US Iraq casualties jump to 67,203

[FourScore]

US Iraq casualties jump to 67,203
By Michael Munk

US military occupation forces in Iraq suffered at least 102 combat casualties in the week ending July 15, as the official casualty total reached at least 67,203. That total jumped by 1,314 because the number of non combat- injured and sick casualties became available for the first time since March 1. It includes 33,766 dead and wounded by what the Pentagon classifies as "hostile" causes and more than 33,437 dead and medically evacuated (as of May 31) because of "non-hostile" causes.*

The actual total is over 87,000 because the Pentagon chooses not to count as "Iraq casualties" the approximately 20,000 casualties discovered only after they returned from Iraq -mainly brain trauma from explosions.**

US media divert attention from the actual cost in American life and limb by routinely reporting only the total killed (4,121 as of July 15) and rarely mentioning the 30, 409 wounded in combat. To further minimize public perception of the cost, they cover for the Pentagon by ignoring the 32,673 (as of May 31)*** military victims of accidents and illness serious enough to require medical air evacuation, although the 4,121 reported deaths include 764 (no change) who died from those same causes, including at least 13 from faulty electrical work by KBR and 145 suicides as of March 1.

* The number of wounded is updated weekly (usually Tuesdays) by the Pentagon at http://www.defenselink.mil/news/casualty.pdf

** see USA Today, Nov. 23, 2007

*** the number of "non combat" injured was reported by the AP

http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/34788

[Captain Angry]

1. I'd be interested in how many people are considered partially disabled after Iraq

I'll bet that my brother isn't on their list, but he came home with 20% disability thanks to PTSD. (This added to the 10% he got for wrecking his shoulder in Jump School.)

[FourScore]

2. I wish your brother all the strength he can muster in his battle to recover.

I bet he isn't on his list either.

[Captain Angry]

3. He's doing better.

His PTSD just makes it so he can't do certain jobs.

He tried delivering milk, but it was too close to his convoy protection role in Iraq. Driving a heavy vehicle that doesn't handle well at decent speeds in the high desert plains, at night, on deserted roads that you can't see very much. He didn't handle that well.

[FourScore]

4. No. That may not have been the best choice.

I just saw an article today that the solar panel industry is booming. They're hiring and training whomever they can get. That might be a good job with a good strong future, I would imagine. There is also the geothermal industry. They seem to be pretty busy as well.

With either of those jobs, he can feel he is doing something that is beneficial to the planet, and that may give him a real boost. Not to mention, those jobs could offer him a solid career path.

Just a thought.

[Captain Angry]

5. I'm buying him steak on Sunday

I'll bring those ideas up, thank you.

[TheWraith]

7. I'm glad that you explained that.

Because "delivering milk" and "convoy protection" didn't quite sync up in my head. I know the price of milk has gone up, but it's not bad enough that we need armed escorts to drive off the raiding parties.

(Yet.)

[Captain Angry]

8. When the milk delivery gets a gunner...

we've hit Road Warrior status.

[AwakeAtLast]

9. My husband gets 10% disability for 30% hearing loss and migraines

Of course, the migraines were brought on by mortar concussions. He was not diagnosed w/ PTSD. Mine probably isn't on their list either.

[margotb822]

6. k&r

The truth hurts.

Now ask people, is this sustainable for 100 years?

[indepat]

10. In the eyes of 'pukes and too many Dems, such small prices to pay to secure trillions of dollars

of Iraq's oil reserve for almost solely the benefit of five big oil companies. One must keep one's eye on the prize and one's priorities in order. :D