The 4th Year in Iraq

Last night on the Colbert Report, they talked about all the "good" wars lasted 4 years. The Civil War, WWII, etc. If Democrats like Russ Feingold and John Murtha were in charge, this would be the last year we are in Iraq. Rebuilding Iraq would be done with the help of the global community.

Instead, our soldiers are over there with targets on their backs. As of today, 2317 US soldiers have died. Our troops need to come home to safety.

Here are two stats that tell a lot about the situation over there:

• In February 2004 (1 year after the invasion) 88% of the homes in Iraq had electricity. This month, just 55% of the homes have electricity.
  
• Halliburton's stock has doubled since the War started.

On Sunday, I attended a Peace Rally in Ames. There were over 300 people there. It was good to be part of democracy. The best sign I saw said, "Blind Faith is not Patriotism."

At a candlelight vigil in Des Moines there were 175 people in attendance. According to the Cedar Rapids Gazette, there were 200 people braving the cold in Iowa City on Monday. There were also activities going on in Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and the Quad Cities. Cedar Falls is holding events all week long.

Hopefully, next year our troops will be home and people won't have to gather for peace.