Just focusing on the economics of it all, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are estimated to cost nearly $200 Billion in 2008. And, if we assume the government will act like it normally does, you can expect that price tag to be far, far higher than what they claim it will be.
As reported by the AP (vis CBS News):
Spending to cover the costs of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan next year will total nearly $200 billion, according to a budget request the White House will take to Congress next week, making 2008 the most expensive year of those conflicts to date.
The news was first reported by the Los Angeles Times, which cited unnamed Pentagon officials.
The Bush administration has earlier this year said it would need $147.5 billion for fiscal 2008, but the estimates have been raised by another $47 billion. This request is in addition to the Pentagon’s nearly half-trillion annual budget, which omits war spending but covers routine costs, including training, payrolls and weapons procurement.
To keep it simple – that’s over $16 Billion – every single month. $16 billion that’s taken from you by force and given to the merchants of death – the weapons makers, the contractors, and the like.
A war that can continually be funded through the coercive method of taxation is one that’s not easy to end.
Yet another reason why the income tax needs to go.