Things look ominous in Syria. All the world's antagonists are engaged making it so ominous. Russian Pres. Putin was recently described as a paper tiger for not retaliating over Turkey downing a Russian jet fighter in Syria. It was a provocation. Putin refused to take the bait so now he's a paper tiger? Putin's actions in Syria have been defensive & legal under int'l law. But make no mistake Turkey's action won't go unpunished.
How much more evidence do we need that our system is in crisis? How long before we make it work for all of us instead of a handful at the top? We must not let them buy our democracy. We must get big money out of politics. Publicly-finance political campaigns, disclose all sources of campaign funds, and reverse "Citizens United."
If the Republicans want to have a public debate on allowing the financial industry to pursue deceptive practices, they can do that with freestanding bills. When Obama vetoes the bills, they will have the ammunition they need to make this issue play a central role in the 2016 elections. Then the public will get to decide.
Politicians will take up the cry of Islamic terrorism because it frees them from any immediate need to take on the real -- and politically dangerous -- problem of gun control. Most of them are cowards when it comes to hard truths and the difficult need to lay them convincingly before the public. It is always more expedient to rile the masses than educate them.