Saturday Afternoon Cinema: U.S. soldiers ask "Should We Stay or Should we Go.

The U.S. Congress and Iraqi Parliament are on vacation, Why aren't you? It's the weekend. Time for a video recap of the weekly news...Why read...it's the weekend. Relax, kickback, and enjoy. A little political humor never hurts.

Bush Needs FISA NOW! Headzup


Bush and Healthcare


Bush on Tillman Death

John McCain to sell Straight Talk Express..any takers?

..so there I was...Sitting at the bus stop eating my ham and cheese sandwich when out of the corner of my eye I caught what appeared to be John McCain sitting on the end of the bench. Upon further investigation I realized it was him. "Hi there, John...what gives, why are you sitting here all alone?", I questioned. Startled that someone was actually talking to him, McCain replied,

" Have you not been watching my campaign lately? All my old bros, hate me. I went from being Reagan's prodigal son to this. A washed up old man who can't keep his finances straight. Heck, I've even given up on my immigration stance for them. Nothing . Nothing is what I've got. Geez, even that blowtard Obama stole my thunder by saying he'd bomb Iran too. I'd bomb Iran first, damn it. I said it first..I even sang it to my constituents. Remember...bomb,bomb, Iran... I have no thunder left." placing his head in his hands.

Finishing my sandwich I was still at a loss to why he would be at the bus stop. How could this man...with all these financial backers, years of experience, a P.O.W., and a supporter of 'W', be all washed up. The election is still on. "Excuse me sir, I'm still a little confused. Why are you here? The response that I received was perhaps the most candid I've ever received...politician or not.

"Well....early on we (campaign) were spending money like every other GOP candidate. I thought it was all good. I mean...we didn't have money like that damn Mormon guy...but we did okay. Lieberman and I support this war or terror. We are behind the "resident in the oval office"...I thought they had my back. I thought I would receive more funds from them. Guess what, ham and cheese ( I took this as a term of endearment), I got nothing. They let me roll over...they threw me in the pool without my lil' floaty things....and now I'm struggling. Hey spare any of your crust from your sandwich...I'm starving."

Saddened by my response,.."I'm sorry...none left", McCain appeared disillusioned with facing poverty. What are you going to do to stay in the 2008 election cycle? Will you be able to continue on? Smiling from ear to ear.

"I'll do fine. Just fine. We've sold the Straight Talk Express for one. After seeing Al Gore III get his Prius up to 105 mph, I had an idea. I realize the thousands of dollars saved by using a hybrid. Plus it has an added bonus. Besides its fuel efficiency...it will also provide a speedy getaway at my next appearances. If you've seen my crowds lately...a speedy getaway is a plus", exclaimed McCain.

Aaahhh. Don't be so down on yourself...John...you'll bounce back...Won't you? After all, you were the candidate to beat in '04. You will be just fine...Stand proud John. They will come around to you.

" Sure they will..sure. In the meantime, do you think you can lend me bus fare? Since I got the hybrid I haven't been able to get it insured. I'm pinching everything I can. Every penny....Care to help an old man out" McCain said depressingly

Nope sorry John..Nothing for you. Perhaps you shouldn't have stabbed all those independents in their back. It didn't feel good, John. In fact....just think..If you would've listened to yourself you would not be in this mess. Instead you buddied up with the 4th Branch and continue to perpetuate this horrible war of terror. Say John....here's my card..in a month... when you're ready to sell that hybrid give me a call. I'm sure you could use the spare change. Next time, don't screw over your base.

"but 'w' said......I'll be fine...I'm his boy...I'm the next President. Damn it I walked through Baghdad's busy market for him. Rove promised me...he promised" screamed McCain

as I boarded the bus. Better luck next time, As&H*le. Start a bake sale! Settling into my seat I glanced back at poor lil' McCain sitting all by himself. Poor bastard. The electorate has spoken...now its time to eat my other sandwich in PEACE.

Same Players. Different Scandal.

4th Branch addresses Dennis Kucinich and Impeachment

In an astounding and rare press conference, VP Dick Cheney, has decided to address the growing impeachment movement throughout the country. Highlights of the event came when Cheney personally addressed Congressman Dennis Kucinich during his speech.

Cheney exclaimed,

"...and for you, Dennis, haven't you noticed all the 'I don't recalls' coming out of this administration lately. Once the 4th Branch speaks, nobody remembers. Got it. I suggest that you do the same. Back off with all your 'talk' of impeachment. I can't be impeached, you fool. I'm not even part of the executive. 'I have one foot in both camps'. I run this town, this country, this HOMELAND. Its mine."

