How to explain Iraq war costs to a repub

[Tommy_J]

I've noticed that for many Americans the cost of the Iraq war
is abstraction.  Its beyond the ability to grasp in real
terms.  Since its hard to be deeply concerned about mere
abstractions, these people fail to pay attention to what's
going on.  After all, who among us really has a good feel for
quantities in the millions, billions, and trillions?

Well, next time you find yourself discussing the war with a
freeptard lay this on them.  Its a way to illustrate how our
country is bleeding in financial terms.  I've used the
following analogy numerous times to convert pro-war
conservatives to strongly anti-war.  

Here's what you can tell them -

"The congressional budget office estimates we spend 9
billion per month in Iraq.  That's 9,000 million per month.  

In one dollar bills, a million dollars is about a ton so it
would be about all a good size pickup truck could carry.  Now
imagine 9000 pickup trucks full of cash.  

What we're spending on Iraq is the same as filling 9000 trucks
per month with cash and driving them into the ocean.  

If these trucks were driving bumper to bumper the line would
be 18,000 feet.  That's 34 miles.  Into the ocean.  Every
month." 

Don't worry if they don't turn against the war on the spot. 
They may need a couple of weeks, but this new understanding
will alter their opinions. 

[Demobrat]

1. 300 million dollars per day

is a number they seem to be able to get their heads around.

[Selatius]

2. 18,000 feet does not equal 34 miles. It's 3.4 miles.

You missed a dot. ;)

[Tommy_J]

3. Thanks

The decimal was misplaced earlier.

It should be 180,000 feet = 34 miles

[Selatius]

4. Oh, that's a long line!