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“Stay out of Syria”

I noted on Facebook today a politically liberal friend sporting a “Stay out of Syria” image for her profile picture. When my lefty friends make similar noises as Sarah Palin it always gets my attention.

Internet + Expressive Individualism means that we will have access to thousands of voices, images, perspectives and judgments on the matter.

What does it mean to “stay out of Syria”? Obviously everyone talking about it feels the need to not really “stay out of Syria”. “Staying out” would probably mean not talking about it or attempting to exert influence on any particular decision. Most Americans will likely attempt to “stay out of Syria” in this way, whatever the US government does. Syria for many simply doesn’t seem relevant. If events in Syria eventually significantly impact the price of gasoline, things may change of course.

Depends Where and When and How you are

For people in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, Turkey, and anyone with loved ones involved, “staying out” would be a luxury they might deeply desire. There is no avoiding a civil war or numerous other catastrophes that are common to humanity.

“Stay out of Syria” obviously attempts to influence the US Congress not to authorize the military strike the President has declared he wishes to make as a response to the Syrian government’s alleged use of chemical weapons against their own people. I think we understand this, but the admonition implicitly evokes a potential Syria-free reality. This again may seem like reality for many of us, given the fact that many of us may have very few felt ties to Syria, but most of us also know this can change quickly.

I don’t say any of this to weigh into the debate on whether or not the Congress should authorize this action, it is to simply note that whether felt or not, there is no real way to truly “stay out of Syria”. Whether or not the US strikes, the civil war will continue and there will be an outcome and that outcome will shape the future of this world that we share.

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