Bush fights former P.O.W.'s over Iraqi money....

When 21 freed American P.O.W.'s returned home from the Persian Gulf war in March 1991, Dick Cheney, then secretary of defense, welcomed them at Andrews Air Force Base, Md.

"Every man and woman who cares for freedom," Mr. Cheney said, "owes you a very special measure of gratitude."

Of those 21 former prisoners of war, 17, who had been tortured by their Iraqi captors, would like something more tangible. This month they won a court award of almost $1 billion against Iraq, and a federal law says they may be paid from frozen Iraqi funds.

The Bush administration has expressed sympathy for the plaintiffs over what they endured but is fighting them about the money, saying it is urgently needed to rebuild Iraq.

The government is citing "foreign policy interests in ensuring a safe and successful transition in Iraq," as justification for trying to stiff the P.O.W.'s out of their money.

Whenever the Bush administration starts saying how grateful they are, grab hold of your wallets!

Complete story here.