Comment: I am doing my research paper on the suicide rate of our soldiers. It has been a problem since WWI and it is about time we do something about it. I have family in Iraq and I believe that the Government should be doing alot more to make people aware of PTSD and where they can get help. Thank you to all the men and women who fight to protect the freedoms I enjoy everyday.
Comment: As Veterans we deserve the very best care.And the VA will be in trouble soon trying to take care of the soldiers coming back.We need to fund the VA system with a large infusion of money and new facilities..
Comment: Little Ceasar is terribly mistaken that serving in air force, obeying orders of higher ups and serving in war in afgan and iraq are the only proud things for a patriot? You are injured in war and you you are a war veteran. We honour you we salute you. But JFK's views are totally outdated in this modern age where your Nations reputation is viewed and judged by other nations by not just the out come but by the motives whether these were really honourable? Remember Vietnam war and present Iraqi invasion by US. In both occassions the pride of this great nation US has been greatly damaged. In Iraq US invaded on misled information that iRAQ has Chemical weapons. After so many yeras of occupation has one ounce of chemical weapon was unearthed? How many trillions of tax payers money wasted? To be a patriot our friend should also take a look at the suffering of the Nations pride in the International forums.
Comment: Well disabled veterans are going to get an increase of $86.00 s month when the Dole commission recommended a 25% increase in compensation. I guess our Representatives and Senators are going to run for reelection promising to support the Dole recommendations and then do nothing once elected. That is politics as usual, I will not vote for any candidate that does not wote to p[ass the Dole Commission report and give our heroes the money and lives they deserve.
Comment: its the veterans commision that wants to give the disabled veterans a 25% increase not Dole ,he wants to give only new veterans a better disablity not older vets ,Get your facts stright READ
Comment: No one knows the horror of being a combat vet but a combat vet. "Support Our Troops" is as much a slogan as is the VA and this Administration's support of the men and women they have sent into combat.
Comment: Let me see.. If memory serves me correctly,, The White House promised that this entire war could be waged for 50 billion dollars. We spend more than that per month now. And did we not invade two countries to capture and arrest the mastermind of 9/11.. TRILLIONS SPENT and Bin laden is still free. And now the injured, the true cost of this fiasco, need a VA system that does not exist. Hmmm.
Comment: More than 10,000 military personnel have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan severely wounded, but In their struggle to meet the needs of fallen comrades, physicians and therapists have found a new resource. Horses For Heroes is a national therapeutic riding program created to serve America???s wounded military personnel and veterans.
A nonprofit, Marion Theraputic Riding Association in Ocala, Florida has partnered with the Veterans Administration and the veteran???s hospitals in Tampa and Gainesville to offer the Horses For Heroes Program. Participants in the program benefit from improved muscle tone, balance, posture, coordination, and motor development as well as emotional well-being.
By using the power of the horse, MTRA???s equine programs and therapies will help change the lives of service personnel who have fought to preserve our freedom, and, for many, at a very dear cost. The true beauty and success of this program stems from the horses helping their new comrades regain a different kind of freedom.
Like all other MTRA programs, Horses For Heroes is funded through individual, corporate and community support. To ensure that any wounded service personnel or veteran who wants to benefit from Horses For Heroes, and that no one will be turned away, there are many ways to support this patriotic cause through corporate partnerships and donations by calling 352-624-4240 or mmonte@hotmail.com.
Comment: As a vet I am in line for a VA disability. I am still able to work and choose to so. My 25 plus years in the U.S.A.F has been good. I will also receive my pension along with the VA check. Yes we do need to take care of those who have served and are still serving. Yet my motto is and always will be. "Ask not what your country can do for you but what can you do for your country " JFK. I love this nation I support her military and their Commander and Chief. I support the good works being done in Iraq and Afghanistan. We are at war with those who hate all that we stand for that want you to march in goose step with their religion and philosophy. The battle ground is the globe, their method of attack terror. For those of you who hate President Bush your are part of the problem . What have you done to stop the terror ? What have you done to help the voiceless? What have you done? Get off of your left knee and step up and support not only our military but our President. Proud American and proud supporter for the fight for world FREEDOM and the fight on terror.
Patriot
Comment: It's extremely sad that a President who is a Vet himself would keep funding this war and not think of taking care of our Vets, from this war or other wars. I am extremely grateful to those who put their lives on line to protect our freedoms and what do they get in return, a whole lot of nothing. They come back, affected for the rest of lives either mentally, physically or emotionally and we don't care of them the way we should; that is something I'm not proud of. Whether or not I agree with this war or not, those who fight for our safety should be respected, helped out and honored no matter what their position.
