Up on the Board: Chemical weapons in Syria, and NFL pressure over concussions
President Barack Obama speaks in Syracuse, N.Y. President Barack Obama says a possible chemical weapons attack in Syria this week is a "big event of grave concern" that has hastened the timeframe for determining a U.S. response. (Aug. 22, 2013) Credit: AP
The editorial board is concerned about the use of chemical weapons in Syria, but we have more questions than recommendations for U.S. foreign policy. Board member Alvin Bessent said he doesn’t believe there’s anything particularly different about people dying from chemical weapons or explosives – except that President Barack Obama drew a “red line” against the use of chemical weapons. Isn’t it important, at some point, that our words have consequences?
Board member Lane Filler pointed out that, to Israel, the fact that the U.S. backs up what it says is very important. The threat of U.S. retaliation may be keeping Iran from moving forward with nuclear weapons.
We’re going to keep an eye on the Syria situation.
The editorial board also thinks that the NFL should stop trying to tamp down evidence about players’ concussions. The league reportedly pressured ESPN to withdraw from a collaboration with Frontline on a documentary series.
And why is Nassau County continuing to drag its feet on a 20-year-old requirement to create a seven-member board of visitors to oversee the county jail?
To voice an opinion on any of the above, please fill in a comment in the section below, or email letters@newsday.com.
