While the economy is showing some recovery, the numbers are not matching the needs of the American people.  According to the U.S. Labor Department 169,000 jobs were added last month and unemployment dipped by 0.1 percent, with it taking into account those who quit job searching.  This is barely keeping pace with our population demands.  Why should money be spent entering into a situation in which many argue we should have no place?  Instead of pumping funds into another armed conflict, money should be spent creating new employment opportunities for jobseekers. Even though the job market is large, it is microscopic compared to the approaching debt ceiling.

   On Oct. 31, the United States will once again reach its borrowing limit within the debt ceiling. George Washington once described dissent among political parties as leading to, “formal and permanent despotism,” which he believed would destroy the country.  During last year’s debt ceiling, Washington’s words almost came true when politicians disagreed until hours before deadline.  If our government cannot reach a consensus to raise this upcoming ceiling or reduce spending, it may be forced to shut down or face default.  Judging by how well each party has “agreed” with finances over the past year, I think there won’t be enough time to reach a consensus when the deadline arrives, unless our attention is shifted.  Politicians need to focus completely on the issue at home, not putting things off because of international pressure.

   Using weapons of mass destruction against unarmed civilians is an unpardonable act, but does the U.S. really have any business in the Syria conflict?  I understand that as a nation it is within our best international interests to maintain stability and promote global freedom, but it shouldn’t be our responsibility to be in charge of another country’s fate, especially when our own economy is struggling.  During his presidency, Franklin D. Roosevelt stated, “True individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence.”  One of the United States’ goals is to be a symbol of liberty, but if Roosevelt’s words hold true, we are neither secure, nor independent.  How is it that the American people should be expected to be called upon to promote the ideals of freedom and choice, when their own country’s finances hinder these principles?

    I believe with the right shift in focus, this country will be able to avoid financial catastrophe.  Instead of focusing on the Syrian conflict, our officials need to convene in order to create new jobs and avoid procrastinating with the upcoming debt ceiling.  It is time to take more than steps toward fiscal recovery; the present demands we now leap forward. Syria is a gloomy situation, and while I am all for being a humanitarian, this government cannot ignore the critical action our economy needs. It demands all of its attention.