Hog,
First, this war has cost MUCH more in the past year than the last decade in terms of dollars required to "baby sit" Saddam.
Second, if the US is to be the world's Champion, then I do believe we should turn our focus towards Africa now.......the atrocities occuring over there right now make Pre-war Iraq look like Romper Room. BUT, they don't have WMDs........
Third, do realize the VAST MAJORITY of the US population is not of the military cloth and the "kick ass" mentality, while it befits a soldier, it does not align well with civilized society.
Fourth, what do you think the casualties would be without modern technology (not present in Vietnam)? And, what do you think the casualties would be if we went to war with China (more appropriate comparison to WWII)?
BTW, we are far from ready to leave Iraq, so expect that 900 to get quit a bit larger in the next 3 to 10 years.......but, hey, we got Saddam!