They aren't even asking for an estimate

[phantom power]

Somehow, there's always money for endless war

I haven't heard much concern about the cost of this Syrian operation which is kind of surprising since the last four years has been a non-stop barrage of rhetoric about the need to cut government spending, from members of both parties. We've had epic unemployment (much of it driven by government cutbacks), proposals from a democratic president to cut social security benefits, credit downgrades, and a brutal sequestration process that is resulting in painful cuts all over the country. But the only person I've seen even question the cost of a new military operation is Congressman Alan Grayson. Note the cavalier way Secretary Hagel dismisses the concern:

Grayson: "Secretary Hagel, will the military action in Syria, if it does take place, require a supplemental appropriation and, if you think not, then will you commit to that not?"

Hagel: Well, it depends on the option that the president would select. I have said that we will work with the Congress on whatever the cost of that is."
I'm going to guess that it won't be a problem getting supplemental money for this should it be necessary.

48% of newborn Americans are considered to be in or near poverty. We're cutting food stamps.

But when it comes to the cost of yet another misbegotten military operation halfway around the world, which even the proponents acknowledge is nothing more than a symbolic gesture, we don't even ask for an estimate.

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2013/09/they-arent-even-asking-for-estimate.html

[Hydra]

1. That would have to mean all the austerity arguments were bull

Because we have plenty for this...Fancy that...

[Catherina]

2. Arab countries (meaning Qatar & Saudi) are going to pick up the tab. We're renting out our military

Secretary of State John Kerry said at Wednesday’s hearing that Arab counties have offered to pay for the entirety of unseating President Bashar al-Assad if the United States took the lead militarily.

“With respect to Arab countries offering to bear costs and to assess, the answer is profoundly yes,” Kerry said. “They have. That offer is on the table.”

Asked by Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) about how much those countries would contribute, Kerry said they have offered to pay for all of a full invasion.

“In fact, some of them have said that if the United States is prepared to go do the whole thing the way we’ve done it previously in other places, they’ll carry that cost,” Kerry said. “That’s how dedicated they are at this. That’s not in the cards, and nobody’s talking about it, but they’re talking in serious ways about getting this done.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics-live/liveblog/the-houses-syria-hearing-live-updates/#e68f139f-e012-476c-876e-2467ba30e5e3

The US Military turned into mercenaries for Arab dictators.

[99th_Monkey]

4. That's Wickedly True!

the pic that is.

[99th_Monkey]

3. "WHATEVER it takes" is usually the rule of thumb

when it comes to bombing the shit out of another nation that is.

Feeding hungry, housing homeless, educating youth? .. not so much.