First Iraq War Death Recorded on American Soil

About a month ago I blogged about the eventuality of me and my conservative friend having to kill each other over Bush's fallacious war. (See blog entry, "Dining with friends, playing with matches," below from Saturday, July 2). I imagined a heated argument suddenly terminating in shots ringing out and one (or both) of us falling forward full face into our blood red plates of pasta sauce.

I thought I was saying that with tongue--and a little pasta--in cheek. After reading what follows, I'm not so sure. My earlier blog's turning out more prophetic than I ever imagined.

You see, it finally happened. The first shot of the Iraqi War has been fired on American soil. It occurred this past Thursday, August 2nd, at the Floyd County flea market in Kentucky. And its first victim was anti-war Harold Wayne Smith, 56, of Manchester. His killer was 65 year old pro-war Douglas Moore of Martin.

As a witness told the Lexington Herald-Leader, "Harold was talking about the 14 people that were killed in Iraq the other day and Doug said that just as many people were killed on the highways here.”

"This quickly escalated into an argument, then to a scuffle, and finally both men drew pistols outside a snack shed. The dead man was apparently just a little slower in firing. He stood for about five seconds before toppling on the walkway."

Moore was interviewed by police and released after convincing them he killed in self-defense. The two had been friends. Both were flea market arms merchants.

So what are some of the things we can glean from this?

1. The war is an extremely devisive issue, even between friends.

2. The Iraq War has landed on American soil. The first shot has been fired.

3. Comparing highway deaths with war deaths is conservative 'idiot logic' to justify their war.

4. Guns and war don't mix. Someone always gets killed.

5. When it comes to war, it's possible to get away with murder.

(NOTE: Police have reserved the right to prosecute Moore after further investigation, giving encouragement to those who hope justice will eventually be served to the war criminals of the Bush administration.)