[Eclectica]

I saw a map indicating the hometowns of our Iraq War's Fallen Heroes. There was a huge cluster around New York City.

Can't imagine why. :-\

[BohDaThone]

Actually, when casualties are mapped, it fairly closely resembles the general population distribution. compare this map

http://icasualties.org/oif/US_CITY.aspx

with a general population map (or the classic map of light sources of the US at night, taken by NASA from space).

Also, the list of all deaths in Iraq, by state and city, given here:

http://icasualties.org/oif/Statecity.aspx

Shows about 50 from New York City (not exact because some city names are given as neighborhoods, and I may have missed one or two that are in NYC.)

A quick and dirty count of deaths relative to population shows the highest number by state are: Vermont, South Dakota, Montana, Delaware, Alaska, North Dakota and Nebraska; The least are DC, NJ, Conn, Mass, Utah, Fla, NY, NC, RI, Minn and W Va. But the spread from State # 6 to number 45 is only about 2-1, and it is easy for small states to be at the top or bottom by randomness.

If you look at total casualties by state, it is about 55-45 red states over blue, so no one should get snarky about it. There are brave heroes in every location and milieu.