They Were the Best of Times, They Were the Worst of Times
I thought of A. Douglas, from Providence, today:
This past summer has been the bloodiest summer of the war for U.S. soldiers; Iraqi deaths from sectarian violence have doubled this year; and there is no political progress in Iraq. This is not a policy that deserves more time.
It is way beyond the time to redeploy our troops, time’s up for this illegal invasion, and let Iraqis take hold of their own government, without outside interference.
When I read this:
US military losses in Iraq for September stood at 70 on Sunday, the lowest monthly figure since July last year, according to an AFP tally based on Pentagon figures.
The figure also marks the fourth consecutive drop in the monthly death toll following a high of 121 in May. June saw 93 deaths, July 82 and August 79. The monthly toll in July 2006 was 53.
Yeah. We’re definitely doing something wrong. Let’s pull the troops out so the real bloodbath can begin.
Justin,
I am honestly confused as to what you’re saying.
Douglas says Iraqi deaths are up. The AP story says that Us military deaths are going down. Both might be true. IF both are true, what are you saying should we conclude?
You’re reading Douglas selectively. Emphasis added:
But even if he/she were making a point about native deaths, the call to redeploy troops is misplaced.
Outstanding news from Iraq, Justin! Indubitably! Were you able to venture outside the green zone? And do it without all that clunky, ill-fitting (not too mention fashion disaster!) body armor? Do tell.
With all of this positive news bursting forth, surely you will reenlist?
Soon Iraq will once again be an eden of “flowery meadows and rainbow skies, and rivers made of chocolate, where the children danced and laughed and played with gumdrop smiles”.
Stay brave!! You’re making a difference. Mission accomplished.
Ah. Thanks. Maybe more careless reading than selective. I now see that, assuming both writers are accurate, declined from June to August, but are higher than previous years for the summer overall.