Actually I found AC's post to be eloquent, idealistic and yet ultimately shallow and lacking in historical reference. Modern history proves that economic dysfunction is the catalyst of most military endeavors.
As a contribution to GDP or as a budget deficit commiserate with production levels, Iraq is lacking in impact. To guy's in their 20's who know little of history Iraq seems like this giant, expensive quagmire. It isn't on a relative scale.
Iraq is the cheapest war we've ever fought. Both in terms of real money and in casualties. (which doesn't justify it)
Without the "Tech collapse" and deep recession following 9/11, I doubt the invasion of Iraq would have occurred.
I also have full faith that Al Gore would've sought a stimulative war just as did George Bush.
Ironically, one of the abject failures of the war has been the inability of the administration to fire up a fully employed American electorate who during the war saw their homes triple and stocks double. War is best sold as a remedy to economic calamity.
One of the greatest market rallies ever was WWl's "war bride boom."
Without the inflation that engulfed Germany in the 20's followed by horrific depression, it's doubtful Hitler would've found a viable political career. A depression weary Europe welcomed WWll.
America wasn't doing much better. 14.6% of American's were unemployed in 1940. The war brought that figure down to 1.9% in 1943. Of course 500,000 dead soldiers helped get that number in line. (startling considering the U.S. population was 150,000).
Korea, Vietnam and Iraq all suffered the same P.R. problem. Content people don't have the will for conflict.
There's a big trickle down effect from deficits. AC doesn't recognize that concept.
The HAL executive builds a new home in Aspen. Bingo, Mexican laborers being rewarded by Iraq. I stayed at a Fairfield Inn near Ft. Knox. The place was packed with African-Americans visiting their sons and daughters who're serving. Every bit of that trillion dollars finds it's way back into the economy. Even if it's just our HAL exec tipping an extra dollar at breakfast.
One can only imagine the effect an even bigger, more expensive war can have on a smaller economy.
