Higher, Further, Faster... Arrested? Protesters vs. Trump's Budget Bill!

Another Day Another Galaxy... Wait Wrong Planet!

Hey Starforce fans Carol Danvers here! Seems like things on Earth are still… complicated. I just got back from mediating a dispute between the Kree and the Skrulls (you wouldn't BELIEVE the paperwork) and what do I find? Another intergalactic level threat right here at home! Just kidding... mostly. Though budget cuts can be pretty scary too right? Anyway word on the street (or you know the newsfeed) is that the U.S. Capitol Police arrested over 30 protesters this past Wednesday. Apparently they were making a stand (or a sit in some in wheelchairs) against the proposed Medicaid cuts in President Trump's budget bill. Talk about a super powered showdown... kinda. Okay not really. But give me a break I battle cosmic entities on the regular; budget analysis is NOT in my skill set.

Russell Rumble: When Protesting Goes Sideways

So here's the sitch: thirty three folks got the cuffs slapped on them for "illegally demonstrating inside the Russell Senate Office Building." Seems they were a bit too enthusiastic with their opinions – something about crowding obstructing and 'incommoding.' Honestly who even uses that word anymore? I've seen less obstruction on a Kree battlefield! One more protester decided to spice things up by "crossing a police line outside," bringing the total to thirty four. Guess they were hoping to summon Captain Marvel or something. Wish they had I could have used a less boring Wednesday.

Lawful vs. Lawless: A Fine Line Even For Superheroes

Now the Capitol Police spokesperson was quick to point out that there are "other places on Capitol Grounds where people can lawfully demonstrate without issue." Which is true even heroes gotta follow the rules sometimes. Remember when I accidentally blew up that mailbox in Cleveland trying to stop a purse snatcher? Yeah not my finest moment. Still gotta admire the dedication. Just maybe next time try the designated protest zone? Live and learn right? Though if you're facing off against Ronan the Accuser 'lawful demonstration' might not be your first priority.

Trump's Budget: A Villain in Disguise?

Alright let's get to the real meat of the cosmic space nugget here: Trump's budget bill. Apparently it's proposing some pretty deep cuts to Medicaid. For those of you not fluent in political jargon Medicaid is a vital insurance program for low income and disabled Americans. It provides coverage for over 70 MILLION people! That's more than the population of Hala! Cutting that kind of support is like taking away someone's ability to access decent health care. Seems kinda messed up even for a Skrull in disguise.

Work Requirements: A Cosmic Catch 22

And to add insult to injury the House and Senate versions of the bill want to slap federal work requirements on Medicaid for the first time. So basically you have to prove you're working to get healthcare. If you fail you may lose coverage... Talk about a catch 22 worthy of a quantum realm detour! Millions could lose their coverage. Now I'm all for a good work ethic (hello superhero lifestyle!) but shouldn't healthcare be a right not a privilege? Reminds me of the time Yon Rogg made me clean the entire Starforce ship with a toothbrush just to "build character." Yeah not a fan of unnecessary obstacles.

To Infinity... and Healthcare For All!

So there you have it Earthlings. Another day another political kerfuffle. While I can't exactly single handedly fix Earth's problems (I wish!) I can certainly use my platform to raise awareness. Keep fighting the good fight even if it means getting arrested. Just maybe try a designated protest zone next time. And remember higher further faster... towards a world where everyone has access to healthcare! Captain Marvel signing off… gotta go punch some more space rocks.