Reply #16: Kerry didn't say that, but he certainly implied it.

[Clarkie1]

I tend to agree...if they propose a surge, demand a hearing. If they refuse to speak before the hearings (can they do that?) then certainly oppose the surge. If they are cooperative with the hearing, listen. Listening is always good. Even more importantly, ASK THE TOUGH QUESTIONS. Then we would have a stronger foundation to oppose the surge. Also, we could potentially even use it as leverage to get more regional dialogue going by the administration. We will oppose a troop surge unless you do A,B.C...etc.

The issue isn't the number of troops, it's the overall policy. We should also demand any increase in troops be temporary, for a specific goal while emphasizing our determination that the military cannot solve the problem. Or, we might decide we should oppose an increase, but we need to listen to what they have to say; we will then operate from a position of greater strength instead of just yelling back and forth.