We Don't Need A "Troop Surge" - We Need A Surge Protector

What the hell is going on? Did no one not even the Democrats hear the fuckin' message the voters gave out on November 7th? Presidential hopeful and media whore John McCain, and now King George seem to be sending out trial balloons to make the "New Direction" called for in the ISG report mean sending in even more troops. Even worse, we now have leading Democrats like incoming Senate Majority Leader Democratic Harry Reid saying over the weekend he would support a short-term increase in American troops in Iraq if it were part of a broader withdrawal plan. This is just damn nuts, and if the Democrats agree to this plan then every damn one of them that does needs to be turfed right out of office and sent packing to where they came from before Nov. 7th. Thankfully, despite the way Hillary Clinton has been labeled a "war-hawk" she has come out against any troop increase. In a statement to MSNBC “Everyone knows there is no military solution to the difficulties we face in Iraq,” said Clinton, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “There has to be a broad-based comprehensive approach that includes resolving some of the political issues, bringing the region together.” In addition to Clinton, former Sec. of State Colin Powell also threw cold water on Bush and McCain's plans.You can read the entire transcript at Think Progress. The incoming chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Rep. Ike Skelton (D-MO), has also released a statement in opposition to any increase in troops. “The recent speculation in the press regarding an increase of 20,000 to 30,000 or even 50,000 troops in Iraq has left me with many concerns. Everything I’ve heard and everything I know to be true lead me to believe that this increase at best won’t change a thing, and at worst could exacerbate the situation even further. I am also extremely concerned about the additional burden that would be placed on the Army and Marine Corps. “The Iraqis need to understand that responsibility for the future of that country is theirs. Beginning the redeployment of some number of American forces would send that message. I urge the President to carefully consider this option to help move the political situation in Iraq forward. Read on.... Hopefully more sensible heads will prevail in both Houses of Congress and the other members will heed these opinions wisely.