Who Has Hurt America More? OBL or GWB? (Part I)
Doing the simple arithmetic does not give us a pretty picture.
George Bush's un-provoked, unnecessary, and largely unilateral invasion and unplanned occupation of Iraq (UULUIUOI) has cost our nation more in blood than Osama bin Laden.
OBL: Total Deaths - All 9/11 Attacks: 3,030
OBL: Total Injuries - All 9/11 Attacks: 2,337
GWB: Total US KIA in Iraq): 2,500
GWB: Total U.S. WIA in Iraq (not counting those troops wounded and returned to combat): 8,501
Sources:
Iraq Coalition Casualty Count
Viking-Phoenix
George Bush's un-provoked, unnecessary, and largely unilateral invasion and unplanned occupation of Iraq (UULUIUOI) has cost our nation more in blood than Osama bin Laden.
OBL: Total Deaths - All 9/11 Attacks: 3,030OBL: Total Injuries - All 9/11 Attacks: 2,337
GWB: Total US KIA in Iraq): 2,500
GWB: Total U.S. WIA in Iraq (not counting those troops wounded and returned to combat): 8,501
Sources:
Iraq Coalition Casualty Count
Viking-Phoenix
posted by Vigilante at 6/16/2006 09:27:00 AM
14 Moderated Comments:
Vigilante, to be honest with you, I find this post some what of a reach. If not a clear case of the proverbial apples and oranges then at least an over reaction of sorts.
Yes, this might be a case of apples and oranges but after 9/11 we were a united nation and now we are divided along political fault lines like few times before. With civil liberties eroding like a sandy beach in a hurricane and the federal government going into debt to China at warp speed I would have to say that Bushy has been worse to this country than Osama.
Your right recidivist, the cost in lives is light years more important than anything else.
By no means am I arguing that Bush doesn't have blood in his hands. What I am arguing about is that, in a technical and in a legal sense, Osama commited a murder and W. a manslaughter. There is no way that even this president knowingly went to butcher his own but it all turns out to be that way because of his lack of understanding and intellect. The final results might not be too different but surely the intent was.
So, you are saying then that Bush's intent and plan was to kill American soldiers? Sorry pal, as much as I detest your "esteemed" president, this is a bit too hard to swallow! I have no problem you calling Bush a war criminal, which in my estimation he is, but from there to a murderer of his own troops is a leap that perhaps would be better left undone. In a way you (Americans) have reached a sort of fever pitch in your political debating by exagerating your points thus shutting the ears of your opponents and making exchanging ideas impossible. This is what, I am afraid, Vigilante did with this post.
Hey, chill-out guys & girls. This here should be a big tent. Pekka has proven he belongs amongst us. So back off. Why quibble over the number of angels on the head of a pin? Pekka is a good guy. Let's share the love around? OK Already!
Sorry, Pekka and beachbum: I'm with vigilante. But, I also agree with bloggingforfood: Pekka (and vigilante) are good guys.
I feel Bush is guilty of war crimes. He knew there were no WMDs and insisted on war anyway. To me, that's murder. Check out Iraq Body Count for the deaths of innocent civilians.
When questioned by a soldier about the lack of appropriate military armament, Rummy stated "You have to fight the war you've been given." In other words, to hell with our troops?
Although a long article, Fatal Inaction from the Washington Post provides a chilling glimpse of this war.
BTW, vigilante, hope you don't mind. We added The Vigil link to Swiftspeech.
Hope you don't mind. We're always on the lookout for great sites. If you do, let us know, and we'll remove the link.
Thanks for the great post and comments. Best to you all!
Wow, where should I start and what should I say?
No doubt, Messenger, that Bush&Co was hell bent to have their quick and easy victory in Iraq to establish an American hegemony not just in that country but in the whole region. These neocons seem to have sort of a unshakeable conviction that they have the monopoly on truth and thus they don't seem to bother to verify any information that goes along with their preconcieved notions. There were obviously some convenient truth bending involved, too, but this is unfortunately the way politics is today, regardless of the party. This particular point is the one that ultimately led to the intelligence meltdown that we all are so familiar. Also those hanger on expat Iraqis along with the character like the CIA director Tennet contributed to firm those illusions and pipe dreams that the White House gang hold so dear. To a man these guys were 100% sure that the war would be quick and almost bloodless as far as your troops were concerned and they turned out to be right. Everything else, though, went and is still going as wrong as it possibly could. This is a genuine surprise to them which we Europeans couldn't and still can't quite comprehend. This is why I am saying that even if the Bush adminstration has blood in their hands and one of the history's biggest budget screw ups, they are not competing in the same category as monsieur Osama. Messenger, please, never call me Mr. again!:)
Blogging4food, how nice of you to come to my rescue but I don't mind people getting a bit angry with me because that's democracy in action, isn't it?
Stella, why should you be sorry by not agreeing with me? More often than not, I tend to be wrong. Besides, you know that I am putty in your hands.
We are still a bit off what my so called point is. I am simply saying that Bush, having his almost cult like beliefs (among other things) blinding him, was not able or willing to see the dire consequences of this adventure. As much as I appreciate your points, I still come somewhat short of considering these gents. as being equal terrorist against America but certainly Bush "wins" the bad guy competition in Iraq. Your points, once again, were superb.
There are limits, though, what I am willing to tolerate. There is no way that I let you sit by Stella without a fight! :)
I was about to thank Stella for settling this group back into its familiar congeniality, until I read further. ;-)
Now, I'll just thank her for her gracious linking of our associated sites to her Swiftspeech. Once you stop there, you will include it in your routine.
Well, don't think about just passing through, Vigilante, without assigning the seating in here. Shirking responsibilities is what it is....
Why doesn't everyone just come with me to the Magic Kingdom? I know this great French restaurant in EPCOT were we can talk this all through. But it will be separate checks.
Hold the freakin' plane! I'm packing!
Messenger, it would be an honor to hang out with you, Pekka, vigilante, beach bum, recidivist, and all of the wonderful people here at The Vigil for some suds. Interesting points, recidivist!
Pekka always provides good thought-provoking comments for intelligent exchanges. My goodness, though, thank you. (~blush~) Didn't know I could still do that!
And, to you, also vigilante. You have a truly great blog. I couldn't resist a link your site to Swiftspeech. Thanks for your compliments and another (~blush~).
As far as Epcot, maybe we can get a group discount? Take care, all.
Post a Comment
<< Home