Is it possible?

[genchan]

I am a lifetime Republican but this year it may be the first time I vote for a Democrat. I know this is not a political site and I don't want this thread to go that way, but the question I do have is about the economy and ultimately our finances, so I think it's appropriate. It has nothing to do with the nominees either. This is my one question.

Is it possible for the US economy to recover if we stay in Iraq?

[rupeeman]

Hey..great question to ask but i don't think so that the US economy to recover if we stay in Iraq because it's really hard job for the civilians!

[Fizgig]

Since the war began in early 2003, the US has spent over $530 billion on the Iraq war, or an average of about $9 billion a month.

I definitely do not think that's sustainable and I'll be voting democrat as well.

[bjl584]

I would say that it's a little more complicated than that. WWII did bring us out of the Great Depression, but that was a different set of circumstances. We have spend a considerable amount of money on the current war, but as a percentage of GDP, it is small. Our country spends a huge amount annually on the defense budget. Whether we remain in Iraq or not, the money will still be spent somewhere. We still have bases and troops stationed in Germany and in Japan, and that war ended over 60 years ago.

[SnoopyCool]

Democrat: How can we afford the healthcare packages they want? Where's that money going to come from? And I think it will cost a lot more than the numbers I've heard from the candidates.

I don't think we'll come out of Iraq as quickly as they'd like us to believe, so that money will continue to be spent. And I agree with bjl584 - if not spent there, then somewhere.

On the flip, I'm not too comfortable voting Republican, either. Possibly going Libertarian this time.