Roy Paul - Young People Have the Most to Lose from a Potential War with Syria lyrics

While many people are talking about Syria, and how President Obama might commit our armed forces to a war with the Assad regime, almost no one is talking about how young people would be the ones who will bear the physical and financial burdens incurred by military action. I'm certainly not alone in thinking this war is a bad idea. A Pew Research poll indicates that 2/3 of the American population would be opposed to any air strikes in Syria. What can concerned young people do while the President, Congress, and much of our national media beat the drums for a war that most of us do not want? This potential war has opened up an opportunity for young people to become a part of the political process. It is now our turn and our responsibility to use our knowledge of social media and our creativity, energy, and art to express dissatisfaction with this war. Musicians, graphic artists, street performers, bloggers, writers, dancers, organizers, can use their sk**s to encourage the administration to act in their and in the country's best interests. I am a young person, and one of the main reasons why I voted to re-elect Obama was because he had a clear plan to end the war in Iraq. Yes, he's smart, capable, and experienced, but he also had a plan for peace and global unity that permeated his campaign. The Washington Post compiled research that showed how out of the 6,668 d**hs in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom – so far - approximately 6,264 of the armed service casualties were 18-39 years old. If the United States chooses to go to war with Syria, whether through congressional approval or through an act of the President, young people will make up the majority of casualties. Young people also have the most to lose economically. As Senator Bernie Sanders has pointed out, a war with Syria would cost far too much at a time when our country can least afford it. During the Vietnam War many young musicians expressed their opinions through powerful songs that galvanized their generation. That same song can be sung now -- and young people can take the lead. The potential war with Syria is my generation's "Vietnam moment."