A voice of reason

Since the Paris attacks and the San Bernardino murders, there have been loud and angry cries for action. Thirty-odd — and I do mean odd — governors have tried to prevent Syrian refugees from settling in their states.

Donald Trump has called for an outright ban on Muslims entering the United States. Others want to send troops to Iraq and Syria to put an end to ISIS.

In the midst of all this hullabaloo, President Obama seems to be the only voice that sounds calm and measured.

By not giving in to fear and anger, the president seeks to deprive ISIS of the victory that others are quick to grant.

I’m bemused to hear Obama criticized for keeping his head when those about him are losing theirs, but this is the new normal. If a Democrat says “white,” Republicans say “black.”

It is vitally important that Americans do not lose sight of the values and ideals on which our nation was founded. Despite all our failures and mistakes, the course of freedom and liberty has moved forward.

Even a cursory reading of the Constitution shows that most of the amendments have had the effect of expanding freedom and the franchise far beyond the landed gentry who were the first voters.

If our system is not strong enough to withstand the blows received from a system dedicated to its destruction and not sacrifice its values, then the cause of freedom worldwide is in jeopardy.

I applaud the president’s calm, reasoned tone.

Now, if he can just find a workable strategy.

This story was originally published December 28, 2015 at 10:19 PM with the headline "A voice of reason."