Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Iraq Casualties
Nordy likes to keep his quick points on his blog...but I'm trying to keep SoCo non-political, so mine go here.
Anyway. I've heard quite a few war opponents (I resisted typing 'libbies' or 'pansies' or 'Michael Jackson sleepover companions'...oops, guess not) claim that the increasing death toll in Iraq is taking a disproportional toll on ethnic minorities. One went so far as to say that the war was Bush's "modern attempt at lynching."
Now, we'll ignore the fact that the President engaged military states in the Middle East and Central Asia to spread security and democracy, compared to Clinton, who seemed to think that American military force was only worthwhile when white Europeans or potential refugees were involved (read one conservative hack's take on that here.) So, no one should buy the argument that Bush pursued the war because he's racist. But surely there is some credence to the idea that more ethnic minorities are dying as part of US forces than whites, right?
Wrong. This report is a little outdated (two months), but it appears that military casualties in Iraq by ethnicity are proportional to the US population as a whole.
Now, Nordy passionately argues that wealthy Republicans aren't among those dying in service. But, personally, I like evidence. Does anyone have any? US Military (or non-military) deaths in Iraq along socioeconomic or political lines?
Anyway. I've heard quite a few war opponents (I resisted typing 'libbies' or 'pansies' or 'Michael Jackson sleepover companions'...oops, guess not) claim that the increasing death toll in Iraq is taking a disproportional toll on ethnic minorities. One went so far as to say that the war was Bush's "modern attempt at lynching."
Now, we'll ignore the fact that the President engaged military states in the Middle East and Central Asia to spread security and democracy, compared to Clinton, who seemed to think that American military force was only worthwhile when white Europeans or potential refugees were involved (read one conservative hack's take on that here.) So, no one should buy the argument that Bush pursued the war because he's racist. But surely there is some credence to the idea that more ethnic minorities are dying as part of US forces than whites, right?
Wrong. This report is a little outdated (two months), but it appears that military casualties in Iraq by ethnicity are proportional to the US population as a whole.
Now, Nordy passionately argues that wealthy Republicans aren't among those dying in service. But, personally, I like evidence. Does anyone have any? US Military (or non-military) deaths in Iraq along socioeconomic or political lines?
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Nordy argues not that the deaths are disproportionate (but admits to being quite surprised that they are). Nordy argues that if you advocate for a war of choice, and if the Army is consistently missing its recruiting goals, then you should consider enlisting.
A fair point. But what about someone like me? I don't take orders well. I'm not in good physical shape. And I'm a pretty terrible shape. Wouldn't I be more of a liability to the army than an asset?
Were you advocating for a disastorous war of choice? If so, then buck up, soldier. Boot camp will get your ass in shape.
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