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 $2.4 Trillion to Keep the Wars GoingPosted on Oct 26, 2007The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan could cost $2.4 trillion over the next 10 years, a figure that includes interest for putting war costs on the proverbial credit card. To date, the two conflicts have cost more (adjusted for inflation) than the Korean and Vietnam wars combined. Keep in mind that the estimate does not include little details like the impact on the economy and, perhaps most significant of all, the cost of lost opportunities. It requires imagination, but consider the effect that an input of $2.4 trillion could have on our education system and, by extension, our global competitiveness. Of course the list goes on. For example, what increase in stability and security might we reap from a $2.4-trillion investment in solar energy? It’s a fun, if depressing, game. Give it a try in the comments.
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Washington’s Overrated ‘Old Hands’
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By DennisD, October 26, 2007 at 7:41 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
$2.4 trillion over the next 10 years - is that all.
That’s ashtray change for the oil companies.
Fortunately we have responsible people in Congress who won’t allow this to continue.
I almost choked, I laughed so hard when I typed that last line.
Anyone want to guess what the dollar will be worth 10 years from now at the current rate of devaluation.
Report thisWhen people like Ron Paul, Mike Gravel and Dennis Kuchinch ask how we’re going to pay for all the new programs the “front-running” candidates are falling all over themselves announcing each week, we’d better damn well be asking the same question. Because 10 years from now millionaires will be on welfare the way this country is going. Just where will that put everyone else.
By rodney, October 26, 2007 at 3:23 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
In about 30 years when Social Security goes broke ask the rebuilt country of Iraq can they spare a dime.
Report thisBy ocjim, October 26, 2007 at 2:57 pm #
The war and the Republican deficit are so obscene that we all need to communicate our disgust to all our leaders lest they think—including the irresponsible Democrats—that we aren’t serious about their criminal—and I don’t use that term lightly—actions and inactions regarding this reckless and profligate spending. We all must realize that this mindless decision, and it is a conscious decision, will probably ruin our country at least in the long term. If it doesn’t bring our country down, it will bring down the standard of living for every man, woman and child who lacks the privileges of the top 1%. Our so-called leaders are bleeding us dry and the cause is not our cause. It is for a few warmongers and war profiteers. We must do something about this Bush outrage.
Report thisBy Artist General, October 26, 2007 at 10:44 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
Been thinkin’ lately--’bout librul by-iss in the Meduhya. Why ain’t prag ress seen when it’s right in are phace, huh? like, othur day, a billyun or so came up UF ("Unaccounted For")...one uh the last times that HAPened, (Sic Sik SiK) you mite ream ember, the figgur was, like, wut, niner TEN billyun. Why ain’t THAT reap orted as prawgress, huh? eh? a 70 or more perscent improovmint, fokes: waik up and smell the coughy, ya leftbehindy bingdatz!!
BUSHELZEBUBBANATION (Ghost in the War Machine--HooYa Gonna Call)
Report thishttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYe7D6hJtRU
By Christopher, October 26, 2007 at 9:51 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
All Speaker Botox has to do is use her authority as Speaker of the House of Representatives to close down the appropriations committees in-charge of funding Bush’s war.
She can tell Bush, “You have the money currently in the Pentagon’s coffers to spend as you wish but not a penny more will be approved by this House for the Iraq war.”
But instead, she is wasting time on SCHIP II (because Bush has said he will veto it), attending galas for the Human Rights Campaign, and attending pow-wows for the Dalai Lama for swell photo-ops.
The real question people need to ask is, why won’t Speaker Botox use her Constitutionally mandated power to end Bush’s war?
Report thisBy boggs, October 26, 2007 at 9:41 am #
The Republican theme is “Don’t worry, be happy.” This is possible because China is financing the war.
Report thisThey would have us believe this debt is so minute it can be squared away in ten years.
I believe they are not facing the fact that in another couple years there won’t be a middle class to pay this huge debt.
Then what? Will they actually let the wealthy pay it? Through taxation?
By G. Hynson, October 26, 2007 at 9:08 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
Not only Iran, what about those comments regarding Cuba, he (Bush) is out of control just like the spending.
Report thisBy weather, October 26, 2007 at 8:04 am #
Israel’s gifts to America: Acrimony, angst and an inexhaustable supply of manipulating deceit - all very carefully packaged and all at our immense expense.
This isn’t a relationship its a bribe and its Ugly.
Report thisBy Dr. Knowitall, PhD, PhD, October 26, 2007 at 8:03 am #
I have an old Simplicity rider mower I’d be willing to sell and contribute the proceeds, after taxes, etc., toward the war effort. I only ask you throw in a goat to keep my grass short. I think if everyone made this kind of sacrifice, it would send a message to all those terrorists out there that we’re united with our aministration and congress against the forces evil. Failing this kind of proactive resolve, I don’t see any way we’re going to be able to handle this bill. We still have the S&L;thing from 30 years ago and we’re not allowed to “tax and spend” which I guess also rules out “spend and tax.” All those experts on TV are telling Americans to get their debt in control. Don’t you wonder, 1) Do they ever preach to the government and 2) does the gov.’s fiscal irresponsibility have any effect on John and Jane Average’s financial condition? F***in’ DUH!?
Report thisBy Peter, October 26, 2007 at 7:16 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
You have to wonder how much of that money trickles into the Bush and Cheney family bank accounts?!
Report thisBy G.Anderson, October 26, 2007 at 6:55 am #
And Now Iran.
Recently in the news there were reports indicating that hidden in the recent budget, was a request for a large amount of money so that stealth fighters could be modified to carry 30,000 pound bunker buster bombs.
In the Iraq Iran war in the 80’s each side lost almost a million men a piece.
How many causalties are we going to sustain?
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