[George from New England]

What!

Rebuild Iraq with good lumber and build the American homes with an artifical substitute!

God makes the wood when he grows our trees and forests. I have faith in what God has given us. Scientists give us substitutes; how many years before we find out the flaws in the substitutes?

[AMDG&BVMH]

"Rebuild Iraq with good lumber and build the American homes with an artifical substitute! "

Amazing!

BTW, support your local tree farmer! We grow hardwood, on a small, family level. (Surprisingly, most tree farms are family operations). Since it is hardwood, we won't live to see the returns -- except the thinnings.

[wolicy_ponk]

Nope, lumber going to Iraq is around 3% of what's availible.

The shortage/increases are due to a new construction slowdown forecast that never came true. Or, if you prefer a conspiracy angle, it could possibly be simple collusion between two of the largest manufacturers.