What Would $87 Billion Buy?

In Bush's speech last night he asked for $87 Billion to continue the occupation of Iraq. The Capital TImes tells us what $87 Billion could buy instead (snippets):

Bush told the nation he would spend whatever it takes to maintain these military adventures abroad, even as rising death tolls, bombings and threats raise doubts about whether they are making America more secure. The United States already has a military budget that costs this country roughly $400 billion annually, but Bush wants U.S. taxpayers to spend more on his war games.

The $87 billion figure is far greater than Bush let on before Iraq was attacked last spring, yet it is undoubtedly another deception. Serious military analysts suggest that the true cost of the war will be much more.

Even if the United States were to turn over responsibility for stabilizing Iraq to the United Nations - as it should - there would still be costs. But those costs could be covered within current military and international development budgets.

What the president did not mention in his speech is that the $87 billion more he seeks to fund his occupations abroad could pay for 1.4 million new teachers at home. It could help 11 million low-income families meet housing needs. It could provide health care coverage for 30 million children.

For Wisconsinites and residents of other states that are struggling to maintain state and local services in the face of economic doldrums, the $87 billion would balance every state budget.

Overseas, the United States should begin to address the conditions that create the frustration and resentments that lead to terrorism. The president's $87 billion could, according to UNICEF, meet the basic human needs of every impoverished person on Earth.