Letter: Cost of Iraq war is a staggering waste of money

Monday, March 24, 2003 | 8:39 a.m.

Can President Bush justify spending over $100 billion to invade a small, weak nation that has yet to attack the U.S.? Even putting aside the moral outcry that Bush's war has provoked, one has to ask whether it's not a staggering waste of money.

For a mere $25 billion, the U.S. could develop the new medical technology and infrastructure needed to defeat any bioterrorist attack, regardless of origin. Instead, our government tells us to buy duct tape.

For another $50 billion, we could develop clean energy sources to finally end our dependence on foreign oil. Instead, we are left to wonder whether the money we pay at the pump goes to buy arms for al-Qaida.

The remaining $25 billion could be used to strengthen the international war on terrorism. Instead, it will go to finance a military occupation that will produce the next generation of suicide bombers.

Bush is giving bin Laden exactly what he wants, and the American taxpayers will pay the price.

SEAN M. SABATINI

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