Good Question

This is the first in a new series featuring good questions that I never hear asked. And sometimes, like now, it will provide a springboard to rant something off my chest.


How many of the 3,640 US troops killed in the Iraq War were killed by "Al Qaeda" or "Al Qaeda in Iraq?"


I honestly don't know. My educated guess is 5%. The percentage of Iraqi citizens killed by Al Qaeda and affiliates is probably higher.

Now, rantime.

America has a war policy that is hugely unpopular, both in America and in most of the world, partly due to the incongruence of the rhetoric to what is being reported.

Of course, none of us can truly understand the actual reality, not only on the ground in Iraq, but in the current and future global consequences of America's policy. Unknowable unknowns, the worst kind per Rummy. Old school is blowback. The numerous concepts of purpose floating around coupled with the differing interpretations of success, defeat, threats, enemies, allies, and on and on, only results in a huge population of humans effected by the War but in the end, uninformed and uninspired. Well, two large minority groups are indeed inspired: policy supporters that happen to be very influencial and antiwar agitators that are gaining influence. It seems to be on a collision course. For now, though, despite the passion of some, all of us are inevitably uninformed. That is why the credibility of our leadership is so critical, and also why our trust is waning. The news and views just are not in sync. Communication breakdown.

So people are divided about whether the rhetoric or the reporting is a closer approximation of reality. Or they may prefer to base their opinions on which is the closer approximation to their ideology or tribe. I suggest to those who sincerely seek greater understanding: consume from a broader and deeper range of sources of both rhetoric and reporting. You may learn who to trust. Or learn to trust yourself. Use your voice, exercise those civic muscles, and find a way to ask questions, demand answers and be the democracy.

There are many compelling voices out there now that are more difficult to find than the usual American mass media pundits found screaming in your face. Most of this sorry lot have been more wrong than right over the last decade or so. They give good market share, not a closer approximation of reality. It may take more effort, but there are additional reporting sources available for your edification that are not as "sound bite" and "gotcha" oriented as is our somewhat condescending mass media.

Here are some good, raw sources of information. Also, they have a good track record for traditional Washington reporting.

What's the point of today's rantime? It's about the trust. It comes first. No communication can take place without it. The players are just uninformed and uninspired. No chance of unity of purpose. The game breaks down.

We can get it back on track so long as we can remember that we the people don't have to agree, we just have to trust in each other, and that together, we always find the right path, eventually.