April Really Is A Most Cruel Month

In a troubling sign for the American-financed rebuilding program in Iraq, inspectors for a federal oversight agency have found that in a sampling of eight projects that the United States had declared successes, seven were no longer operating as designed because of plumbing and electrical failures, lack of proper maintenance, apparent looting and expensive equipment that lay idle.-- "Inspectors Find Rebuilding Projects Crumbling in Iraq", James Glanz, New York Times, 4.29.07

It is also troubling that someone, anyone would possibly form the impression that the Iraq Fiasco will somehow be worthwhile if only the number of Iraqis killing each other slows down. Yet, after all this time, killing and money, a definite attempt by some to lower expectations to this ridiculous point is observable.

Five U.S. troops were killed in separate attacks in the capital this weekend, including three in a single roadside bombing, the military said Monday, pushing the death toll past 100 in the deadliest month so far this year.--Kim Gamel, Associated Press, 4.30.07

At this point, what would a United States "victory" in Iraq look like? How much blood and human suffering could one stand amongst and still say, "we achieved our goals here"? Who are some of us kidding?

To steal from Allen Ginsberg (but still keep this a "family" blog):

America when will we end the human war?
Go *&^% yourself with your surge...