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AFGHAN SURGE TOO SLOW?

I think it is President Barack Obama’s duty to think long and hard before he acts. When our leaders have failed to properly plan their course of action and rushed into battle, we ended up with conflicts like Iraq and Vietnam. I don’t care if they are politically right or left. Just do a good job. I’m glad I’m not in his shoes.

— Combat correspondent

It was on the news that it could take several weeks before Obama decides. But would you really want someone to deploy you without having a clear mission on what you are going to be doing? I would rather someone figure it out before they just ship me there without a clue. I know most want a troop surge like they did in Iraq, but Iraq isn’t Afghanistan. I’m not even sure Afghanistan has a viable police force or military. I don’t know how long one should take before deciding to ship men and women off to combat.

— commonsense101

Lets get the troops who are over there the support they need before more die unnecessarily. Our fellow service members are being killed as we speak. One thing for sure is we’re committed to Afghanistan. You start it, you finish it.

— usmc19812000

I think an increase is needed, but if Obama and Congress want to change their opinion, withdraw, or change the battle plan, that is up to them to decide. We who feel they are moving too slowly should address our elected representatives and let them know how we feel.

— Gunny_2862

MAKING SENSE OF FORT HOOD

Is anyone going to have the courage to examine the root causes of the stress that would lead one to do such a thing? Troops committing violence against each other and their family members while in garrison is a sign that we have some serious problems. This is not about a lone gunman. This is not about radical Islam. This is a much bigger problem, rooted in domestic policy. Denial isn’t going to cut it anymore.

— SilverWings

I wouldn’t call it an excuse, but I can understand how being told you have to deploy to a place about which you hear only nightmarish stories could break someone. If your mental health is already poor, it’d almost feel like a death sentence. Again, I’m not excusing what this soldier allegedly did. I just understand how that could make someone snap.

— Silver Fox

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARINES

We sure look good for 234 years old, don’t we?

— bravohotel43