Apparently, President Obama is prepared to bomb the bejesus out of Syria for using chemical weapons -- but only if Congress approves. Only time will tell whether this high-stakes gamble proves to be brilliant or breathtakingly foolish. Lord Horatio Nelson, the famous Royal Navy commander, would probably be of two minds about Obama's abrupt about-face. On the one hand, he'd squint his remaining good eye and conclude: "If a man consults whether he is to fight, when he has the power in his own hands, it is certain that his opinion is against fighting." On the other hand, Nelson might tip his hat to Mr. Obama for his enigmatic moxie: "The measure may be thought bold, but I am of the opinion the boldest are the safest."
