Economic toll of two wars hit $1.5 trillion, study by dems says
WASHINGTON — The economic costs to the United States of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan so far total approximately $1.5 trillion, according to a new congressional study that estimates the conflicts’ “hidden costs” — including higher oil prices, the expense of treating wounded veterans and interest payments on the money borrowed to pay for the wars.
That amount is nearly double the $804 billion the White House has spent or requested to wage these wars through 2008, according to the majority staff of Congress’s Joint Economic Committee. Its report, “The Hidden Costs of the Iraq War,” estimates that to date the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have cost the average U.S. family of four more than $20,000.
The report argues that war funding is diverting billions of dollars away from “productive investment” by American businesses in the U.S. It also says that the conflicts are pulling reservists and National Guardsmen away from their jobs, resulting in economic disruptions for U.S. employers that the report estimates at $1 billion to $2 billion.
The report estimates that the cost to the average family could more than double, to $46,300, over the next 10 years, with estimated economic costs reaching an estimated $3.5 trillion if the wars continue apace. The committee, which includes House and Senate members from both parties and is chaired by Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., is expected to present the report this morning on Capitol Hill.
Casino to reach its final
LAS VEGAS — The New Frontier, the Strip’s first theme casino and host of Elvis Presley’s debut in the city, is set to become history itself early today when it is imploded to make way for a $5 billion mega-resort. The gambling hall, which opened as the Last Frontier in 1942 with a cowboy village theme and later embraced the space age before returning to its Wild West roots, had become known for bikini bull riding, cheap hotel rooms and $5 craps before it closed its doors for good in July.
How not to change a tire
SOUTHWORTH, Wash. — A man trying to loosen a stubborn lug nut blasted the wheel with a 12-gauge shotgun, injuring himself badly in both legs, sheriff’s deputies said.
The 66-year-old man had been repairing a Lincoln Continental. From about arm’s length, he fired the shotgun at the wheel and was “peppered” in both legs with buckshot and debris, with some injuries as high as his chin.
Nun pleads no contest in sex case
MILWAUKEE — A 79-year-old Roman Catholic nun pleaded no contest Monday to indecent behavior with a child for alleged sexual encounters with two male students at a church convent and school where she was principal during the 1960s.
The nun, Norma Giannini, faces a maximum 10 years on each of two counts when sentenced Feb. 1. According to the criminal complaint, the two men told authorities they had dozens of sexual encounters with Giannini, including intercourse, while attending St. Patrick’s School.
Hungry pigeons may have to wing it
NEW YORK — Feeding New York City pigeons could soon be banned under a proposal to thin the flocks of the birds sometimes referred to as “rats with wings.” City Councilman Simcha Felder said Monday that he would introduce legislation to ban pigeon feeding and fine those caught flouting the ban $1,000.
