“In 1995, Colin Powell wrote, ‘War should be the politics of last resort. And when we go to war, we should have a purpose our people understand and support.’ I do not believe Syria passes that test. I treat the question of war as if it would determine the fate of my son or daughter. War is not some geopolitical chess game. It is, at best, a necessary evil. It should never be the first option. It should occur only when America is attacked or threatened, or when American interests are attacked or threatened. And only when all other options have been played out. Too often, the debate begins and ends with an assertion that our national interest is at stake, but no evidence is ever presented.”
http://www.economicpolicyjournal.com/2013/09/rand-paul-issues-dear-colleague-letter.html