Count the Cost

Today's editorial in the Daily News-Record:

The audience of NBC’s "Today" show Friday heard anchor Ann Curry say that several American soldiers are accused of killing Iraqi civilians. (The "Today" producers and writers love stories like this.) What was not heard was any analysis of how the war in Iraq is going.

For that, curious citizens have to read Michael Yon, a blogger who is in Iraq and has been in almost every battle for several years. This month he was with American troops during "Operation Arrowhead Ripper," – the battle for the city of Baquhah.

"The big news on the streets today is that the people of Baquhah are generally ecstatic, although many hold in reserve a serious concern that we will abandon them again. For many Iraqis, we have morphed from being invaders to occupiers to members of a tribe. I call it the "al Ameriki tribe," or "tribe America," he writes.

I have no doubt that what Mr. Yon is reporting is true.  I'm absolutely sure that the events in are happening.  I'm also sure that polling is important but only a tool to help us understand what's going on in the "hearts and minds."  In this case progress is measured in VERY small increments and is celebrated with a very LONG editorial. 

My problem is also with the math.  The first number: 441 BILLION dollars so far.  Are we getting our money's worth?  Isn’t this an astronomical figure with no end in sight for these types of incremental results?  When we safeguard a city like Baquhah, are we really able to guarantee that the citizens of this town will REMAIN safe after the troops leave?  Where are the Iraqi’s?

The second number: 200,000 United States citizens who no longer live in New Orleans.  Didn't we promise to rebuild their city?  This is but one example of government funding for war and imperialism in the name of national security having a serious effect at home in America.  Homeland security is threatened by huge numbers of vacancies in vital HOMELAND missions.  Why aren’t these vacancies being filled?  Folks, it’s the Coast Guard and FEMA!  It’s hurricane season!  Anyone feel safer because of all the manpower and money spent on the little town of Baquhah and others like it? 

The third number: 67% of American citizens who now feel that the war in Iraq should be ended.  It’s America!  The people’s voice has been heard.  This war was WON; it’s time for the Iraqi people to make their own history.  To hear so-called “conservatives” continue to support extremist views is contrary to the will of the American people.  The far right (33%) is carrying the day and winning the debate as long as we are there.  True conservatives are beginning to count the cost of the war and are returning to their Goldwater/Eisenhower heritage.  Support for the war continues to erode. America is counting the cost.

The two biggest questions remain... What exactly are we doing there?  and..  How exactly is our occupation of Iraq making us safer HERE? Anyone?

UPDATE

Nancy Pelosi is now my new hero!  Here is her contribution to my recent post, "Count the Cost." Thanks to Greg Sargent on Josh Marshall’s blog.

“Think about what $10 billion a month would mean to protecting Americans from terrorism, improving security at our ports and airports, and increasing border security. Think about what $10 billion a month would mean for the 47 million Americans who don’t have health insurance, for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina, and for the education of our children. Think about what $10 billion a month would mean to lowering the deficit so that future generations are not burdened with debt.

“The American people are outraged at the Bush Administration’s misplaced priorities -- that is why Congress will hold the Administration accountable with votes this month to end the war and redeploy the troops. This will include a vote on legislation to begin redeployment of our troops within 120 days and to conclude by April 1, 2008, with the exception of those remaining in Iraq to fight terrorists and protect our diplomats.

“The date-certain legislation gives our Republican colleagues another opportunity to join Democrats in heeding the wishes of the American people, who want to wind down this war and bring our troops home.”

I’m all for our Republican friends to join in support of ending the war!  Let’s all start with our own congressmen.  Write them now!