President Says U.S. Will Take Military Action Against ISIS

Wednesday night’s announcement from the President has been heavily anticipated. Recent polls show much of the country has been in support of military action against ISIS.

News 25 spoke to local residents Wednesday to get their reaction on whether war is a good move for the country. In recent weeks, President Obama has been criticized for his perceived "carefree" attitude towards ISIS. After the horrific beheadings of Americans that were posted online by ISIS, many called for swift action, but the President maintained his silence. Wednesday night, America got its answer.

Members of the terrorist group, ISIS, have now been identified as a legitimate threat to democracy, and in his address Wednesday night, President Obama pledged action. He says that America would be leading a broad coalition, involving many of our allies throughout the Middle East and the world, in an effort to root out ISIS and systematically bring down their organization.

The Gulf Coast is home to hundreds, if not thousands, of military families who have had many of their loved ones fighting in the Middle East for the past decade. News 25 took to the streets and found that many agree with the President’s plan for decisive action.

Jeff Barnes, candidate for Jackson County Sheriff, says, "You can name it all kind of names and call it what you want, but it is just outright terrorist group. I think the U.S. is going to have to deal with them just as hard and quick after 9/11.”

Col. Bob Lewis, retired Marine Corps, says, “I view ISIS as a cancer. If you went to the doctor’s office, the first thing you would ask is, ‘When can you operate?’ It wouldn’t be a long, drawn out discussion.”

Barnes also says, “We cannot turn our back on Israel. If not them, who will be next? Who will we allow these radicals to take over next?”