Letter: Troop surge would leave us vulnerable

I understand that President Bush has decided to give the problem with Iraq a great deal of thought and not to rush to judgment. Well, that's what worries me.

The real problem as I see it is that at the present time the U.S. and its diminishing number of allies are fully aware that our military is stretched too thin as of yesterday. Our enemies, increasing in numbers and power as we speak, know that as well.

If the president decides to send more troops to Iraq, we will then become more vulnerable at home. Our allies will know that we cannot adequately protect anyone, including ourselves. They will then be less supportive.

The best thing that the president can do is to admit that he was wrong regarding Iraq and pull out while we can. It would show that he is able to do what is right even though it is somewhat late. It will show that he does have the guts to admit a clear-cut mistake, which has killed thousands and wounded many more.

Sam Chinkes, Las Vegas