Monday, March 17, 2008
U. S. Seniors Retiring To Iraq; Say Thats Where The Medicare Money Is.
U. S. senior citizens, noting President Bushs new budget, which calls for billions to be spent in Iraq while billions are cut from Medicare, are foregoing traditional retirement destinations like Florida and Arizona and opting for Iraq.
The numbers reflect a convincing coincidence. Bushs budget calls for $100 billion more for Iraq and $100 billion in cuts for Medicare.
Following up on the new retirement trend, we went to Kennedy Airport and caught up with some seniors who were booked for Baghdad.
Excuse me, I asked a group of seniors who just stepped off the bus in front of Saudi Arabian Airlines. I understand youre all heading for Iraq?
Thats right, a man in Bermuda shorts replied, and reached into his golf bag. He took out a chapeau in the usual mullah fashion. Got my black turban right here. You know what they say? When in Baghdad, do as the Iraqis do.
And I have my black burkah, his wife added, lifting it from her purse. She slipped it over her head and modeled it. What do you think?
Very cute, I replied. Youll fit right in. Can you please clarify why youve chosen to retire in Iraq instead of, say, Miami?
Simple, son, a man with a fishing rod, who happened to be wearing a baseball cap on top of his turban, said, Thats where the Medicare money is.
Not to mention social security, his wife commented.
The plain fact is, wed rather eat in Iraq than starve in America, another man added.
But arent you concerned about safety issues? I asked.
Of course, we are, the man in the Bermudas replied. But were in this for the long term and, the way things are going, we can hardly count on Medicare and social security in America.
Weve got to follow the food, another elderly gentleman stated.
But you could get blown up? I suggested.
Oh, we thought about that, the man with the baseball hat on top of his turban replied. Well just have to take our chances.
Never underestimate the power of a senior citizen, a frail man said, raising his fist. Didnt you read about the 70-year-old fella who broke the neck of the kid who tried to rob a busload of seniors?
Yes, I did notice that event, I told him.
He was a war vet, one of the women informed me, with evident pride.
Yep, of one American war or another, a senior volunteered with a sigh. Quite a few to choose from.
How about suicide bombers? I dared to ask.
Bring em on, son, the frail senior said, assuming the position of a boxer with his dukes up.
But arent you forgetting that most of the money earmarked for Iraq is for military activity? I asked.
Were going for the rebuilding money, the man in the Bermudas said. Theyre wasting billions. And we figure we can get in the way of some of it.
And what do you think is going to happen when Americans see millions of seniors, retired in Iraq? They cant just let us starve there, can they?
Congress will have to divvy up something for us, and thats more than theyre likely to do if we stay in America.
And something is better than nothing, a woman affirmed.
But what about the culture gap? I asked. Arent you a little set in your ways?
Yes, we are, one of the men admitted.
I notice the turbans. Do you plan on becoming Muslim?
Whatever it takes to get in the way of some money, the man insisted.
Weve thought about it, his wife interjected. And becoming Islamic is better than not being able to afford medical care.
Or starving on whats left of social security, another woman added.
Do you think youll be able to enjoy the usual retirement activities there, like golf and fishing? I asked.
No problem, the man with the golf bag said. Iraq may not have the best golf courses, but I see theres plenty of desert for sand traps.
Ive noticed a river runs through Baghdad, the man with the fishing rod said. Got to be something in it besides body parts.
How about you? I asked a woman with a tennis racquet.
I havent seen any tennis courts there, she admitted, but some of the sand should be hard enough for the ball to bounce.
What about a net? I asked.
I guess therell be some sacrifices, she replied, and looked around at the crowd. But I know one thing. I wont have far to look for someone to play with.
I brought my racket, another woman called.
And, if worse comes to worse, her husband advised her, you can teach an Iraqi how to play.
Excuse us, son, one of the men said. We have to move along now. Cant miss our flight.
Were bound for Baghdad! his wife almost sang.
OK, I replied. Thanks for the interview. And enjoy your retirement.
Tom Attea, humorist and creator of http://NewsLaugh.com, has had six shows produced Off-Broadway. Critics have called his writing "delightfully funny," "witty," with "good, genuine laughs" and "great humor and ebullience."
The numbers reflect a convincing coincidence. Bushs budget calls for $100 billion more for Iraq and $100 billion in cuts for Medicare.
Following up on the new retirement trend, we went to Kennedy Airport and caught up with some seniors who were booked for Baghdad.
