The 456

That's billions, as in $456 billion spent on the war in Iraq, if the current administration gets the money it wants, with $140 billion of it expended in the year 2007.

Total 'national defense' spending would reach $647.2 billion in fiscal year 2008, according to the National Priorities Project.

Meanwhile, "in 2008, the richest 20 percent of Americans will receive two-thirds of the tax cuts, or $143 billion. The top 5 percent will receive 44 percent of the tax cuts, or $92 billion, according to the Tax Policy Center. In other words, seven times the amount of money slated for cuts to domestic services will go toward the wealthiest Americans."

Meanwhile, the Community Development Block Program stand to be cut 35 percent. Other programs, like Head Start, Low-Income Energy Assistance Program(LIHEAP), Special Education,and the Child Care & Development Block Grant also stand to be cut.

Gee, I'm starting to think our leaders care more about special-interest cronies than our citizens. Well, as long as they're raking in profits from the war and paying less income taxes on their booty, I'm sure all will be well.

Following the principle of trickle-down economics, local communities will suffer from cuts to these federal programs. Look for cuts in low-housing assistance and community improvements. The poor get poorer while the rich get to pay less in taxes.

Last week, our new Interim Rector quoted Tony Campolo, saying if we had spent a billion dollars on food, education and medicine for Iraq, how could Saddam Hussein withstood that? How could he have stood up to that outpouring?

$1 billion vs. $456 billion.