Repub coworkers talking about Iraq war dead

[TXlib]

This morning, two of my republican co-workers discussed the war in Iraq in a manner I thought, just a month ago, that I'd never hear. I would characterise both as Fox-News-watching repubs who think tax cuts are THE one issue to consider.

But this morning one walks in and says to the other (his and my boss), "Hey, do you know how many US troops have been killed in Iraq since the war started?"

The other answered, "About 400..."

The first said, "No, over 500!"

The second, "Shit, that's too many..."

I piped in at that point, and said the count was 543, and IMed them this link. I pointed out the link showed how many casualties had occurred after the war was "over", and how many more wounded there were than dead.

For once, they didn't accuse me of liberal bias; instead, they stared at the numbers in somber silence.

Guys, the tide is definitely turning...

[efhmc]

1. Too sad that we need unneccesary dead to make our point. Than you for the

information.

[skypilot]

2. You should remind them...

...that troops are still getting killed in Afghanistan, also.

[TXlib]

4. That's a harder case around which to rally...

While tragic, I think more of us felt that Afghanistan was justified. My own main complaint about Afghanistan is that we neglected post-war efforts there at rebuilding infrastructure, etc.

[skypilot]

5. neglecting post-war efforts

That's actually the point I was suggesting. I wasn't clear enough. We've still got troops in Afghanistan fighting off warlords and yet most of our resources are going into Iraq which has never been tied to international terrorism.

[TXlib]

6. Ah, yes, I understand now.

You are right. That would be a good point to make.

[fudge stripe cookays]

9. And remind them that Chimpie's trying to close veteran's hospitals!

When the ones we have already are overtaxed and understaffed already!

[emanymton]

3. I Truly Hope So ...

but fear that I am projecting my desires. Am I really seeing a change? Or am I seeing something I want to see?

Bush Lied, People Died.

[catmandu57]

7. If you stopped people on the street

and asked the question how many soldiers have died since the invasion? I wonder how many would be able to even come close to the 543 dead as of today?

[Richardo]

8. Thanks for that link, TXlib...

I've been looking for something like that...