Economist estimates cost of Iraq war to exceed $3 trillion

[Hannah Bell]

On Thursday, Joseph Stiglitz told the congressional Joint Economic Committee that $3 trillion was at the low end of estimated war costs. High estimate is 5 trillion dollars.

The current debt owed to the Social Security Trust Fund, the debt that many say can't be paid, will bankrupt us, necessitates changes in Social Security, tax hikes or benefit cuts - is about 2 trillion dollars.

Discuss.

[chknltl]

1. And how many lives displaced, how many lives lost, how many wounded for life?

Good thing this is such a hot button topic these days...especially among our nominees. Maybe after we select one, America can get back to the "war". Wasn't there mention not so long ago that, (now don't quote me because my memory ain't so great), that 56% or more of We The People wanted out of Iraq ASAP or sooner? Is it me or has the bfee pulled another magic act and made the war in Iraq disappear from our radar? Somehow, the nuances between Senator Obama's and Senator Clinton's Health Care Plans seems...um... well... ah never mind, I think I'll fire up the X-Box 360 and play a game.

[ruiner4u]

2. and how many bridges, water pipes, steam pipes, power lines, etc could be replaced...

with all that money..

The best thing W could have done for this country was to drip down his mothers leg

[ConsAreLiars]

3. Those who got those trillions should either give it all back or be locked up in a small cell

for war profiteering and racketeering. If they make full restitution they can get off with community service in the Augean stables.

(edit slightly)