When did I ever claim to be a veteran? Ever heard of Blackwater?

You would know. That is the state of affairs you are burdened with constantly.

We're already there, 'dog. National health care won't change that.

Australia. I've spent a year there. Their system provides better outcomes, for less than half the cost.

Isn't it about time that we stop being the world's policeman? We could defend our shores just fine on *300 bn per year, especially if we maintain an adequate quantity of nuclear weapons. Putting people like you out of work is an attractive side-benefit.

We use mercenaries. They would be using draftees. The outcome is the same.

Jim, explain what happens when you privatize EVERY government function. Government is essential to any capitalist society. And you have to pay for it.

Mo: "Yep and in a decade, every penny in tax revenues will go to pay for Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and debt service." Fine. Let's adopt a national health care system, modeled after those of our successful rivals. And let's raise taxes on capital gains. Let's bail out of Afghanistan (where empires go to die) and Iraq, and cut national defense spending by 60%. Let's start making the tough calls, starting with the ones that will infuriate the Right.

Appropriate self-diagnosis.

Appropriate self-diagnosis.