My point is that the reason US pols started getting antsy had nothing to do with how many people were killed, it was the way they were killed.
According to the internet, over a quarter million people die every day. A portion of those can't be saved, but a good portion probably could. Where's the line drawn between sacrificing the future well being of my immediate family for the benefit of someone I've never met, never would meet and quite possibly who will, no matter what outside parties try to do, continue to make bad decisions and will drain you dry if you let them. At some point you have to recognize that taking action can result in a net negative result. The whole moral requirement goes both ways, you may say that those who are better off have an obligation to those who are worse off, but at the same time those who are worse off have an obligation to improve their lot and become a net contributor. Much like a life guard and a drowning swimmer, sometimes they'll take you down with them.
I read an article today where they were talking to Syrian refugees and the people in the refugee camp are developing anti-American sentiment because we're not fighting on their side. If the US intervenes then they get lambasted. If they don't they get lambasted. Well fuck it then.
Not sure if I made a point or not.