US Representative José E. Serrano, who serves the Bronx says he takes responsibilities very seriously. None is more important than voting on issues of war and peace. As the nation debates the use of force in Syria, which the Obama Administration has asked Congress to consider, he would like to share his thoughts on this issue.
He says.... "I have grave doubts about the wisdom of involving our nation in another war in the Middle East. I cannot vote in favor of an authorization to use force because I believe that the outcome of strikes on Syria is unpredictable, and unlikely to be in our nation’s interests. I fear setting off a chain of events which leads to American soldiers fighting and dying in the Middle East yet again."
He goes on to say that he commends President Obama for correctly bringing this issue of war before the Congress. Whether we agree or disagree with him on this issue, it is a welcome change to have a President with a deep belief in our constitutional system.
While the use of chemical weapons is morally reprehensible, as is the targeting of civilians with any sort of weapons, Serrano believes the best reaction would be a broad multilateral diplomatic response from the international community—not just an American enforcement action. The world must show its outrage, not just America.
He adds that he has thought long and hard about this decision before coming to the firm conclusion that he cannot vote in favor of war. He will continue to work to find alternatives that deter the use of chemical weapons on civilians and believes such alternatives exist and should be used.
City Island Images asked US Congressman Crowley for his position, but we have received no response thus far. What about your US Representative? Why not ask where they stand on this?