Put American Security First - "No Cuts to Our National Guard"

Dear Mr. President,

I am concerned about the choices you are making regarding America’s national security. First, I was shocked as I watched you dig in your heels to protect a deal that would have allowed a foreign country with terrorist ties to take over six major U.S. shipping ports. Now, I am worried about your plans to cut the National Guard.

The National Guard plays a valuable role in protecting America. I respect the sacrifices Guard members are making in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world. And I appreciate the work the Guard does in our states during times of crisis, as we saw following Hurricane Katrina. It seems that with every passing day Americans come to rely more and more on the National Guard. In fact, just a few days ago, Arizona Gov. Napolitano called a state of emergency to send in the National Guard to protect her state’s borders - a move she had to make because the federal government is failing to secure our borders.

Mr. President, given how much America relies on the National Guard, why did you create a budget that cuts the Guard’s funding and trims 17,000 members from it? And why does your administration plan to cut a total of 45,000 Guard members over the next few years? As a citizen who is concerned about our country’s national security future, I urge you to withdraw your proposed cuts to the National Guard. Further, I am asking that you increase your commitment to the Guard to ensure that they have the resources they need to protect our country. As you know, much of the equipment that went with the Guard overseas hasn’t returned to the states that paid for it, which means in some states the Guard may not have the tools it needs to do its job if disaster should strike.

The top priority for the government is to protect its citizens. Mr. President, I know I can count on the National Guard, but can the National Guard count on you?

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Address]