Front line is being stretched too thin

Re “Marines Who Served Will Be Ordered Back,” Aug. 23

Our troops have now been mired in the Iraq mess for more years than it took to win World War II. A great number of them are Reservists and National Guardsmen. Too many of them are having to serve repeat tours (sometimes three) and are now severely overstressed. The effects are showing in our recent news: increased suicides, desertions, even alleged rape and murder of innocent civilians. Despite this, our president has proclaimed we will stay in Iraq as long as he holds office. In this fall season of polls, who will organize one to predict the date of the coming draft? My bet will be for the opening day of the next Congress -- if it’s still controlled by the Republicans.

J.B. THOMAS

Arroyo Grande, Calif.