The other countdown

I am old enough that watching the New Year's Eve countdown is boredom exemplified. But there is a competing countdown this year: According to the Iraq Coalition Casualties website, U.S. military deaths in Iraq were at 2998 as of 12/30/2006. December is already the deadliest month in two years.

Will we be treated to another "milestones are meaningless" speech from Tony Snow on the very same day he wishes us Happy New Year?



Update: 3000 it is. I was going to write a snarky, bitter coda full of celebratory sarcasm, but the warbloggers have proven themselves unwilling/unable to understand the concept, and I have no appetite for becoming their whipping boy.

My deepest sympathies for the dead and wounded and their families. To the Commander in Chief you are fodder units; to me your loss is especially tragic because it was so unnecessary.