U.S. Death Toll in Iraq Reaches 3,000

[Moloch]

The death of a Texas soldier, announced Sunday by the Pentagon, raised the number of U.S. military deaths in Iraq to at least 3,000 since the war began, according to an Associated Press count.

Spc. Dustin R. Donica, 22, of Spring, Texas, was killed Thursday by small arms fire in Baghdad, the Defense Department said.

http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/12/31/D8MC16381.html

[democrank]

1. I want to cry.

Rest in peace, Dustin. Just 22 years old.

[RamboLiberal]

6. Ironic too that Dustin is from Texas

How the hell do you sleep well Dubya?

[Liberal_in_LA]

13. Bush sleeps just fine.

Many, who know him, describe Bush as the type who doesn't agonize over decisions. He starts wars and goes on vacation. He's doesn't give a crap about US or Iraqi deaths.

[Quantess]

50. The only thing that troubles his sleep is: what historians of the future will say about him.

He's really worried about his own legend.

[bookman]

18. Spring, Texas

So close to home for me. :(

I'm ashamed this president is from Texas.

[rebel with a cause]

19. REMEMBER THE DIXIE CHICKS!!!!

:hide: :7

[Xipe Totec]

45. Connecticut

Chimpie was born on July 6th, 1946 in New Haven Connecticut.

He's a carpetbagger.

[redeemer]

51. Ashamed Bush is from Texas

Heck, I'm ashamed Bush is from America. He is a tragic representative of this "once" great country. Sadly, I feel he represents the direction our country is headed.

[lumpy]

37. I listened to James Blunt's No bravery last night and

heartpain overwhelmed me; I cried for all who have died so needlessly in this horrible war.

[Pachamama]

2. Another young life taken away because of Bush's War....

:cry:

22 years old....

Does George W. even care? No, he's just thinking of sending more.... :puke:

[Moloch]

8. That was on Thursday.

I shudder to think whats happening now that bush has his petty vengeance against saddam.

[OhioChick]

3. Good God.......

Bring them home, now.

[nadinbrzezinski]

4. RIP

and yes we KNEW it was going to happen

[grytpype]

5. "It's a good investment," says Rice.

[maddezmom]

7. so sad for all the families

before 3000 and after. :(

[rodeodance]

38. yes. the Holiday season will never be the same for them!!

[Missy M]

9. 3,000 soldiers killed and Bush is still trying to figure out what to do...

in Iraq. The horror of it all is there's no answer, so we should bring the troops home now. Dustin Donica will never have the chance to perhaps marry, have children, enjoy another sunset and live a full life to a nice old age. All of this because Bush wanted to get Saddam and some oil. May Bush live the rest of his days haunted and tortured by all the death and destruction.

[rodeodance]

39. yes, that is the HORROR

[rodeodance]

40. yes, that is the HORROR

[rebel with a cause]

10. What, the killing hasn't stopped?

I thought Saddam dying was suppose to stop the war.:sarcasm:

I mourn the loss of our soldiers, and think bush should be held responsible for the death of 3,000, and the disabling of so many more. But I also mourn for the Iraqis and wonder how many other Americans even consider how many of them have died or be injured because of this stupid unnecessary war. A bit (just the beginning) of an interesting editorial from Newsday.com I just read is copied below.

www.newsday.com/news/opinion/ny-optir315034912dec31,0,106849.story?coll=ny-viewpoints-headlines

In Iraq, the losses Americans don't see
We focus so much on the deaths of our troops that we don't understand the suffering of Iraqis
BY JOHN TIRMAN
John Tirman is executive director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Center for International Studies.

For all the talk about the violence in Iraq, Americans are focusing little attention on the human costs to the Iraqis. The Iraq Study Group report, for example, which is a kind of national temperature gauge of the public's mood, fails to express much sympathy or regret for the chaos and colossal loss of Iraqi lives. In this oversight, if that's what it is, an essential lesson is lost about this war.

The Iraq Study Group includes a number of references to the hardship and danger for U.S. forces. It speaks of growing violence caused by insurgents, militias and criminals. But where is the analysis of the role of the U.S. military in the violence and carnage suffered by the Iraqi people?

[badgerpup]

11. So how are they going to blow THIS 'milestone' or 'benchmark' off?

6/15/2005

Q Tony, American deaths in Iraq have reached 2,500. Is there any response or reaction from the President on that?

MR. SNOW: It’s a number, and every time there’s one of these 500 benchmarks people want something.

Care to comment on this latest 'benchmark'?
:grr::nuke::puke:

[rebel with a cause]

12. Okay, I will make a comment

although I don't see the connection to what I posted.

bush met the milestone of 3,000 American deaths with the hanging of Saddam and having the media sell the story that it was Saddam's fault that Americans had died. You see they had to die in order to have him hang. Uggggggggggh. (How many news commentators does it take to screw in a light bulb?) He will meet the next milestone with another seeming victory which will just be another show put on for the fundies benefit. Hope that answers your question.

