Ampersand (at Alas! A Blog), on Why The Lancet Study Matters:
"According to the most recent study, published in Lancet, somewhere between 400,000 and 800,000 Iraqis have died because Americans – both Democrats and Republicans – lost track of the incredibly basic, obvious fact that starting a war is evil. Around half a million people are dead. Is it possible that we’ll learn a lesson from this, and not start a war with Iran?"
"The important point is not if the “right” number is 655,000 deaths, or 400,000 deaths, or even 250,000 deaths. The important point is that this war – and the whole idea of pre-emptive war – is a tragic, dismal failure, and one that can no longer be in good conscience defended by anyone who values human life."
It would be nice if some of the chickenhawks, crusaders and promoters of wars on “Islamofascists” would come to the sudden realization that they played a part in the murder of hundreds of thousands.
Unfortunately, those driven by fear, hatred and power don’t care about truth or logic. They are prone to emotional outbursts and view those opposed to pre-emptive wars of aggression as traitors.
They wouldn’t listen when veterans (like me) stood up and opposed the war. They wouldn’t listen when flag officers stood up and called for a withdrawal.
They aren’t going to listen now. They don’t care.
Of course, I’m a little jaded and cynical these days…
Relevant Links:
Alas, a blog: http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/10/20/why-the-lancet-study-matters/