What is the state of our national defense? There have been many reports that suggest our military is stretched thin and nearing a breaking point. I haven't seen or heard anything that would refute this claim. There have also been reports on how the military has lowered its standards to help meet recruiting goals, allowing people with criminal records to enlist that previously would have been unable to do so. On top of that we are using a private military company that some refer to as mercenaries. No matter what you call them, I believe most are there for money or because they like war. I doubt many people in these organizations are about serving their country, otherwise they would have enlisted in the American military. All this leaves me with a great concern of the state of our national defense.

Before the war I thought we had a military big enough to fight four or five wars like this. I wonder how much consideration was given to the effect on our national defense before invading Iraq? If we couldn't fight a war like this without criminals, private militaries, and stretching our military thin, then we shouldn't have initiated war in the first place. The only time we should risk putting ourselves in this position is when responding to an attack. After all, it is called our national defense, not our national offense.

Where does this leave us? If we are attacked is our national defense prepared? Under Article I, section 8 of the US Constitution , it states that Congress shall have power to provide for the common defense of the United States. I know the Constitution isn't too popular these days and it doesn't say they have to, but Congress has the power. I feel they have failed to use it in our best interest. Our founding fathers intended for Congress to ensure we have a strong national defense, not one like we see today. Why isn't anyone in our federal government asking for volunteers to join the military? I have asked this question of President Bush before and he certainly is included, but Congress should also be continually asking for volunteers. We live in a dangerous world and this is a time when our national defense should be strong.