U.S. Suspects Double is Standing in for Hussein

.S. intelligence experts have raised questions as to the authenticity of a videotaped speech featuring Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, which aired on Iraqi television only hours after missile attacks aimed at killing the dictator rocked a suburban Baghdad neighborhood. Iraqi officials point to the tape as proof that Hussein was not killed by the thousands of pounds of explosives that had been satellite-locked on his individual navel hairs in the attack, contrary to U.S. and British claims.

Intelligence analysts suggest that the man appearing as Saddam is actually Hussein’s double, a look-alike decoy known to be used by the dictator for certain unsavory public appearances and on particularly bad hair days. Off the record, at least one high-ranking U.S. intelligence intern believes the double to be none other than Saddam's little-known and slow-witted brother, Elmo Hussein.

Wearing a very silly pair of glasses and speaking with a slight lisp, the supposed Saddam spoke out Thursday morning against the U.S.-led attacks.

“Cookies, Cookies, Cookies. Saddam would like some cookies.�

CIA technicians began applying voiceprint analysis and other techniques to the video shortly after it aired. Early returns have been inconclusive.

“Lippety lippety lee, the bear climbed up a tree. When there was no porridge, he sucked on an orange and said ‘What a good boy is me.’�

“See the way he curls his lip when he says ‘porridge’?� CIA technician Luthor Retisma queried while pointing at a video screen. “Saddam doesn’t usually do that. He also usually doesn’t speak in such a sing-songy tone or pick his nose while the camera is running either.�

Iraqi officials vehemently deny the existence of any such double, claiming that Hussein has always spoken in nursery rhymes and was wearing the hilarious glasses because he forgot his contacts at a friend’s house.

“Whatever they’re alleging, that he got sand in his contacts or had an anvil dropped on his head or whatever, we’re doubtful,� explained an unnamed U.S. official, still bitter over not having a name. “They can come up with all kinds of creative ways to cover for Saddam’s idiot brother, but in the end technical analysis of the videotape will be the judge, jury and executioner.�

The unnamed U.S. official left the room before this reporter could ask what in the hell that meant.

As a result of Hussein’s first orders since the attacks, all Iraqi troops are to receive ice cream at once: two-scoop cones for ground troops and Neapolitan ice cream sandwiches for the elite Republican Guard.

“Well, there you go!� pointed out Iraqi ambassador Shamutz Gendal. “Saddam loves Neapolitan ice cream. Especially the strawberry part. I bet you feel silly about your silly theories now.�

Rumors of the supposed Saddam building a gigantic sand castle for his own protection could not be confirmed as of press time.

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Dear commune:

Your publication means a lot to me. I'm sure a lot of people say that, but I have a special reason. I started reading the commune in prison and it helped inspire me to straighten my life out. I'm not exactly sure how, you figure that one out for yourselves.

I managed to get out with time off for good behavior, and everything has been great since. I started dating my parole officer and recently moved in with her, making plans to be married soon. It's been a positive change for her as well, as her daughter used to be in trouble with drugs and promiscuous sex before we started dating, so everything's been great for everybody.

I do have a question, though: Is incest a real law or just a social taboo? And does that apply to consenting individuals who are not related by blood? Thanks.

Jarway Hepburn
Friedmon, CT


Dear Jarway:

According to our bathroom walls, incest is best. Your story is very encouraging to all of us at the commune. If the commune is suited to providing hope to those with dim futures behind bars, we're sure we'll be doing so for you again very soon.

the commune

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Dear commune:

Howdy there! I am a professional daredevil. If it needs to be said, kids, do not try anything I do at home.

I'm a big fan of the commune. Not really, but I am a big fan of self-promotion through media outlets like the commune. I'll cut to the chase: I'm mailing myself to the commune offices in a large package. Don't worry, I've tested it before by mailing myself to the neighbor (boy, was he surprised!) and I have just enough food and water to get by safely. I also have a small TV and VCR with some rented movies and as long as I get them back in time everything should be alright.

I'm sending this letter separately to let you know I'll be starting this adventure tomorrow. Hey, maybe I'm already there! Wish me luck!

Vern Didactic
San Francisco, CA


Dear Vern:

It troubles us that this letter arrived so late in the mail, judging by the postmark. Even more troubling is the fact that since the anthrax mail scares we've been soaking our packages in the pool overnight.

the commune

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Dear commune:

I am an aspiring magician. I need to know, how do they pull a rabbit out of a hat?

