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February 28, 2003
The Costs of War
The latest hot topic seems to be the cost of a war on Iraq. Some pointy headed analyst is on CNN right now saying we can't afford to go to war because of its effects on the economy....variations on an old theme, you might say. And a silly theme it is, as historically war has always resulted in a big boost to the economy. But now this theme is expanding into something far worse.
Yesterday, I heard Roseanne Cash, an educated source I'm sure, on talk radio whining about the war costs...she was concerned that it was going to take money away from her kids education & healthcare, and away from funding for arts & entertainment. Guess we can count you out for a victory garden, huh Rosie...you ignorant self-centered twit.
The most insulting implication of this argument is that these bigots would rather fund exhibitions of bottles of urine containing a crucifix or photographs of a man with something disgusting stuck up his butt than to assist those who are being systematically tortured and killed by a ruthless dictator...because after all, the Iraqis aren't our problem & they could free themselves if they really wanted.
All of which ignores the brutal reality of the conditions under which the Iraqis live...and the near impossibility of a successful revolution against a dictator who kills without hesitation anyone who might oppose him. He killed two of his own sons-in-law because he wasn't sure of their loyalty, for G*d's sakes. Hello, could you people possibly get a clue? How could you possibly overthrow such a dictator from within?
It is past time to open the gates of hell and help the Iraqis get out. And add Rosie to the growing list of "celebrities" to boycott.
Posted by Rita at February 28, 2003 10:54 AM
Comments
Jeez, I wonder what Johnny thinks of this?
Seems like he always understood that sometimes, there are asses that need kicking.
Posted by: mtpolitics at February 28, 2003 05:41 PM
Remember folks... her full name is Roseanne CARTER Cash...
Posted by: Mike S at March 1, 2003 08:49 AM
I've yet to hear anyone provide a coherent explanation for the popular belief that wars are good for the economy. Of course a war can help certain segments of the economy (e.g., defense contractors) but it can only do this by diverting resources from other segments of the economy, not by creating wealth on its own. The best overall economic impact of a war on the economy is a wash - and given the near-certainty that something of value will get destroyed in the war, even that is unrealistic. So it should come as no surprise that a long, nasty war between Iraq and Iran didn't exactly create a Wirtschaftswunder for either country.
That said, there are circumstances where the cost (economic or otherwise) of not going to war can exceed the cost of fighting it. According to a story that ran on Fox News today, Iraq may be one such case.
Posted by: Xrlq at March 3, 2003 07:13 PM