The True Cost of War

[dweller]

by Cindy Sheehan

This immoral invasion and occupation of Iraq has cost the world so much. George and his reckless war of choice have cost the
American taxpayers billions of dollars that could be better spent at home. Judging from Katrina, Iraq has cost our country much of
its security. It has cost the US any good standing we enjoyed in the world community. It cost America the post 9/11 good will from
almost the entire world. We Americans are the laughing stock of the world community. Not only is our callous and careless
leadership disdained, but we the people are scorned because we "re"-elected George for a 2nd term and not only that, we are
allowing him to continue to mislead our country into ruin.

The price many of us are paying is so much costlier than the mere monetary expense or loss of reputation. Over 2000 American
families have paid the price of our dear loved ones to the insanity. Over 15,000 of our young people are wounded with over 400 of
those being amputees. The Veterans Administration estimates that over ¼ of our children will come home with Post-traumatic
Stress Disorder. I believe that number is higher, because I know of many cases where the military refuses to allow soldiers to seek
treatment for PTSD. Many of them are sent back to battle if they even dare suggest they may be suffering from PTSD. Even if they
are not wounded emotionally or physically, or killed, our soldiers will not come home entirely whole.

I was standing in front of the White House the other day when the indictments against Scooter were handed down. I was helping to
hold a banner that said: Support our Troops: Bring Them Home Now.

When we received word of the indictments, many of us protestors outside the White House were cheering with happiness and relief.
At last, someone could be held accountable for the lies that led our country into a disastrous invasion of Iraq. But I wasn't cheering. I
put down my end of the banner and sat down on the curb and cried.

Scooter is just a lap dog for Cheney. ...

http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1101-24.htm

dp

[knowbody0]

1. and now i'm weeping!

[dweller]

2. you are not alone

in that.



dp

[cassiepriam]

3. Profiles in Courage. God Bless you Cindy and keep you safe.

[teryang]

4. A sovereign nation lies in ruins

Sovereign no longer. Both are in ruins. War profiteers doing fine.