A "Small Price"

House Minority Leader John Boehner (OH-R) spoke his parties truth when he said that the cost of the war in Iraq will be a "small price" in a CNN interview with Wolff Blitzer. The loss of lives and the obscene amount of money being spent isn't a concern to this Congressman or to this administration. We have not found a number in lives or dollars that has made this administration and it's backers uncomfortable and until we do, the occupation in Iraq will continue, blood will continue to be shed and the blank checkbook will remain open.

Wolf Blitzer asked Rep Boehner how much longer Americans will US taxpayers have to shell out $2-$3 billion dollars a week as some now are suggesting the cost is going to endure? The loss in blood the Americans who are killed every month; how much longer do you think this military commitment is going to require?

Boehner's first mistake was saying that General Petraeus outlined it pretty clearly. He went on to explain "We are making success; we need to form up those successes, we need to continue our effort because long term, the investments we are making will be a small price if we are able to stop al Qaeda here, if we are able to stabilize the Middle East"

Fortunately, enough people heard John Boehner being cavalier and flying fast and loose with the loss of life and are calling him on it.

Even Republican Senator John MCain who continues to vociferously support the war stated Boehner should retract his statement.



In an attempt to clarify his bosses statement, Representative Boehner's spokesman stated "the congressman was referring to the amount of money spent in Iraq" (as if that makes it better) He went on to say "there isn't a member of Congress who appreciates the sacrifices of our troops more than Mr Boehner". I wonder if the 159 Gold Star families of Ohio agree with that? Ohio has the 4th highest casualties from Iraq , only behind California, Texas and Pennsylvania.

I agree with John Kerry who says the small price comment is "was stunningly cavalier".

The 3781 US casualties, including my only child, Lt Ken Ballard are an incalculable cost to our families and to our country and is something we will live with with minute by minute for the rest of our lives. What cost John Boehner and his family paid for this war?

Representative Boehner owes all of us an apology. It's the least he can do.