Excuse me, I asked a group of seniors who just stepped off the bus in front of Saudi Arabian Airlines. I understand youre all heading for Iraq?
Thats right, a man in Bermuda shorts replied, and reached into his golf bag. He took out a chapeau in the usual mullah fashion. Got my black turban right here. You know what they say? When in Baghdad, do as the Iraqis do.
And I have my black burkah, his wife added, lifting it from her purse. She slipped it over her head and modeled it. What do you think?
Very cute, I replied. Youll fit right in. Can you please clarify why youve chosen to retire in Iraq instead of, say, Miami?
Simple, son, a man with a fishing rod, who happened to be wearing a baseball cap on top of his turban, said, Thats where the Medicare money is.
Not to mention social security, his wife commented.
The plain fact is, wed rather eat in Iraq than starve in America, another man added.
But arent you concerned about safety issues? I asked.
Of course, we are, the man in the Bermudas replied. But were in this for the long term and, the way things are going, we can hardly count on Medicare and social security in America.
Weve got to follow the food, another elderly gentleman stated.
But you could get blown up? I suggested.
Oh, we thought about that, the man with the baseball hat on top of his turban replied. Well just have to take our chances.
Never underestimate the power of a senior citizen, a frail man said, raising his fist. Didnt you read about the 70-year-old fella who broke the neck of the kid who tried to rob a busload of seniors?
Yes, I did notice that event, I told him.
He was a war vet, one of the women informed me, with evident pride.
Yep, of one American war or another, a senior volunteered with a sigh. Quite a few to choose from.
How about suicide bombers? I dared to ask.
Bring em on, son, the frail senior said, assuming the position of a boxer with his dukes up.
But arent you forgetting that most of the money earmarked for Iraq is for military activity? I asked.
Were going for the rebuilding money, the man in the Bermudas said. Theyre wasting billions. And we figure we can get in the way of some of it.
And what do you think is going to happen when Americans see millions of seniors, retired in Iraq? They cant just let us starve there, can they?
Congress will have to divvy up something for us, and thats more than theyre likely to do if we stay in America.
And something is better than nothing, a woman affirmed.
But what about the culture gap? I asked. Arent you a little set in your ways?
Yes, we are, one of the men admitted.
I notice the turbans. Do you plan on becoming Muslim?
Whatever it takes to get in the way of some money, the man insisted.
Weve thought about it, his wife interjected. And becoming Islamic is better than not being able to afford medical care.
Or starving on whats left of social security, another woman added.
Do you think youll be able to enjoy the usual retirement activities there, like golf and fishing? I asked.
No problem, the man with the golf bag said. Iraq may not have the best golf courses, but I see theres plenty of desert for sand traps.
Ive noticed a river runs through Baghdad, the man with the fishing rod said. Got to be something in it besides body parts.
How about you? I asked a woman with a tennis racquet.
I havent seen any tennis courts there, she admitted, but some of the sand should be hard enough for the ball to bounce.
What about a net? I asked.
I guess therell be some sacrifices, she replied, and looked around at the crowd. But I know one thing. I wont have far to look for someone to play with.
I brought my racket, another woman called.
And, if worse comes to worse, her husband advised her, you can teach an Iraqi how to play.
Excuse us, son, one of the men said. We have to move along now. Cant miss our flight.
Were bound for Baghdad! his wife almost sang.
OK, I replied. Thanks for the interview. And enjoy your retirement.
Tom Attea, humorist and creator of http://NewsLaugh.com, has had six shows produced Off-Broadway. Critics have called his writing "delightfully funny," "witty," with "good, genuine laughs" and "great humor and ebullience."
Famous People With Tourettes
Tourettes is a relatively uncommon neurological disorder that a very small percentage of people actually have. Some who develop Tourettes are determined that it is practically a death sentence with them being forced to hide indoors and avoid contact with others. However, this is far from the truth. There have been several very famous people who have Tourettes who set a shinning example of what is possible for you to do.
There are several people who definitely have Tourettes and openly talk about it, while others have announced they have Tourettes but do not talk about it as much. It is generally very inspiring to people who do have Tourettes because it shows how some people have managed to overcome many of the obstacles that Tourettes represents.
Mozart
One of the most famous people who is suspected of having Tourettes was Mozart. There is nothing official that proves this theory though, and many Tourettes experts deny this possibility. Nevertheless, some historians do swear that he did have Tourettes based upon some of his behavior. At this point, there is no way to absolutely neither confirm nor deny these claims.