My post was not to take away from the fact that 3,000 Americans have died, but to put it into the perspective that bush (and this war) is responsible for more than that. He is also to be held accountable for the deaths of thousands upon thousands of Iraqis that have also died. Many Americans (and I have heard it said) hate Iraqis and want them all to die because of American deaths, but do not take into account that Iraqis are dying also and some as the result of the US military's actions. Who do I blame for all of this?
1)bush
2)cheney
3)rumsfield
4)rice
5)all the other bushettes (including those who voted for him in 2004)

[redwitch]

16. I think it was a question to snowjob, not you.

:-)

[leveymg]

14. This is why Saddam was hanged a day or two ago.

We're supposed to not notice the other 3,000.

[Lars39]

25. The "magical" number of 3,000 that is the same number connected to 9/11.

:(

[Cha]

29. So who are they going to hang

when the "benchmark"(fucking mcsnowjob)reaches 4,000?

[DainBramaged]

15. I lost a high school buddy in Viet Nam

These deaths have affected me much more deeply.

The Reich put Dumbass in office.


I hope they are proud tonight.

Happy FUCKIN New Year Georgie. You suck.

[Skittles]

41. yes

I remember a classmate in elementary school, crying becasue her brother had been killed in Viet Nam....I cannot believe this shit happening again in our lifetime - and by the same g.d. people

[leesa]

47. You don't prosecute them for their crimes the first time and they come back to

do them again.

[sugapablo]

17. Seems like just yesterday...

...it was 2,000.

Amazing how fast 1,000 people dying can be. :(

[Danmel]

20. Sad beyond all words

and infuriating too.


Half the time with this misadministration I don't know whether I am just incredibly sad or incredibly angry.

Two years to go.....every day is another tragedy.

RIP young Dustin. Someday these evil asses will get their just punishment.

[uppityperson]

21. damn damn damn damn damn damn damn damn damn damn damn damn damn damn damn damn damn damn damn damn

[FogerRox]

22. K & damned "R"

[ckramer]

23. Sh*t! Time to bomb Iran!

Two more wars! Two more wars!

[EFerrari]

24. 22

:cry:

[earlybelle]

26. At one time, the death toll in Viet Nam was 3,000. Think about it!

[onehandle]

27. It's just a number, people!

Like the 5 Supreme Court members who selected our President in 2000.

It could have been 6 or even 7.

But it was 5.

[Faygo Kid]

28. FReepers ban poster who announced 3,000 deaths

You won't find it on their page, but you can find the post and amazing (if predictable)response here (at least until it's removed): http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1760689/posts. The appalling exchange says it all. I can hardly add anything to the contempt decent people will feel upon reading the missives of these pathetic haters. These people are insane, and that includes their moderators.

To: ARealMothersSonForever
Peaceniks always claim that they are NOT happy about such milestones. In fact, they are OH SO EAGER to repeat the milestones--as soon and as often as possibe--to anyone who will listen. What does this tell you about peaceniks? It tells me that they are scum.

29 posted on 12/31/2006 12:33:15 PM PST by matt1234
< Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies >

[tabasco]

32. Wait! There's someone posting at FR ?

I thought they all loved war so much that they went and signed up for combat duty.

[ckramer]

33. It's not even funny that these idiots reject reality -- we are losing!

Good morning Vietnam!

[saigon68]

44. appalling exchange

I went to look at RimJob's site

Those people are thugs and hoodlums.

Even the moderators get into it.


AssClown, and rustic dimwit can't even describe those bottom feeders.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

52. Freepers have nothing but contempt for the troops

Those who die in the war are consider failures making their leader "look bad".

[Faygo Kid]

54. They have "thousands" for the Swift Boaters, though. FReeper responds to DU.

Well, just heard that this comment was found by a FReeper. Poster's real agenda? Not the well being of the troops, apparently (bring them home). Proudly gave "thousands" to Swift Boaters, and asks that it be noted. Request granted. Guess I am a "Peacenik." I like that better than "Warmonger," but this knee-jerk FReeper has neither the knowledge nor judgment to analyze war, so I will bestow that designation only on folks who have earned it, like Bill Kristol. Therefore, "insane" continues to work best as a general catch-all for this kind of FReeper post, I think. "Nuts" being a colloquial alternative. His comments follow, including my original post.

To: matt1234
Wow, I just made the DU hate list, quoted below from http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x2670869#2670995. They call me insane; I call them insane. I wear the distinction of being called out as a badge of honor. J'accuse, you peacenik cowards.
"FReepers ban poster who announced 3,000 deaths

You won't find it on their page, but you can find the post and amazing (if predictable)response here (at least until it's removed): http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1760689/posts . The appalling exchange says it all. I can hardly add anything to the contempt decent people will feel upon reading the missives of these pathetic haters. These people are insane, and that includes their moderators.

