Does it make a difference to your opinion on Syria that President Obama is seeking authorization from Congress before acting?

It makes a difference to me.

I'm still far from enthusiastic about what I'm convinced will be another well-intentioned, ill-fated and ultimately-helpful-to-al-Qaeda misadventure in the Mideast.

If I were in Congress I'd be asking the brass hats and policy wonks how any proposed action won't help al-Qaeda as much or more than it hurts the Assad regime. I'd need to be persuaded. I don't know that I could be persuaded on this one.

But, for all that, I'm really encouraged that the President is asking.