible information.

Similar to the troop buildup for Iraq, Obama has already pushed troops around Syria, massing troop buildup. Unlike before, when Bush had England on his side via Tony Blair, Obama has lost England as an ally. This relationship began to deteriate soon after Obama was elected and returned Winston Churchill’s bust to England [Source] while seeking homage with the Muslim world, [Source] during the famous bowing tour.

Comparing Iraq and Syria we find the same template in play by the government. Dictator that needs to be removed. America needs to help free the people. Dictator has weapons of destruction. Dictator uses gas against its own people. Terrorist are being harbored within said country. Yet, variables are different in this play.

The American citizens have the playbook and have not forgotten. Additionally, with the Internet, everything is brought back into light and can be reviewed accordingly. Obama does not have the backing of Britain, due to poor relations. The reduction of the military by the administration has taken a toll, and the American citizens grow tired of war.

Associated Press has released news, it was the rebels not dictator Assad using chemical weapons against the Syria people. [Source]

This is another blow for the justification. USA Today reports these same Syrian rebels have pledged loyalty to Al-Qaeda, the same enemy we are losing our military brothers and sisters fighting against. [Source] Yet, Mccain is being photographed with these enemies, promoting to support the rebels. [Source]

9-11 was a major psychological hit to the American citizens and anger was used to fire for the Iraq war. With the dismal economy, lack of military support by this administration, countless scandals in play, hope of a new positive change being lost, this same fire is lost to have another war.

With the new variables in play, I am not sure how Congress can approve another war. Obama is in a tight spot. He normally allows others to fall on the sword, while conveying to the public he only found out when the news was reported. Yet, this time the light is directed squarely on him.

Sun Tzu said it best, “To know your Enemy, you must become your Enemy.” It appears our government has taken this lesson to reality.