To: ARealMothersSonForever
Peaceniks always claim that they are NOT happy about such milestones. In fact, they are OH SO EAGER to repeat the milestones--as soon and as often as possibe--to anyone who will listen. What does this tell you about peaceniks? It tells me that they are scum.

29 posted on 12/31/2006 12:33:15 PM PST by matt1234 < Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies >"

Oh yeah, I gave thousands of dollars to Swift Boat Veterans for Truth. Put that in your next quote of me.


80 posted on 12/31/2006 4:07:00 PM PST by matt1234
< Post Reply | Private Reply | To 29 | View Replies >

[Danmel]

30. How many more have to die?

Oh I marched to the battle of New Orleans
At the end of the early British war
The young land started growing
The young blood started flowing
But I ain't marchin' anymore

For I've killed my share of Indians
In a thousand different fights
I was there at the Little Big Horn
I heard many men lying I saw many more dying
But I ain't marchin' anymore

chorus)
It's always the old to lead us to the war
It's always the young to fall
Now look at all we've won with the saber and the gun
Tell me is it worth it all

For I stole California from the Mexican land
Fought in the bloody Civil War
Yes I even killed my brothers
And so many others But I ain't marchin' anymore

For I marched to the battles of the German trench
In a war that was bound to end all wars
Oh I must have killed a million men
And now they want me back again
But I ain't marchin' anymore

(chorus)

For I flew the final mission in the Japanese sky
Set off the mighty mushroom roar
When I saw the cities burning I knew that I was learning
That I ain't marchin' anymore

Now the labor leader's screamin'
when they close the missile plants,
United Fruit screams at the Cuban shore,
Call it "Peace" or call it "Treason,"
Call it "Love" or call it "Reason,"
But I ain't marchin' any more,
No I ain't marchin' any more

[NastyRiffraff]

31. DAMN you, George W. Bush!

May you know nothing but pain and heartache for the rest of your life.

May you lose everything..your goods, your money, and what remains of your sanity.

May the God you claim to worship turn His face from you, and consign you to eternal damnation.

May you suffer the humiliation of public scorn and rejoicing when you pay for your crimes against America, the world, and humanity.

May the people of the world turn from you when you cry out for mercy, for you gave none.

Twenty-two years old. RIP, Dustin.

Damn you, George W. Bush

[ckramer]

34. Get this

"Another onlooker, despite pleas from another for witnesses to observe the proprieties, yells: "Go to hell!" and Saddam, seemingly accusing his enemies of destroying the nation he once led, replies: "The hell that is Iraq?"

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061231/ts_nm/iraq_saddam_taunts_dc

[RamboLiberal]

35. NYTimes has a pixel portrait of the dead

http://www.nytimes.com/ref/us/20061228_3000FACES_TAB1.html

Changes with each soldier you click on. I just looked up Lance Cpl Matthew Clark KIA 12/14/2006 who's death became very personal to many of us in Pittsburgh who listen to local liberal talk host Lynn Cullen (Matt was the love of her niece).

Also analysis: http://www.nytimes.com/ref/us/20061228_3000FACES_TAB2.html

[Diane R]

36. And the idiot rides his little bicycle.

[rebel with a cause]

42. Oh but that is okay,

It is Reid and Durbin the repugs are mad at for not cutting their trip short to return for the service today.:crazy:

[rebel with a cause]

43. I must have had a senior moment!

I must have thought I was posting about the Ford funeral. Maybe I should start the new year with a good night's sleep.

:blush:

[bluedog]

46. I believe its 3001 now...Florida soldier

CNN) -- The U.S. military on Sunday announced its 3,000th fatality from the Iraq war.

The identity of the 3,000th military death could not be precisely determined as the exact times of deaths late last week were not immediately available.

A Bay area solider, 28-year-old Sgt. Christopher Messer, died Dec. 27 in Baghdad. The St. Petersburg soldier was wounded when an roadside bomb detonated near him while on patrol. A soldier from Texas also died in the explosion.


http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2007/1/1/211505.html?title=Local+soldier+dies+in+Iraq;+U.S.+deaths+reach+3,000

[LetsThink]

48. 3002 !! Just checked icasualties.org

[LetsThink]

49. Who Supports Surge?

According to the Post-Tribune

12 of the 49 Republican senators for troop surge

McCain (AZ): for
Thune (S.D.): for
Graham (S.C.): for
Lieberman (CT): for
Hagel (NE): unkn ? Kind of weak for someone a few bloggers want to see run for Pres.(!)
Cochran (MS): unkn- probably for, (will back his commander-in-ch)
Lott (MS): unkn- probably for, (will back his commander-in-ch)

Who else? Maybe we can e-mail blitz them, mobilize their grassroots base?

http://www.post-trib.com/news/193367,Novak.article

'Course-- Novak is pretty conservative so, I'd guess he has understated Cochran and Lott's support, among others.

[Dangerman]

53. Mr. Bush, there's a special place in hell for you!

:mad: