American Soldiers You've Just Been Punk'd

Who needs Ashton Kutcher when you've got the Bush administration lying through his teeth, fleecing America and short-changing American veterans who are coming back from Iraq mentally scarred and in various states of dismemberment. The joke is on all people who thought he cared!

"The Bush administration, already accused by veterans groups of seeking inadequate funds for health care next year, acknowledged yesterday that it is short $1 billion for covering current needs at the Department of Veterans Affairs this year.

The disclosure of the shortfall angered Senate Republicans who have been voting down Democratic proposals to boost VA programs at significant political cost. Their votes have brought the wrath of the American Legion, the Paralyzed Veterans of America and other organizations down on the GOP.

'I was on the phone this morning with Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson, letting him know that I am not pleased that this has happened,' said Sen. Larry E. Craig (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. 'I am certain that he is going to take serious steps to ensure that this type of episode is not repeated.'

The $1 billion shortfall emerged during an administration midyear budget review and was acknowledged only during lengthy questioning of Jonathan B. Perlin, VA undersecretary for health, by House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) at a hearing yesterday."