There seems to be almost universal approval for Trump’s “successful” retaliatory missile strike on the Syrian airfield. Popular opinion is that, finally, we have “sent a message.”

I would ask, “How can the bombing be considered a success when Assad was flying planes out of the airfield the very next day?” Also, “What kind of message did this send, and to whom?” The bombing resulted in even more deaths and it did nothing to protect the children from future attacks. The chemical weapons weren’t destroyed and neither were the airstrip or delivery systems.

Many questions surrounded the events of the past week. Nothing makes sense. Who gave Assad a heads up so that he could move his planes and military out of harm’s way? Why did Trump settle for a slap on the wrist instead of a sterner warning? What was Putin’s role? Was this just another effort to boost Trump’s ratings and take our focus off investigating the Trump/Russia ties?

Sadly, nothing stimulates our country’s admiration and respect like the sight of missiles flying; “bombing the hell out of them,” as Trump bragged during his campaign. Why is it assumed to be macho and courageous to destroy people and property (with superior, expensive weaponry) and “wimpy” to negotiate, form coalitions, apply sanctions and attempt peaceful solutions?

It’s non-violence that takes true courage and bravery as demonstrated by Jesus, Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr. and others who opposed evil without arming themselves, but rather putting their own lives and comfort in danger for others and encouraging us to do likewise.

Do we Americans have the moral courage and motivation to peacefully stand with the oppressed, demand justice for the vulnerable and welcome refugees fleeing violence? Or will we instead cower in fear, literally walling ourselves off from the dreaded “other?”