Reply #35: They're not for Iraq

[orthogonal]

This makes complete sense.

The 40,000 aren't for service in Iraq; it's to provide us with a cushion in case war breaks out somewhere else (North Korea, Taiwan, etc.), so that all of our combat strength isn't tied down in Iraq.

Realistically, as long as Bush is President and the Republicans control the Congress, we won't be getting out of Iraq.

But because of Bush's folly and Rumsfeld's mismanagement, far too much of our combat strength is tied down in Iraq. To ensure our nation's safety, we have to have a reserve in case we need to defend our interests elsewhere.

And this is an issue with which we can undercut the Republicans, by showing that Democrats are doing more to ensure our national security than the Bushies.