Where is the National Guard? Gov Richardson on Cal Fires

[seasat]

Bill Richardson posted this blog on Huffington Post.

It is a sad irony that yesterday, the very day I sent fire crews to California, 300 more New Mexico National Guard members were sent to Iraq. Just when we need them most at home, more of our brave men and women, true public servants, are sent away to a war we cannot win.

Never before in our history has our National Guard, a group of dedicated men and women who serve our country and provide critical aid in the time of natural disasters been used, and re-used, for so long to fight a war tens of thousands of miles away.

In California, the Guard force is authorized to have over 21,000 members. Today, that number is just under 15,000. Why the decline? I believe it has nothing to do with a diminished commitment to service, but rather is a frustration with having that commitment abused, and families turned upside down, just so President Bush can continue to pretend his war can succeed.

George Bush, his Republican friends and the Democrats who continue to allow this war to continue have not only broken our military, they've broken our National Guard.

He has sent several teams of fire fighters from New Mexico to assist California. In addition, his campaign has donated $10,0000 to the Red Cross to help with the effort. He's received praise from the California Democrats for his efforts.

[aquart]

1. I thank him. For his comments and his help.

[SpiralHawk]

2. The idea of the National Guard is to defend America

But the National Guard's most famous AWOL flunky thinks he can use the NG forever to pursue a foreign invasion oil-profits crusade overseas, based on WMD lies, to enrich his republicon cronies. Sick. Twisted.

[williesgirl]

3. He really is right and a good man - recommended

[VP505]

4. The Governor

forgot to mention that the 300 that just left New Mexico for Iraq were Air National Guard and their F-16's. I am not sure I know what is going on here that pilots, their F-16's and support mechanics would fit in the category of "need them most at home", but then maybe that's why he is Governor, he knows things that us peons don't.

[seasat]

5. How does that discount his point that sending the guard to Iraq has lowered recruitment?

There are lower numbers of California National Guard available to assist in the fire because recruitment is lower. Most folks originally went into the guard thinking that they would only be called up in times of great need, not for an unnecessary war fought for fraudulent reasons.