At first I thought maybe there was a break-away bottom to the hat and they reach through the hat into the stand they put it on. There would also have to be a break-away top to the table and a rabbit stuffed inside. Or, if none of that was the case, a fake bottom to the hat and the rabbit is crunched inside. Then it's just a matter of making the rabbit look alive when you pull it out, which would probably be easy enough.

The trick becomes even more perplexing on the Rocky & Bullwinkle Show. Bullwinkle doesn't even pull a rabbit out, it's always something weird like a lion or a rhinoceros. I can't even imagine what kind of break-away table is underneath. Maybe mirrors are used to make it look smaller. I suppose it's possible there's some kind of camera chicanery going on, but I watch closely and don't see any noticeable edits. And I have a very sharp eye.

If I'm going to be a magician, though, there's one question I must know the answer to: Where can I get one of those top hats? I've never seen one at K-Mart or Sears.

Cary Lupino
Texarkana, AR


Dear Cary:

A magician's secret weapon? Yes, but there's much more to the top hat than that.

Top hats have been the star on the top of the fashion tree since a long time ago. For an added touch of "ooh la la" nothing says fancy motherfucker like a top hat. Taco himself once suggested if you're blue and don't know where to go to, you should go where fashion sits, puttin' on the ritz. All said while wearing a keen top hat.

Top hats are verified worldwide as the easiest hat to toss off non-chalantly onto a nearby hat rack when you come in the door. And there are no other hats in the entire galaxy that look suave with a pair of white Mickey Mouse gloves. Wearing white Mickey Mouse gloves and don't want to look like a total shmoe? Try something other than a top hat you'll appear quite the buffoon.

Top hats even add a little bit of dignity to unavoidable court appearances, and that comes straight from commune editor Red Bagel himself. Always carry one in your glove compartment or trouser pockets, assuming those pockets are big enough.

the commune would also like to thank it's proud new sponsors at Malone's Top Hat Emporium. Malone's—we know fashion and even if you know fashion we probably know just a little more than you, so listen to us.

the commune

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Editor's Note: the commune is not responsible for the rash of teen movies starring female pop stars. Like everyone else, we're anxiously awaiting the return of music with balls. Garage bands of the world unite!

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Slow week here, my boss is still out recovering from a belch so violent he had to change his pants afterwards. I'm no doctor, but I think that means you've been eating too much red meat. Hey, I should have that printed up on a shirt. "I'm no doctor, but I think that means you've been eating too much red meat." That would be snazzy.

I think "smuggle" is perhaps the dumbest-sounding English word that I can think of right now. "Bloat" is pretty gross, but useful. I've never liked "chard."

Now for a message from the US Postal Service:

Through rain, sleet or driving snow, we will damage your mail. That is our pledge. Thank you.

And now we're ready for our next contestant here on Reflections of a Goocher, Ms Myra Drizzle from Upper Carpathia. How are you today, Ms—Jesus, she bit my arm! Somebody get this crazy bitch off me!

Let this be a lesson to all our readers, wear a suit made of fruit roll-ups sewn together with licorice thread at your own considerable risk. This dry cleaning bill alone is going to be insane.

Let me be the first to say that Rudy Bega would be a really funny name for a kid. Now I've just got to find a guy named Bega to marry, and some hard-up girl to be the baby farm. This might take all afternoon.

And now for another brief word from our sponsor:

Assholes everywhere agree, Crest is America's #1 toothpaste. Crest: Keep smiling, assholes.

Personally, I don't think they should put people to death just because they're ugly. What's that? They don't? Well good, I'm still against it. For now.

Hold on, looks like we're going to have to start the call-in segment of our show a little earlier than normal! Caller, you're live on Reflections of a Goocher!

Caller: Yeah, Stu, do you know where that RXL2B form that was supposed to be filed last Monday went to? I can't seem to find it in the paperwork for that file.

SU: No, I'm sorry caller! The correct answer was "Afghan Panties." I'm sorry to say you haven't won a trip to Monaco or Bedwetting for Dummies. Better luck next time!

Caller: Uh, St— *click*

Oh, looks like we lost the connection. Anyway, I'm going to make this getting out of here a reality before this last dogsled team leaves for the parking lot. Until next time, keep sending in those cookies shaped like famous composers, and I'll keep eating them. Now mush you Malamutes! Mush!

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