Between Iraq And A Hard Place

I do not intend to get into a pissing match with the Repubicans over John Kerry's words about studying hard or you will end up in Iraq.John Kerry(a decorated war veteran) is smart enough to know that there are many,many,many,smart and brave people choosing military service.

And I-never having been in the service-hardly seem the right person to be defending Senator Kerry in this matter.And yet,here I am.

I believe the best way for civilians to support our troops is by voting for the political candidates that they believe would least likely put our troops in harms way unnecessarily.

So what then do I suppose John Kerry meant by his remarks?Just this:The military is a great career option to choose,but it shouldn't be the only option for a young person to be forced to choose.

Here are the facts:In October,2006,103 of our troops lost their lives in Iraq.

Since the war began in March of 2003,two thousand,seven hundred and seventy five soldiers have lost their lives in Iraq.

Over twenty thousand troops have been injured.

As of this date$338,840,996,400.00 of U.S. Tax payer's money has been spent on the Iraqi War.

It is estimated that before the war is over,America will spend 3-4 trillion dollars on the war.

In resent months,attacks on Americans in Iraq have increased 43%.

Since August,2001:2,700,ooo manufacturing jobs have been lost in America.

America's trade deficit-at $716.7 billion-set a fifth consecutive annual record.

Since Jan.,2001,America has lost one out of every six manufacturing jobs.

Over 43.3 million Americans have no health insurance.Over half of these uninsured are employed.

The cost of college tuition outpaces inflation.

The national average cost for the 2006-07 public college year tuition is $5,836.00.This is a 6.3% increase.

The average price of a private college tuition is$6,290.00.This is a 6.9% increase.

Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11.

There were no WMT's.

There is no proof that our plan of making Iraq a democracy is working.

According to our president,we are no longer staying the course.

Just who owes who an apology here?