Why It's Never Over 'Til It's Over

Iraq Is Big Issue for Voters Seeing the Upside of War - New York Times:

“As much as people hate to say it, when the country is at war, it makes our area more productive and creates jobs,” said Bob Wagner, 52, an engineer for a military contractor who also serves on the City Council.

This year alone, new or expanding companies have brought 3,000 jobs and $175 million in investment to the area. A 3,800-acre research park abutting the Redstone Arsenal Army base is the second largest in the country.

Not that these people are the real war profiteers. That dubious distinction goes to the contractors and CEO's of Haliburton, Bechtel, and the weapons producing companies, but this points out the problems inherent in wartime economics. That these folks don't see what they're doing as wrong or as contributing to the problem, well, that's another conversation.