The media polls report weekly on which issue is currently foremost in voter's minds. The relative calm on the Iraqi war front coupled with the soaring fuel prices Americans face, have pushed the press to declare the economy as the voter's choice for weeks now. How our newscasters and talking heads can offer this false comparative and get away with it is beyond me.
The war in Iraq, which gobbles up America's economic resources like a gargantuan Pacman, robbing our grandchildren of their chances for a decent life is the reason we are in economic decay. Any discussion of the economy must point to the devastation the war budget, the first of its kind not funded through taxation, has had on American economic well being.
In light of John McCain's comment on the Today show attesting to the insignificance of the continued presence of troops in Iraq, the next time a pollster asks you which is the more important issue in the campaign, the war or the economy; tell them that they are one in the same. It might just prod them to rephrase the question to something more realistic like, "Which issue is more important the war economy or the war casualties we have suffered?"
Linkage of these two issues is a strategy that Barack Obama should undertake at every opportunity. That would drive home the point that our continued presence in Iraq will further deplete resources needed to rectify the wreckage of our economy the George W. Bush cowboy mentality has caused.
Though increased Asian oil demand and the price of oil tied to the falling dollar have caused soaring fuel prices recently, the volatility that the American Iraq invasion has created throughout the Middle East has also impacted the cost of oil. Iraq is still far below prewar oil production levels.
In the Federal Government's own report on Iraqi oil production the impact of the war is obvious. "After more than a decade of sanctions and two Gulf Wars, Iraq's oil infrastructure needs modernization and investment. Despite a large reconstruction effort (including Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund (IRRF) support of $1.72 billion), the industry has not been able to meet hydrocarbon production and export targets since 2004."
Bush had the nerve to go to Europe, seeking to minimize the perception of his war mongering by stating that he may have spoken too harshly, only to prove how much he is in denial of his true missteps. Bush's actions have exposed his own ineffectiveness in handling the war on terror, the economy, and the world's trust in American hegemony.
Actions speak louder than words, Mr. President. It is your lies to us about WMD and Saddam/Al-Qaeda conflation in pursuit of a stronghold in the oil rich region that should cause you to hang your head in shame.
For the full report go here.
