Barbara Ann and Bomb Iran... How America should handle the current Iranian crisis

Many are aware of John McCain's lame attempt at humor during the 2008 presidential campaign when he sang "Bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran" to the tune of the Beach Boys Barbara Ann. It was lame then. It is dangerous now, because he means it. We have been treated in recent days to numerous politicians calling on us to essentially start the bombing runs now. We have heard how the United States has a moral obligation to the rest of the world to stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. The solution, advocated from the presidential candidates to sitting political poo-bahs is to bomb them Iran into submission. And while we are at it, at least according to McCain, let's get Syria too. Who knows, perhaps this would work, but I for one appreciate the fact that President Obama is not rushing headlong into another war. However I am not convinced he can resist the political pressures to "save Israel" in an election year. Everyone with half a functioning brain should know that the good old US of A does not have a boatload of money floating around, and that war costs not only lives, but money. Also, everyone knows that our last few forays into war have gone less that swimmingly. So what are we to do? Our country has always felt a strong need to support Israel, a small democratic outpost in a pretty hostile Middle East. I get that. I also understand that Iran has been a troublemaker in the region for years, as has Syria, who currently is wiping out their own citizenry on a daily basis. At some point in time though, others in the world must learn to step up to the plate and fight for their interests. Here's how this works. If other Middle Eastern governments are worried about Iran and Syria, let them bomb them. Why can't the Saudi Air Defense Force and our other allies in the region, fully stocked with US made F-15's do the job? If they are not willing to risk their blood and treasure, in their own backyard, why should we? Now I know at times, it is in the best interests of the US to act unilaterally. However, that does not necessarily mean without the American people. So, to President Obama, Senator McCain, our presidential candidates, and all the rest of you politicos, here's what I want before you get my support... Come to us publicly and make your case. Treat us with respect and ask for our opinion, before the planes take off! Tell us how we are paying for this. If you want me to support another war, show me the money. If this means raising taxes to pay for it, that's fine. But this deal where our wars are off budget is bull-puckey. If you are unwilling to risk your job to raise taxes to pay for a war that you believe is in our interests, perhaps you do not really believe in it. Finally, declare war! Has there been a more devastating trend after World War II than our reluctance to declare war? If our boys and girls are going to die for our country, the least our politicians can do is respect them enough to declare war and do the job right. Now I am sure there are all sorts of reasons why these simple suggestions will not be heeded. But that does not mean those reasons make any sense...