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I await proof Assad gassed his people

In this April 4, 2017 photo, provided by the Syrian anti-government activist group Edlib Media Center, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, shows victims of a suspected chemical attack, in the town of Khan Sheikhoun, northern Idlib province, Syria.
In this April 4, 2017 photo, provided by the Syrian anti-government activist group Edlib Media Center, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, shows victims of a suspected chemical attack, in the town of Khan Sheikhoun, northern Idlib province, Syria. Uncredited AP file

This is in response to the April 11 editorial on President Trump’s ordering of a missile launch against a Syrian air field. Until proof is provided, there is no reason Americans should believe that Bashar Assad intentionally gassed his people. Logically, why would Assad, who was winning, release sarin gases and risk having the whole world come down on him?

Perhaps his story makes sense; that they were unaware a facility housed sarin. This may not agree with suspicions our Congress has of Syria or Russia, but suspicions are just that. Until an investigation is done, Trump should not have authority to continue his actions.

This was Trump’s sorry attempt to show his power. While we are all disturbed by these images, perhaps he should be considering the many babies we blow up with our bombs every day. They are no less dead, and sometimes have to live with a lifetime of disabilities.

Some of us are smart enough not to believe the American propaganda any more than we believe the Russian propaganda. I am pleading that we please use rational, evidenced-based actions. We do not need to be in more wars; leaving the Syrians alone might be our best action.

Melissa Fry, Fresno

This story was originally published April 14, 2017 at 1:55 PM with the headline "I await proof Assad gassed his people."

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