our shame in Iraq

We are trying to buy off survivors of our killing in Iraq as though that somehow makes it right.

The Pentagon has set $2,500 as the highest individual sum that can be paid. Most death payments remain at that level, with a rough sliding scale of $1,000 for serious injury and $500 for property damage. Beginning in April of last year, payments of up to $10,000 were possible for "extraordinary cases" but only with a division commander's authorization.

For example, two members of the same family are killed in a car hit by U.S. forces. The family could receive a maximum of $7,500 in condolence payments ($2,500 for each death and up to $2,500 for vehicle damage).