Boehner says he'll back Obama on Syria strikes

[Bad Dog]

I'm still betting Vlad will hide a couple of his old jock straps in heating vents and cut off the water to Obamas room during the G-8. 

[Eupher]

I got this canned reply from Vicky Hartzler, my congresscritter:

Thank you for sharing your reactions to the worrisome conflict in Syria.   I am concerned for the people of Syria, and we must remain vigilant to protect the security interests of the United States while this conflict continues to develop.    
 
As you may know, Syria's President Bashar Assad has been fighting against various rebel groups for the past two years to retain control of the country.   Various concerning human rights violations have taken place during Syria's civil war, including the use of poison gas against Syrian citizens.   American defense and intelligence agencies are assessing the situation so informed decisions can be made about how to proceed.  Their analysis will attempt to discern the nature of the opposition forces and capabilities. It is a complicated situation with no easy answers, but one of utmost importance.  
 
The Middle East is a sensitive region where the United States has long worked to promote freedom and stability.   America has worked with many Middle Eastern countries on the grounds that partnerships of mutual understanding and respect will promote stability in the region and support our long-term national security interests.  
 
While I am pleased that the President will consult with Congress and seek Congressional authorization before taking military action in Syria, I have deep reservations over launching any military action against Syria. There is no doubt that the use of chemical weapons against innocent civilian populations is an atrocity. However, engaging our country in another conflict in the Middle East requires a clear violation of direct U.S. interests, clear military objectives, and well-defined policy goals from the President, and those have not yet been identified for this situation. I will continue to visit with constituents, take in all facts, survey the intelligence, and talk with leaders in the defense community before final consideration.
 
Rest assured, as a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, I will be monitoring evolving events in Syria and the broader Middle East very closely to determine if Congress should authorize the use of force or stay out of this conflict.  Your input is very important to me and I appreciate you taking time to voice your thoughts on this crucial matter.
 
Thank you again for sharing your concerns. It is a privilege to be your Representative in Congress and to work for the safety and security of all Americans.

With best regards, I remain,

                                                                                  Very truly yours,
                                                                                 Signature
                                                                                  Vicky Hartzler
                                                                                  Member of Congress

Holding her cards close to her chest. That means she's gonna salute Boehner's flag. Either that or she truly has her head up her ass and can't see the forest for the trees.    

[txradioguy]

Rep. Conaway didn't respond directly, but this is what's on his FB page.

t is unquestioned that the use of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons should be universally condemned and confronted. However, I believe that the president has not yet presented a plan that would fully address the use of chemical weapons in Syria and prevent future chemical attacks by the Assad regime on the Syrian people. As I have heard at town halls and from calls to my offices, the people of Texas’ 11th congressional district aren’t persuaded either. It is the responsibility of the president to make a case for military intervention and the responsibility of Congress to vote on it. As I return to Washington next week, I will continue to push for answers and evidence on the situation in Syria and the future of the Assad regime.

[Mike220]

Hell, I'd like to see the evidence it was Assad's forces that used them. If he was winning through conventional means, what purpose did it serve to do the one thing he knew would inflame world opinion? He's a thug but not a theocrat blinded by a deep desire to do Allah's will.

The "opposition" the other hand would love the propaganda windfall of gassing people and having the world blame it on the government. I mean, they are the same type of people that think nothing of strapping bombs to themselves or their kids and blowing themselves up in a market... Not too much of a stretch from there to gassing some civilians for the greater good...

[txradioguy]

Hell, I'd like to see the evidence it was Assad's forces that used them. If he was winning through conventional means, what purpose did it serve to do the one thing he knew would inflame world opinion? He's a thug but not a theocrat blinded by a deep desire to do Allah's will.

The "opposition" the other hand would love the propaganda windfall of gassing people and having the world blame it on the government. I mean, they are the same type of people that think nothing of strapping bombs to themselves or their kids and blowing themselves up in a market... Not too much of a stretch from there to gassing some civilians for the greater good...

Yossef Bodansky has an article out right now saying pretty much what you are.  That the rebels did this to get us into the fight.

Then he points out that the same kind of tactic was used to get us into the war in Bosnia.

[DumbAss Tanker]

Hell, I'd like to see the evidence it was Assad's forces that used them.

Oh, I'm sure the NSA and CIA have some, whether it's genuine or as fake as a certain alleged Polish raid on a German radio station is another question entirely.

[JohnnyReb]

Oh, I'm sure the NSA and CIA have some, whether it's genuine or as fake as a certain alleged Polish raid on a German radio station is another question entirely.

Did the German station carry Rush L.?

[DumbAss Tanker]

Did the German station carry Rush L.?

I'm sure at least someone on DU thinks so!