By The Numbers:

I came across this interesting link presenting the amount of casualties the United States has sustained throughout its history of wars and conflicts:

http://edition.cnn.com/interactive/us/0409/list.us.casualties/frameset.exclude.html

What is surprising to me is the difference between the Revolutionary War and the Iraq/Afghanistan Wars. Both fights for "freedom" -- a difference of only 624 human beings. The Revolutionary War began in 1775 and ended in 1783, a total of eight years.

The Afghanistan and Iraq war, beginning in 2001 and continuing six years later, has averaged roughly 635.2 American soldiers deaths per year. In order to equal the number of U.S. casualties from the Revolutionary War, the U.S. would have to amass roughly 312 casualties over the next two years. Almost one soldier per day over the next two years.

In contrast, over the eight year period of time needed to fight the Revolutionary War, the U.S. lost roughly 554 individuals per year. Roughly one and a half (1.5) soldiers per day. World War II, in comparison to these two battles for 'freedom' averaged 278 U.S. soldiers per day.
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The numbers need to be brought to the attention of all human beings as we continue through this twenty-first century. It is outrageous to think that even today, with all the advances made in communication, education and technological exchange, we find ourselves continually at military odds with one another. It's time we start living by the Golden Rule, rather than being aggressive and fighting in order to benefit the few. Let's start caring about the many.