3,000.

According to the Department of Defense, Spc. Dustin R. Donica, 22, of Spring, Texas, was killed Thursday by small arms fire in Baghdad. So, as the year 2006 came to a close the U.S. Military this latest loss for U.S. forces brings the total count of soldier deaths in Iraq to 3,000.

The American death toll since the start of the Iraqi invasion in March of 2003 was at 1,000 in September of 2004 and 2,000 by October 2005 according to a recent MSNBC article.

Meanwhile, President Bush continues to weigh his options toward a renewed or sustained campaign in the war torn region. Please!

There's been more weighing than in an entire season of The Biggest Loser (ironic title intended). If the President doesn't come to realize that with the change in congressional leadership because of the November elections, his dismal approval ratings (around 37%±2)and the increased pressure to change his stance from pundits, former Presidents and the U.S. people combined, he's looking at the worst, lame-duck Presidency of all time.

How will we remember W.? What will his legacy entail? First, let's see what can be done to prevent 4,000.

The New York Times has a fitting, and helpful database for those wishing to know more about each of the 3,000 soldiers killed in the line of duty.