If 60,000 more troops are needed then 60,000 more troops should be sent

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

And if zero troops are needed then zero troops should be sent.

And if we should pull out tomorrow then we should pull out tomorrow.

The one thing I am absolutely certain we should not do in Afghanistan is some "middle course" calculated to please everyone.

I am sick to death of these pointless compromises and magic numbers.

The stimulus must be below 1 trillion. Why? No rational reason whatsoever.

The health insurance reform must be below 1 trillion. Why? Because a trillion sounds scary.

McChrystal asks for 40,000 more troops. He then presents plans for 20K, 40K and 60K. Does that make 40K "just right"?

Just because there is a range of choices doesn't make sending 20,000 more troops dovish. If there is no reason to send more troops then sending 20,000 would be insane, not moderate.

If there is some persuasive reason that sending more troops accomplishes some vital national interest then why stint? Send 100,000 if it would actually help secure a vital national interest.

But if sending more troops is just some circle-jerk to look like were are "serious people" then don't send any.

The key phrase is "vital national interest."