Kossacks,
I could use a bit of help trying to answer a question: is the war in Iraq preventing the National Guard from doing what's needed now in Southern California? I don't know the answer, since I don't know enough about the Guard and how stretched it is right now.
I grew up in San Bernardino County, not far from the fires now burning near the 15 Freeway. While my family down there is not currently at any risk, the fire has been very much on my mind. But I wonder: is California getting enough help from its National Guard? Schwartzanegger has sent 1500 members of the Guard to help with the fires. But is it enough? Is that as many members of the Guard that we need, or is that all we can spare that aren't in Iraq?
What do people know about the situation in California? What are the facts here?