US Deaths in Iraq at All-Time Low

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Back when the Iraq War was in its worst stages, we would mention high casualty numbers here on the blog (i.e. July’s 350 deaths represent the second highest monthly total since the war began). So it’s only fair that I mention that there were just nine American soldiers killed in March, the lowest monthly number for the entire war. That’s great news. No info is available on civilian casualties, but let’s hope those numbers are low, too, and that they stay that way as the Pentagon draws down forces.

And just FYI: I’ll be the first to admit that giving credit to Obama for this — something that so clearly has its origins before his ascent to office — would be absurd. You won’t find any lefty bloggers praising Obama for this development. Which is why the Right’s attempts to pin the recession on Barack Obama (“the Obama recession”) is so despicable and says so much.

Sorry to get political on an issue that shouldn’t be.

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WE'LL BE BLUNT

It is astonishingly hard keeping a newsroom afloat these days, and we need to raise $253,000 in online donations quickly, by October 7.

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Readers also told us to just give it to you straight when we need to ask for your support, and seeing how matter-of-factly explaining our inner workings, our challenges and finances, can bring more of you in has been a real silver lining. So our online membership lead, Brian, lays it all out for you in his personal, insider account (that literally puts his skin in the game!) of how urgent things are right now.

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