The cost of war-your community's contribution to the war

[w8liftinglady]

http://nationalpriorities.org/cms/costofwar

I used this calculator in my latest ltte

In December 2005,I wrote a holiday letter endorsing the end of the insanity in Iraq and the support of our wounded veterans at home,and hoped it would be my last on the subject.In December 2006,I wrote a letter in endorsing the end of the insanity in Iraq and the support of our wounded veterans at home,and hoped it would be my last on the subject.Here we are at Christmastime in 2007,and the insanity in Iraq continues,and our wounded veterans flounder in our own country.Most people in America have shrugged their shoulders and allowed themselves to be ruled like so many sheep.

The Iraq War has cost Americans $477,227,171,324.00.In Ellis County alone,we have paid $276 million dollars in extra taxes to support the Iraq War.Here is what we COULD have done with the money:
-hired 6,618 public safety officers
-provided 60,000 people with health care
-provided 39,500 scholarships for college students
-hired 4,900 music and arts teachers
-fit 210,000 homes with renewable energy sources

And our veterans-
Since the beginning of the Iraq War,approximately 38,000 servicemembers have been transported to medical facilities for treatment of their injuries.Yet,many,many more have invisible injuries due to traumatic brain injury and PTSD.I am a member of Veterans for America.We have held hearings that indicate that our "Thankful Nation" has refused payment to 22,500 servicemembers who gave all in multiple deployments to Iraq,only to have their PTSD diagnosed as "pre-existing personality disorders"
Our "Thankful Nation" has no problem deploying National Guard and Reservists on multiple tours to a war zone,but make no provisions for their sacrifice as their families become bankrupt at home.
Our "Thankful Nation" has allowed 400,000 veterans to become homeless,through OUR neglect to provide care for them when they came home.
Our "Thankful Nation" has ignored the deaths of 3,892 servicemembers,chosing to focus on Hannah Montana tickets and Brittney's flings.

Presidential,Congressional and Senate primaries will arrive before we know it.Are you going to vote for the same breed of people who have created this disgrace?We,as Americans,need to examine our consciences this holiday season,and let our well-informed consciences dictate our votes.
Happy Holidays.

[ThomWV]

1. Actually you haven't paid $276 Million in extra taxes, its your children who will

[w8liftinglady]

2. good point-i'll mention that in my next letter

[undeterred]

3. Check out this progressive economists website:

http://www.realeconomy.com/

Its sobering to thing how much the war is bankrupting our present and our future.

[w8liftinglady]

4. thank you for that site

this seems to be the only thing my neo-con neighbors relate to