Good guy/Bad guy. The United States wears both hats, and has for a number of years. No matter what we do, we garner praise from some and condemnation from others. We’re hearing a wide variety of opinions on the American air strike on a Syrian air base in answer to their government’s chemical warfare attack which killed over 100, including a number of children. Comments range from “it’s about time’’ to “you violated international law.’’ Both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, both staunch supporters of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, were quick to stand beside their Syrian ally and Putin has warned us against targeting any of Russia’s allies in the future.

On the home front, President Trump has reaffirmed that we will not tolerate chemical warfare anywhere; in this case it was reportedly a deadly sarin gas. He’s received praise from some of his colleagues in Washington while some are apprehensive about what may happen next.

As is always the case, or so it seems, the United States stands alone in “policing’’ the world. We have a real problem with the lack of support and back-up we get from other countries. Nobody wants to get involved, knowing that if they stand up and are counted, there could be repercussions. They seem to feel it’s OK to leave well enough alone, stay out of any controversial issue, and hope things get ironed out without their help. Sorry, folks, but that’s not fair.

During our adult lifetime, we’ve found it disheartening to see how little the United Nations appears to do. It’s almost like they don’t even exist. Certainly all of the major powers in this world are opposed to the use of chemical weapons, and in 2013 the U.N. Security Council was assured that Russia would be responsible for seeing that Syria eliminated its chemical weapons stockpile. That’s didn’t happen. So what action has the United Nations taken? Slaps on the wrist don’t accomplish much.

We admit we really don’t understand the workings of the United Nations. In theory, it makes a lot of sense. It should be the most powerful force in world affairs. When a country is out of line, others should step forward with a united voice. Why should one country have to act alone when a lot of others are going to suffer also? Why hasn’t the U.N. as a body spoken out in support? So far, we only know of three countries standing by our decision to retaliate and let Syria know in uncertain terms that chemical warfare is unacceptable — Britain, Australia and New Zealand. Perhaps others have stepped forward the past few days.

Good guy/Bad guy. We’re used to wearing both hats, but it would surely be nice to have a few more lined up beside us.  If they don’t like what took place, say so. Everyone should speak his piece on international issues of concern to all. Silence is not necessarily golden.