Aside from the real human costs of the conflict in Iraq, there is a staggering financial cost. Linda Bilmes documents some of these costs in today’s New York Times. Bilmes notes that at current levels, the Iraqi conflict is costing the US approximately $6 billion a month to maintain — that’s $6,000,000,000 per month. Based on present census estimates that’s $21.00 for every man, woman, child, and infant in the US. Now, maybe $21/month doesn’t seem like a lot; look around when you are having your morning coffee, walking on the street, driving home — each and every person owes $21, and that’s just been to maintain the present situation. Meanwhile our troop still cannot get the protective armor they need. Feel like your getting your money’s worth?
This $6,000,000,000/month does not include the cost of long term medical care for the thousands of soldiers wounded in Iraq — a cost the current administration is trying to reduce by cutting the benefits to our vetrens. Meanwhile, Mr. Bush continues to fight to make his tax cuts for the wealthiest permanent. After all, what’s $21/month to someone who earns 1000 times that? – which is about where the bulk of Mr.Bush’s tax cuts begin to take effect.
Overall, this conflict is shaping up to be the most financially costly in American history. Let us hope that it doesn’t to cost us equally in suffering and humanity.