Tim Howard
The goalkeeper for Manchester United, he played in the 2000 Olympics. It has been said that Tim's symptoms started appearing in elementary school. He was considered a discipline problem by some of his teachers, and was often teased in school. Tim serves as a great inspiration for anyone with Tourettes who wishes to participate in athletics. He has shown due to his Olympic participation that Tourettes will not hold someone back; it is possible to still pursue a great and successful athletic career.
Howard Hughes
Famous Hollywood film director and an aviator, he was quiet well known for having several tics and obsessions. He still managed to direct numerous films, as well as own and fly several planes and airlines. He was able to be successful in his career, despite having a major germ obsession that worsened, as he got older, instead of diminishing like many Tourettes symptoms.
Howie Mandel
Comedian and brains behind several television series, Howie Mandel has managed to live his life to the fullest possible while still dealing with his Tourettes. He owns 2 different homes, including one that is kept sterile so that he can stay there free of germs in the event that his germ obsession kicks up. He has been known for television shows such as Bobby's World and St. Elsewhere. Howie has made it clear that having Tourettes has definitely not stopped him from reaching a great plateau many comedians would love; he has been voted as one of the 100 Best Stand Up Comedians of all time. Another piece of proof that Tourettes does not stop success in careers.
Dan Ackroyd
Actor, screenwriter, comedian, and musician Dan Ackroyd has suffered from symptoms of Tourettes and Asperger's Syndrome. While this has dealt Dan a double blow in terms of difficulties, he has still managed to have a very successful and fulfilling career that many others could even dream about. He is known for several movies such as The Blues Brothers, Ghost Busters, and even comedy shows such as Saturday Night Live. He is a great source of inspiration to anyone who is looking at trying to juggle Tourettes and an acting career.
David Beckham
Soccer player from the United Kingdom David Beckham is another example of Tourettes not being enough to hold back an incredible athlete. While he has struggled with obsessions and compulsions, he still manages to make it work around his career so that he can do the best he possibly can. Because of being from the United Kingdom, it also goes to show that Tourettes is something that can strike anyone in any country, not just the United States.
Jim Eisenreich
Baseball has had a major league player who was diagnosed with Tourettes. He has played with the Florida Marlins and the Philadelphia Phillies and since retiring enjoys spending much of his time helping teach people about Tourettes. Jim is a good example of someone who was diagnosed very late in life; he was not diagnosed until he was a professional ball player, unlike most others who are diagnosed when they are in elementary school.
Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf
Basketball is not left out in terms of athletes with Tourettes. Mahmoud is diagnosed with Tourettes and has played for the Denver Nugget and the Sacramento Kings. He was formerly known as Chris Jackson and has been a great inspiration for those looking at athletics.
Rodney Marks
In a world where tics and compulsive behavior is normal, most people do not think it is possible to have a very technical job that is quite stressful. However, Rodney Marks is an Australian astrophysicist who has proven that it is possible to do very detailed work and still suffer from Tourettes.
Steve Wallace
Many NASCAR fans do not realize that Steve Wallace is another person that can be added to the list of famous people with Tourettes syndrome. Many do not think it is possible to control the tics in order to drive at the speeds necessary in order to truly participate in NASCAR however, Steve has proven that is it very much possible to do.
Brad Cohen
Continuously in trouble in school, for making strange noises Brad Cohen went on to become a great teacher and author. Many people could never imagine someone with Tourettes being capable of teaching students, much less focusing long enough to be able to write a book. However, he has proven that it is possible to come out of the ordeal and manage symptoms enough to live a very fulfilling life.
As you can see, there are several people who have been in the public spotlight that people do not even realize have Tourettes. Everyone has different degrees of the illness with some only suffering mild cases, while others suffer from very severe cases. Those with Tourettes can be inspired that their disorder will not force them to live in the darkness, alone. People are able to come out of the shadows and attempt at managing their symptoms so they too can live successful and fulfilling lives
Steve Driskill is the Author of "End Your Child's Tics Now!" which can be found at http://www.facialtics.org and deals with Tourettes Sydrome and how it can be managed with diet.
There are several people who definitely have Tourettes and openly talk about it, while others have announced they have Tourettes but do not talk about it as much. It is generally very inspiring to people who do have Tourettes because it shows how some people have managed to overcome many of the obstacles that Tourettes represents.
