Calling Up the Troops

It's time once again to play "What If," the game millions (well, ok maybe not millions) of Americans have found a delightful alternative to the sport of politics. In "What If" players are asked to consider,"What If a Democrat Did What President Bush Did?" Winners are eligible for a grand prize which has yet to be announced. (Note: This game is prohibited in all states where Republicans control the statehouse.)

This week our subject is the Pentagon's decision to call up more than 5,000 vets who had already left the service. They are needed to fill holes in the army's overextended ranks. As the NYT explained, these people, in contrast to those who are in the reserves, "have not been associated with the armed services since their departure from the Army — except to register their location — and have not been training with a unit."