Perspective

It's something I wish more people had when it comes to the cost of Iraq. No death is small, and the 2800 US service men & women killed there are a high-price to pay. Especially at a time when we must wonder what exactly they will have given themselves to pay for.

At the risk of being crass, however, I would note taking a bigger perspective demands that such numbers be put in context. We've accomplished much though not nearly all in Iraq in 3 1/2 years. It has come at a price, but not as high as we've paid in the past.

This link, though I wish it could be done without the sarcasm, makes the point more forcefully:

"On a related note, at the current rate the US military death toll will surpass that of the 1.5-year long Mexican War (13283) in another 10 or 12 years or so."

On yet another side note, that means we'll hit Vietnam in about another 30 years after that.