Rebuild America, Not Afghanistan

Eric Margolis has a must-read column this weekend on the cost of the war in Afghanistan and the need to adjust our national priorities, namely by focusing on the United States' crumbling economic situation instead of pursuing abstract ideological ends halfway around the world...which costs us hundreds of millions of dollars per day.

Washington currently spends at least $10 billion monthly on the Afghan war, not counting “black” payments, CIA and NSA operations. The US has poured $18.8 billion in development aid into Afghanistan since 2001 with nothing to show for the effort. Pakistan has been given $20 billion to support the Afghan War.

The US deficit is heading over $1.4 trillion. The national debt, when unfunded pensions and benefits are added, is likely $100 trillion, according to the chief of PIMCO, the world’s largest bond trader.

Forty-four million Americans now receive food stamps; the national infrastructure of roads, airports, bridges and schools is crumbling from neglect. Unemployment, officially at 9.5%, is probably closer to 20%.

The cry is being heard: "Rebuild America, not Afghanistan."

You can read more on Eric's website or via CommonDreams.org.