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Iraq
SUPPORTING OUR MILITARY
Our military represents the finest
in the world and we must never forget to support them regardless how we as
individuals might feel about the present situation. By support I mean making
sure they have the proper equipment while they are in harms way and provide them
with both financial along with educational opportunities upon their return. We
must find a way to bring our troops home soon!
THE WAR
I believe the pre-emptive strike
on Iraq was an illegal action, not necessary and counter-productive. It's
implementation has created a threat to all citizens who travel abroad as well as
our own domestic security. In addition, it has jeopardized our vital
international interests throughout the world.
The war has placed our troops in
harms way and was sold to the American people under false pretences. How can one
successfully fight a war when you can't identify the enemy? I have no
doubt that the war in Iraq has and will continue to increase world terrorism.
In my opinion, you cannot force democracy from the barrel of our gun. Democracy
requires all citizens to want it, not just a few elites. Iraq has many different
cultures, non of which have been taken into consideration prior to attempting to
force democracy within its boundaries.
THE COST
In April 2003, Congress
appropriated approximately $54 billion dollars for the Iraq War and $70 billion
dollars in November 2003, the third funding was $21.5 billion as part of regular
appropriations for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2005 and the latest
in April 2005 when they appropriated another $58 billion dollars. The cost to
date represents over $204 billion dollars.
WHO WILL PAY?
Assuming the war in Iraq
continues, our children will bear the primary responsibility of paying off the
debt created by this war for many years to come .
OUR COST IN LIVES
As of now there are over
thirty-four-hundred American soldiers who have thus far been killed in Iraq as well as
an additional 24,000 wounded for life.
American Casualties
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