Like many Iowans, I am convinced we must extract our forces swiftly from our misguided involvement in Iraq without endangering our ground troops there. Political progress in Iraq has been too slow and the human and financial cost is simply too great. Bear in mind, in addition to the tragedy of almost 4,000 lives lost, we now spend $338 million in Iraq every single day. Ironically, this is almost exactly the same amount ($343 million) we borrow every day to finance this war.
As troubling as the damage done to our economy, by concentrating all our resources in Iraq, we are neglecting other potential trouble spots. For example, Senators Biden and Kerry returned recently from Afghanistan and Pakistan warning of an Al Qaeda resurgence there due in part to our current military focus solely on Iraq.
A recent comment by General George W. Casey, Jr., Army chief of staff, testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, accurately summarizes the situation. "The cumulative effects of the last six-plus years at war have left our Army out of balance, consumed by the current fight and unable to do the things we know we need to do to properly sustain our all-volunteer force." Well stated, General Casey.
- The Economy & The War in Iraq, Factsheet from Speaker Pelosi, February 13, 2008
- "Hidden Costs to the War in Iraq" Rep. Murtha in Huffington Post, January 28, 2008
- "Senate Democrats Focus on Economic Cost of War" by David Herszenhorn. The New York Times, February 27, 2008
- "Senate Democrats Focus on Economic Cost of War" by David Herszenhorn. The New York Times, February 27, 2008
