[john bell hood]

Wesbury says the war won't have a negative impct on the economy, and it might have a positive impact.

But I think it depends on how well the war goes. If it's over as quickly and with as few American casualties as Afghanistan or the first Gulf War, it will be a big boost. But if Saddam unleashes chemical or biological weapons that result in a lot of American casualties, it could be another story

[Ciexyz]

Cheers to President Bush for keeping the heat on.

[GVnana]

Assumming we do go it alone and this happens: But if Saddam unleashes chemical or biological weapons that result in a lot of American casualties, it could be another storywhat could we expect from the international community?

[RightWhale]

it might have a positive impact

War as it was waged in the past had the object of gain. To grab, to get. But it hasn't worked out that way lately. Beginning with WW I, even the winner lost; England won the war, but lost the Empire. WW II was a loser for both Germany and Japan, who had begun the war to expand themselves economically. Iraq warred on Kuwait and lost.

Don't count on a positive impact on the economy, even if the purpose of the war is nothing more than self-protection.

[meadsjn]

In the past, wartime was boom-time for manufacturing. This war will benefit Mexico, China, Taiwan, Japan, etc. much more than our economy. It's difficult to stockpile and transport the output from a service-based economy.

[Allrightnow]

"Wesbury says the war won't have a negative impct on the economy, and it might have a positive impact.

Protracted war, that involves large parts of the populous is good for the economy (though not a pleasant prospect). Unemployment traditionally drops (obvious reasons) and manufacturing increases. Although we now make many weapons components overseas, a great deal will still be made domestically.

The stock market is a whole different bag of nuts and for the moment it's probably a good idea to rotate equity weighted portfolios into something more stable.

[Godfollow]

If there is no US, then the concern of the US economy becomes a mute point donut?

[Moby Grape]

The question is not what effect the war would have on the economy. The question is what would effect a nuclear of biological weapon being detonated on our soil have on the economy. "Pluck the weed before it ruins the garden."...Churchill.

[Imal]

But if Saddam unleashes chemical or biological weapons that result in a lot of American casualties, it could be another story

Actually, if that were to happen, it would prove that the war was necessary, after all.

Imal