I wish I knew what to say. I wish I had the absolute answer. I don’t. I only know that we have to do something. And we have to do it not just because President Obama talked about a “red line” but because we can not stand idly by while so many are suffering.

I do not know if it is a matter of our “national interest” to stop the use of chemical weapons in Syria. But someone must take the responsibility to try to stop this horrendous action.

There are, to be sure, other places in the world where intervention could be justified and, yes, there is the fear that we can’t fight every battle. There is also the fear that despite any of our intentions, any kind of attack could escalate into a situation in which we needed to take more action and more action and risk more American lives. There is also the fear that even the most carefully planned attack could endanger or kill innocent children and others caught in the crossfire. There is also the legitimate concern that the rebels in Syria are themselves guilty of atrocities and that further instability in Syria would be harmful in the long run. And, of course, there is the issue of how many concerns we have here at home.

But, assuming the evidence is clear, if there is no doubt that these weapons have been used and that more exist, we must, I believe, be leaders in confronting this reality and do what we can to stop it.

I would hope that could be done without military intervention that endangers innocent people. But, if it has gone beyond that point, there is no choice.

I say this reluctantly. I say this with concern for those who will themselves be put in danger. But, we can not sit on the sidelines and watch this happen.

Someone has to do something. Hopefully, others will join and the mission will be successful with the least military action necessary to accomplish this critical goal.

Let us all pray for peace and an end to this madness.