It appears that our new congressional majority will engage in “symbolic votes” rather than support Ted Kennedy’s desire to deny funds for any increase in the number of troops. A vote is expected on a non-binding resolution in opposition to any surge, presumably because most Democrats and enough Republicans see the new military mission as hopeless, which raises a question they will all want to duck: if the mission is unworthy of the risk and hardships that additional troops will face, why should those already there continue to face them? Such symbolism risks damaging the morale of troops being sent in harm’s way while having no effect on the strategy or mission.