Bush Exercises Veto For First Time, Pulls Muscle

JIM ANDERSON

CORRUGATED TIMES-DISPATCH

July 19, 2006

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- President Bush today vetoed legislation that would have relaxed rules prohibiting federally-funded research on embryonic lines created after 2001. While penning the no-go, Bush tweaked his left teres major, a little-used muscle on the shoulder.

"This bill would support the taking of innocent human life of the hope of finding medical benefits for others. It crosses a moral boundary that our society needs to respect, so I--oh, s---," said Bush. "Cramping. Should have stretched."

It was the first veto in Bush's presidency. The president ignored the advice of White House physician Dr. Luanne Jenser, who had encouraged him to veto at least once a year. "The teres major is sensitive, prone to strain with intermittent use," said Jenser.

Asked if he would veto again in the near future, Bush responded, "Hell no. Once is enough."