Another $90 billion? Check please...

So while I was in my thinking mode, I realized that now we have spent $200 billion on Iraq over three years in supplements alone. That comes out to about $1740 for each person in our workforce (US Census). Mind you, this is only for the budget supplements. We don't really know the total cost that is coming out of the Pentagon budget yet. Take a moment to think about how much money you've spent in federal taxes over the last three years (not including Social Security, Medicare, etc.) and compare it to your individual tab of $1740 in supplements alone. Any questions on why we are running record deficits?

My opinion on Iraq changes about every week. It makes me sick sometimes because I feel the aging roads I drive on daily and the duct-taped public school buildings in my state. I get selfish thinking that the money should be going to build our own infrastructure.

But other days I think that maybe this is the purpose that God truly wants us to serve. You know, the whole sharing the wealth bit. Agreed, Iraq wasn't exactly a poor country before Gulf War I, but reading about good things going on in Iraq and Afghanistan (ignoring for a moment the pillaging) does make me feel good. They are our brothers and sisters, after all. So if they do have nice schools and roads, good for them. I hope they realize the price we're paying in lives and cash, and use it to do worldly good.

Movie: Goodfellas. I saw this old classic again and it brought back good old memories of my days in the mob.

Song: TRUSTcompany, Downfall. Nothing like getting your blood flowing.

Autism and Savants

The Guardian published a very interesting article yesterday about Daniel Tammet, an autistic savant who has amazing talents when it comes to mathematical calculations. One thing that makes him unique amongst autistic savants is that he is able to somewhat communicate his thinking process to scientists.

Autistic savants are amazing. There are countless examples of people who can do math problems in blazing speed. There is even a girl who can hear any classical piano piece in its entirety and replay it on the piano without missing a note. Although autism has decimated the growth of their brain, autistic savants have one skill or trait that they can do phenomenally.

This is an amazing testament to the power of the brain. God has given our brains the ability to do amazing things. However, because of many reasons, we are unable to tap into more than just a pittance of our true capabilities. If savants can master a skill, then clearly the average brain is capable of such feats as well. If we could actually train our brains to perform at such a high level at different tasks and skills, there is virtually no limit to what mankind can accomplish.

Maybe Daniel Tammet can help researchers shed some light on all this.

A genius explains, the interview by Richard Johnson, is viewable by [clicking here].