We, the undersigned, stand in stark and unified opposition to your proposed plan to leave 3000 combat troops behind in Iraq following the scheduled withdrawal of American troops from that country on December 31, 2011. We are all aware that, in the run-up to the scheduled withdrawal date of December 31, there has been an increasing debate about both the advisability of actually leaving Iraq and the dangers that our troops may well face as they embark upon a withdrawal. Many have noted that Iraq is still an active war zone, with many internal rivalries. The possibility of an all-out civil war looms large, and it has been argued that all of the gains, hard won by our brave soldiers, will evaporate into an abyss of violence and bloodshed, much the same as occurred in Vietnam in 1975. Many have also noted the road from Baghdad, which our troops will be traversing during their exit from Iraq, is fraught with danger, seemingly indicating that Iraq is still a war zone and that our troops are still at risk in that country. A more disturbing development, and to the point of this current letter, is your recent proposal to leave 3000 combat troops behind in Iraq, following the withdrawal of the main combat forces. It is our understanding that the exact rationale for leaving those troops behind has not yet been clearly formulated, nor has the actual decision to leave them been finalized. On the very face of it, your proposal to leave the 3000 behind appears to be reckless and disregarding of the safety of those brave American troops who have already given so much for their country during this war. In fact, it has been noted that your proposal is in direct opposition to the advice of your own military commanders, who have warned against leaving such a reduced number of troops in Iraq. Again, we are reminded of the disastrous events that unfolded in Vietnam when politicians overrode military advice. Sir, you owe our troops and our country a full and open explanation of both the rationale for your proposal and the measures that will be taken to insure the security of those who are left behind. We will not stand quietly by when it appears that the security of our troops is being so greatly compromised. We are continuing to monitor this situation, and we looking forward to further clarification from your administration. Sincerely yours,