Thought I'd beat Brian Flemming to the punch by pointing out THIS ARTICLE from The Onion, "Bush Visits USS Truman for Dramatic Veteran's-Benefits-Cutting Ceremony":
With more than 5,400 jubilant Marines and sailors cheering him on, President Bush landed on the deck of the U.S.S. Harry S Truman in a Navy jet Monday to preside over a historic veterans'-benefits-cutting ceremony.
"No one knows the meaning of the word 'sacrifice' quite like our men and women in uniform," Bush said. "Whether sacrificing their lives or their health coverage, these brave Americans are willing to do whatever it takes to help this nation, and for this I salute them."
Good liberals love this "cutting veterans benefits" storyline, though I don't know how much truth there is to it. They naturally love anything in general that can be used to bash Dubya, and they love anything that involves arguing that the government should spend more money.
On the other hand, they may have a legitimate point in this case. Certainly no one in the country has more legitimate claim to government benefits than veterans.
Either way, this article is beautiful satire.
Article comments
1 - mike
Its true, baby. Eric Alterman at MSNBC
(http://www.msnbc.com/news/752664.asp: scroll down): "If only this were really a joke....On January 17, the Bush administration decided to force the VA to stop enrolling Priority 8 veterans for medical care. Additionally, the Bush budget imposes a $250 annual enrollment fee for medical care on nonservice-connected Priority 7 veterans and all Priority 8 veterans [see here]. Finally, most shockingly, the House Republican leadership rammed through a budget that slashes $14.1 billion out of mandatory veterans benefits” [see here]." Direct link:
http://www.house.gov/budget_democrats/congressional_budgets/fy2004/vetscuts_may2103.pdf
2 - Al Barger
Thanks for the news links, Mike. Any knowledgeable Republicans wish to post a defense of the administration?
3 - Phillip Winn
Al - There are knowledgable Republicans? Next you're going to tell me that there are intelligent Democracts!
You're such a kidder.