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March 25, 2003
My Analysis of War Casualties
Let me preface this by saying that I view the death of each and every U.S. soldier as a tragedy. But I think some context is needed, too.
This war is six days old. Since the war began, there have been twenty U.S. soldiers killed, and fourteen captured or missing in action.
During that same time, nationwide: (*)
...More than 600 hundred people were killed in automobile accidents.
...More than 1,000 people were killed in other accidents.
...More than 320 people were murdered.
...More than 480 people committed suicide.
...More than 65 people were killed by chronic asthma.
...More than 195 people were killed by chronic alcoholism.
Frankly, considering what it is that we are trying to do, our current casualty rate is amazingly small. I am afraid that it will be growing soon.
(*) All statistics were extracted from the CDC report, "Deaths: Preliminary Data for 2001."
Posted by crandal at March 25, 2003 11:35 AM