As the FOX news crew scrambled...Cheney elaborated,

"Perhaps you should get your impeachment buddies and join me on a hunting trip. I suppose we could hatch out our differences on the open range in TX. Harry, enjoyed his trip last year...I believe you 'fellas would enjoy it as well."

After the brief statements, Cheney was seen getting on his Segway and cruising the White House grounds drinking from an oil can. After carefully surveying the grounds he made his way to the White House Gates and started shouting his trade mark phrase as the tourists gathered.

"F#@k off...all of you. The 4th Branch is not an elected position. I was chosen. I chose myself, perhaps if ya'll had a lil' money your voice would be heard. Until then...pray my buddies don't find any oil in your backyards...if so...We'll be there..with my private army in tow. You don't stand a chance..Your democrazy has been subverted. Now go home and watch Law & Order...I've had Fred auditioning for years...his time has come"

Pressed with questions from the crowd,Cheney turned, flipped off the crowd and peeled out with his erie grin.

Same Players. Different Scandal.

Tony Snow defending Bush Administration Saudi Arms Deal

Don't hold back Tony...Let 'er go..Tell US how you really feel.

video clip courtesty Headzup

If the VA can't provide Healthcare to our Veterans...Who pays for Private Military Contractors?

As the Untied States continues to outsource the war of terror to private military contractors they are perpetuating a health care catastrophe. The VA has had problems accommodating the increase in injuries and post traumatic stress disorders as our soldiers are returning from the theater of war. If the VA is having problems accommodating veterans at their own facilities...who is going to accommodate our sub 'machine gun' contractors?

America now has two distinct armies fighting in the war of terror. Our standard nation state military, as well as, the new breed of sub 'machine gun' contractors. As the VA begins to accelerate military service programs for expected increases of soldiers injuries and war related mental illnesses, our public health care system is doing nothing. It remains business as usual. These contractors are finding themselves in a particular position. The VA will take care of their own, but these private corporate armies have little if any Health care plan at all.

“To my knowledge, it has not been looked at systematically,” said Dr. Matthew J. Friedman, a V.A. official, National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

What is to become of them? Are we going to have crazed....mercenary trained soldiers wandering around the country with mental illnesses and long term injuries who lack proper health care?

When faced with the public health care system many contractors will find themselves having to pay their own way. Insurance companies and drug manufacturers rule the day. Micheal Moore's SICKO comes to mind.

"Contract workers who are wounded or disabled in the war zone are treated in military hospitals in Iraq and Germany, but once home, they are not eligible for care in the military or VA system. And unlike troops, they are not routinely evaluated for mental or stress disorders after their tours." James Risen, NYT

Surely these contractors will have to navigate the health care system on their own. They will face the same challenges that Sally Joe and Pops McGee encounter each and everyday.

"The contrast between the way the military and the civilian contractors are handled on P.T.S.D. is like night and day. The contractors have to figure it out on their own, and they often have to litigate it with the insurance company." Garry Pitts, Houston lawyer

Insurance claims will be filed, preliminary tests required, procedures done...but at what cost? Even though they fought on America's side, these contractors once their job is done, will be left with all the same maladies as our national military, but with no help. No help from the government, no help from their corporations who employed them to fight for America's war of terror. Does this not preclude another disaster?

For a party of family values and compassionate conservatism....it sure seems that the GOP are in it for themselves. Mission Accomplished...we get it. Perpetuating this war of terror is costing our Nation much more than money. Families are being destroyed. Alcoholism, drug abuse, domestic violence, and other 'adjustment issues' will undoubtedly rise as our soldiers and contractors come home from the theater of war. Many will need some sort of medical/mental attention yet, only some will receive the much needed care.

Our nation is crumbling around US. Globally we are frowned upon. We have terror alerts out for what seems to be half the worlds nations. Our national transportation infrastructure is falling down around US. Our government is outsourcing a war that has cost 1 trillion dollars in the present. Even Iraq's Green Zone has been contracted out. Who is the enemy? These figures will undoubtedly rise in the future. Everyday this war escalates...another future problem is laid at the feet of our children. We are not paying for this war...They are. They are the ones that will have to face the problems this war has created. This war of terror is a generational war. The old guard wants to pursue it. Their children want it STOPPED.

Same Players. Different Scandal.