The Real Costs of the Iraq War

The costs of the Iraq are are enormous in many ways. First and foremost is in lives, both of the Iraqis and the military. It seems that every month is the 'deadliest month recorded so far' and this stastistic doesn't seem to be changing any time soon. One must remember that when this war is over (whatever that means) veterans health care and replacement of equipment lost in the war will have to be addressed. And if you take the 'you break it, you own it' line, the money that it will take to 'fix' a broken Iraq (if that can even be done) is unimaginable. Just because the war is declared over doesn't mean the dollars stop flowing.

Here at home, many vital programs have been underfunded or ignored during this period as well. Security in our ports, health care, social security and infrastructure come to mind although there are many others. These issues must be tackled while trying to keep America fiscally sound.

This is not a pretty topic nor is it one that will simply go away by pretending that it does not exist. It's going to require some tough decisions and some that many will not like. Aren't these issues that should have been discussed way back when talk of war came over the horizon?

We must look at wasteful spending in the budget, revisit the massive tax cuts and cut our dependence on foreign capitol for starters. It is also essential that America cut its' dependence on foreign oil and finally develop renewable sources of energy.

The costs of this war (over 500 billion to date) not only today but long term are serious. The choices that must be made won't be pretty. I just hope that we have the leadership that will tackle this and not simply try, as in the past, to put the hard choices off. It's not fair to us and especially to the next generation. .