In July, by my count, there were 8 American Soldiers killed in Iraq as a result of hostile fire, and 5 killed as a result of accidents and mishaps. I also count 49 Homicides in Chicago in July, but did not bother to count the number of accidental deaths in the City.

There were 30 casualties in Afghanistan in July. Tentatively totaling it up (with 3 days remaining for the Chicago Police Department to report July numbers) more people were murdered in Chicago (44) than American casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan combined (43).

The 20th Ward seems to be the most dangerous in Chicago, with around 9 homicides. Alderman Willie Cochran serves the 20th ward, which was represented for many years by Arenda Troutman.

Not to make light of the American servicemen and women who are on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan, but the City of Chicago tallies up as a fairly dangerous place. It would be a welcome change to fix our own violence issues simultaneously without our politicians traveling around “healing the world”.