FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
When it comes to Libya, the United States is in a very tough spot. Not as tough a spot as the Libyan people are in by any means…but difficult nonetheless.
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We are mostly hated in that part of the world. And rushing to the aid of the Libyan rebels trying to overthrow Gadhafi would be played up on the Arab street as the United States again interfering in a Muslim nation's internal affairs.
On the other hand, it's in our national DNA to want to come to the aid of people who are struggling to gain their freedom. Plus there is all that oil, of course, but that's a much more cynical view.
People are laying down their lives trying to get out from under the yoke of arguably one of the world's most brutal dictators. We have the military wherewithal to make their struggle a lot easier, but so far we haven't done that.
Here’s my question to you: When it comes to Libya, what’s the right thing for the U.S. to do?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Kent in New Castle, Indiana:
I sympathize greatly with the Libyan people trying to gain freedom, but I strongly feel we have to learn that we cannot direct the destiny of every country in turmoil. I think we should let them solve their own problems unless a strong majority in the UN supports intervention. The U.S. should not carry the burden of the efforts.
Meredith in New York:
The U.S. should definitely maintain a humanitarian effort but we need to keep our troops out. It's not our fight and by stepping in, we take the news away from the Libyan people and suddenly it's our story.
David:
I'm afraid history will be critical of our inaction. No, we shouldn't send troops, however, we should supply small arms, a no fly zone, food and medical supplies. If we believe in freedom of the people we should help the people and make a better name for ourselves in the region.
Lamar:
Help them. We help every one else, why not them?
Frank:
The right thing is to create and enforce a No Fly Zone in Libya. It can be done quickly and effectively with the forces already in the area. It effectively evens the field and will quicken Gadhafi's departure as the Military will have more defections as they see their major advantage go away. The key for us with the Muslim world is to immediately withdraw the strategy when the fight is settled. Stay offshore, off the holy land and leave when it's done.
Dennis in Murrieta, California:
If we do not stand for freedom, then why have so many Americans died in Europe, Korea, Vietnam, and the Middle East? Is our government’s decision to fight for freedom based on oil, money, or a principle?
Jeremiah:
I think that the biggest problem in this country is that America thinks about the problems of other countries before our own. What will it take for the ruling powers in our own country to put the U.S., first? This nation has enough problems already that we need to deal with now.