Troops in Afghanistan can't afford skepticism

President Barack Obama, while on his recent Sunday morning talk show marathon to sell his health care plan, said that he must view skeptically any request for more troops to be deployed to Afghanistan.

Obama said that before he considers sending more troops overseas, he must remember that he is responsible to the parents of those service members, which was why he viewed the commander in Afghanistan's request as a skeptic.

Given Obama's total lack of military experience and judgment, it is incumbent upon this new president to listen to the commander in Afghanistan. To do otherwise is extraordinarily foolish and substitutes Obama's judgment for Gen. Stanley McChrystal's judgment.

Perhaps if Obama would stop giving interviewsto television networks and devote more time to Afghanistan, he would have a better understanding of why the commander wants more troops. It is because the troops are needed to successfully prosecute the mission. The men and women already in harm's way deserve whatever is needed to succeed.

I am certain that the call for more troops would not have been made unless it was necessary. Obama, with the lives of those troops already in Afghanistan in balance, does not have the luxury to be a skeptic. Perhaps had he ever worn the uniform of this nation and actually been in harm's way, he would understand that his responsibility to the parents of those already at war will be no easier for him if the wounded or killed are due to his failure to timely support the request for more troops.

Rick Wieters

Jenkins Island