The number of U.S. soldiers dead in Iraq is fairly well published. What is not well published is the number of Iraqi citizens killed. 150,000 is not a high estimate. Beyond the dead, there are a growing number of people suffering from Depleted Uranium poisoning. Because the U.S. refuses to study DU effects itself, and where possible blocks such efforts by others, it is hard to gauge the true scope of the war crimes being committed in Iraq.
Just 467 US personnel were wounded in the three-week Persian Gulf War in 1990-1991. Out of 580,400 soldiers who served in Gulf War I, 11,000 are dead, and by 2000 there were 325,000 on permanent medical disability. This astounding number of disabled vets means that a decade later, 56 percent of those soldiers who served in the first Gulf War now have medical problems.
One study, which examined British, Canadian and U.S. veterans, all suffering typical Gulf War Syndrome ailments, found that, nine years after the war, 14 of 27 veterans studied had DU in their urine.
A research team also conducted a three-week field trip to Iraq in October of 2003. It collected about 100 samples of substances such as soil, civilian urine and the tissue from the corpses of Iraqi soldiers in 10 cities, including Baghdad, Basra and Najaf. Preliminary tests show that the air, soil and water samples contained "hundreds to thousands of times" the normal levels of radiation.
Based on a previous estimate by UK Atomic Energy Authority for Gulf War 1, an estimated 3 million Iraqis may die from Depleted Uranium poisoning from the current war. Damaged DNA, horrific birth defects, chronic pain and ailments, shortened lifespans. These are the legacy we are leaving in Iraq.
Depleted Uranium information from the following article
 link to www.globalresearch.ca
14 people came out, yet thousands upon thousands who say they are against the war stayed home, while one of the greatest crimes in history is carried forth one more day in their name. Where is everyone who says they oppose the war? Obviously they do not oppose the war. Going to the job and conducting business as usual is supporting the war. To oppose something means to do something about it. If you do nothing, you are not opposed to it and in this case, people are actively giving their time and money and energy to the corporate machine that drives the war.
This past Tuesday, 99% of the people of Portland supported the war. It is the same every day. Perhaps that will change someday.
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