Mozart
One of the most famous people who is suspected of having Tourettes was Mozart. There is nothing official that proves this theory though, and many Tourettes experts deny this possibility. Nevertheless, some historians do swear that he did have Tourettes based upon some of his behavior. At this point, there is no way to absolutely neither confirm nor deny these claims.
Tim Howard
The goalkeeper for Manchester United, he played in the 2000 Olympics. It has been said that Tim's symptoms started appearing in elementary school. He was considered a discipline problem by some of his teachers, and was often teased in school. Tim serves as a great inspiration for anyone with Tourettes who wishes to participate in athletics. He has shown due to his Olympic participation that Tourettes will not hold someone back; it is possible to still pursue a great and successful athletic career.
Howard Hughes
Famous Hollywood film director and an aviator, he was quiet well known for having several tics and obsessions. He still managed to direct numerous films, as well as own and fly several planes and airlines. He was able to be successful in his career, despite having a major germ obsession that worsened, as he got older, instead of diminishing like many Tourettes symptoms.
Howie Mandel
Comedian and brains behind several television series, Howie Mandel has managed to live his life to the fullest possible while still dealing with his Tourettes. He owns 2 different homes, including one that is kept sterile so that he can stay there free of germs in the event that his germ obsession kicks up. He has been known for television shows such as Bobby's World and St. Elsewhere. Howie has made it clear that having Tourettes has definitely not stopped him from reaching a great plateau many comedians would love; he has been voted as one of the 100 Best Stand Up Comedians of all time. Another piece of proof that Tourettes does not stop success in careers.
Dan Ackroyd
Actor, screenwriter, comedian, and musician Dan Ackroyd has suffered from symptoms of Tourettes and Asperger's Syndrome. While this has dealt Dan a double blow in terms of difficulties, he has still managed to have a very successful and fulfilling career that many others could even dream about. He is known for several movies such as The Blues Brothers, Ghost Busters, and even comedy shows such as Saturday Night Live. He is a great source of inspiration to anyone who is looking at trying to juggle Tourettes and an acting career.
David Beckham
Soccer player from the United Kingdom David Beckham is another example of Tourettes not being enough to hold back an incredible athlete. While he has struggled with obsessions and compulsions, he still manages to make it work around his career so that he can do the best he possibly can. Because of being from the United Kingdom, it also goes to show that Tourettes is something that can strike anyone in any country, not just the United States.
Jim Eisenreich
Baseball has had a major league player who was diagnosed with Tourettes. He has played with the Florida Marlins and the Philadelphia Phillies and since retiring enjoys spending much of his time helping teach people about Tourettes. Jim is a good example of someone who was diagnosed very late in life; he was not diagnosed until he was a professional ball player, unlike most others who are diagnosed when they are in elementary school.
Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf
Basketball is not left out in terms of athletes with Tourettes. Mahmoud is diagnosed with Tourettes and has played for the Denver Nugget and the Sacramento Kings. He was formerly known as Chris Jackson and has been a great inspiration for those looking at athletics.
Rodney Marks
In a world where tics and compulsive behavior is normal, most people do not think it is possible to have a very technical job that is quite stressful. However, Rodney Marks is an Australian astrophysicist who has proven that it is possible to do very detailed work and still suffer from Tourettes.
Steve Wallace
Many NASCAR fans do not realize that Steve Wallace is another person that can be added to the list of famous people with Tourettes syndrome. Many do not think it is possible to control the tics in order to drive at the speeds necessary in order to truly participate in NASCAR however, Steve has proven that is it very much possible to do.
Brad Cohen
Continuously in trouble in school, for making strange noises Brad Cohen went on to become a great teacher and author. Many people could never imagine someone with Tourettes being capable of teaching students, much less focusing long enough to be able to write a book. However, he has proven that it is possible to come out of the ordeal and manage symptoms enough to live a very fulfilling life.
As you can see, there are several people who have been in the public spotlight that people do not even realize have Tourettes. Everyone has different degrees of the illness with some only suffering mild cases, while others suffer from very severe cases. Those with Tourettes can be inspired that their disorder will not force them to live in the darkness, alone. People are able to come out of the shadows and attempt at managing their symptoms so they too can live successful and fulfilling lives
Steve Driskill is the Author of "End Your Child's Tics Now!" which can be found at http://www.facialtics.org and deals with Tourettes Sydrome and how it can be managed with diet.
