"The latest report by the Congressional Research Service (CRS), released this past July, estimates the U.S. has spent $648 billion on Iraq war operations, putting it in range with the $686 billion, in 2008 dollars, spent on the Vietnam War, the second most expensive war behind World War II. Since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the U.S. has doled out almost $860 billion for military operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere around the world.

All estimates, adjusted for inflation, are based on the costs of military operations and don't include expenses for veterans benefits, interest on war-related debts or assistance to war allies, according to the nonpartisan CRS.

Other records sources reveal...
—Afghanstian/Global war on terror: $171 billion
—Post 9/11 domestic security: $33 billion
—Post 9/11 operations: $859 billion"

(Source: CBS, NBC & FOX)

Now considering the timing of these recent bail outs, with the blame being placed on the mortgage industry and new home owners, with the election around the corner... I can't help but wonder if our attention is being purposely diverted.

With all of this in mind, I propose these questions:
Isn't there a direct connection between our current financial crisis and our 5+ year venture in the middle east? Is it just me or does the timing of this new financial crisis seem a bit fishy? And who is ultimately responsible for all of this mess?


[edit on 22-9-2008 by The All Seeing I]

well if you think about it, dod announced the day before 9/11 that it "lost" 2-3 trillion, yes trillion dollars... a 1 trillion "bailout" can't be that bad!