Calls for immediate end to Iraq war

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On May 1, 2003, President Bush stepped onto the deck of a U.S. aircraft carrier. A “Mission Accomplished” banner provided a dramatic backdrop. “Officers and sailors of the USS Abraham Lincoln, my fellow Americans, major combat operations in Iraq have ended. In the Battle of Iraq, the United States and our allies have prevailed.”

Since then, the number of American lives lost has reached 4,065; Americans injured are estimated at close to 30,000.

Iraqi deaths due to occupation (including women, children, the aged) are estimated to be more than 1.2 million. Four million Iraqis are foodinsecure and in dire need of assistance. More than 2 million Iraqis have been displaced inside Iraq and another 20 million have fled to neighboring countries. Child malnutrition rates are at 28 percent; 70 percent of Iraqis do not have access to adequate water supplies; 80 percent lack effective sanitation.

Meanwhile, Bush continues to beat the war drum, now with Iran; and Congress shows its lack of intestinal fortitude in standing up to the administration as it gets ready to continue funding this folly.

It is unconscionable to wait for the next election, to wait for another administration to act. The time is now. Enough. No more.

Mary Ann Armstrong

Deming

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