Comment: Intensely revealing
Comment: This is partially a response to SirLips' comment. There is definately an issue with offering these sign on bonuses and other financial "perks" that seem to be specifically geared toward getting poor people to sign up. And that is what they are designed for. Bill Gate's kids aren't going to be looking for ways to improve their financial abilities, and they aren't going to want it badly enough to be willing to possibly kill themselves to have the opportunity to go to college.
It's not that I think soldiers need a pay cut. Some of the administrators and guys in jobs where they aren't in harm's way or running the neccessary electronic and technical equipment could take the pay cuts. But I think when your government gets into wars that people don't believe in, the obvious result is fewer people signing up to die in that war.
I wanted to go in. I was interested in Equestrian Sciences, which would have meant I would have been one of the first to go into Afgahnistan. I never wanted to kill people, or to die, but I realize sometimes these things really are neccessary. I also come from a long family line of people who served because they felt it was the right thing to do.
The US has made a joke out of the concept of patriotism. We have made a laughing stock of what used to be one of the BEST military forces on the planet. We have basically reduced the word "soldier" to "mercenary" through the recruitment offers.
I say "we", because while the government is in charge of this stuff, WE own the government. The reason there's a huge gap between the average citizen and the average Congressman is because no one holds them accountable anymore. And that is why they get to maim and butcher our son's and daughters for dubious reasons, and when we ask, they can so easily lie straight to our faces. We don't hold them accountable for the choices they make.
It's not just healthcare for veterans, welfare, warfare, or legistlation. It's ALL of those things and so much more. These people decide upon things that are crucial to our lives, and yet we hire liars, cheaters, hypocrits, and other nastey characters to do these jobs. Of COURSE following up on disabled and injured American soldiers isn't important. They already took the bullet that made Mr. Politician the money they wanted, and gave the next guy his platform for election.
And those who think voting for a Dem next time will fix it all? Read some books. Democratic presidents are no more ethical than Republicans, historically. The most ethical politicians we ever had in this nation died before the Civil War, and they were tax-evading anarchists. Some of the unethical people did good things for Americans on American soil, but committed atrocities elsewhere and got laws passed that set the next president up to be even more powerful than the last.
Democracy doesn't make us exempt from the possibility of living under a despot. We just get to vote on which despot we want every 4 years. For now.
Comment: "I think it is about time that the average American steps up and does his or her duty for being free??? - I was a firm believer that every person should do military service (I did my time) - my thought process at the time was just as this sentence starts off + I thought it would teach everyone a real balance of life...meeting people from all different walks of life... BUT today my advice to my 18 year son is "you keep away from those people" - sad as it may sound... I am totally disillusioned by the "leaders'" of this country and have come to see that it is just a "profit for war" business with the soldiers as fodder...
Comment: I am a vet from Desert storm. There is something i have noticed, with dealing with many VA patients, and staff. There is a CLEAR line between those that "wanted school paid for" and those that "wanted to protect their country". Most would probably tell you that it was both, but the key, and you can tell who these people are, is which came first? Did they go to the military for the "free ride" and hope they never had to actually fight, but proudly did when called to duty? OR, did they join with the intentions that they would fight for our freedom/way of life/etc..., and the school bonuses were a nice plus? We are bribing these kids to join. We use "quick cash" and "free school" to bribe them into a military. There is a HUGE bias in the number of soldiers that come from low income, low potential, low classified areas. They dont have a real choice. Kids that do their jobs in war, but then have ALL of that piled on top of what they had to deal with before they joined. Most dont go career. they "do their time", and quickly find out the problems of the past are still there, along with all the new ones from the war. WHAT DID WE EXPECT TO HAPPEN? I would amagine that the problems that WE NEED TO FIX, would be much lower, if we first started out by sending only soldiers that WANTED TO BE SOLDIERS into war. If we cant find enough, then maybe we need to re-think war as an option, when we dont get our way.
Comment: As a family member of 5 veteran military members, all of whom know a soldier injured or killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, I would have like to have seen options we in the public have for making this a public outcry....where should we write? How can we organize our efforts to send the White House the message that ignoring the needs of our veterans is NOT ok???
Comment: williev i can only speak for myself - but i pay through the nose for taxes. How many crippled vets can we help for the cost of one B-2 bomber? It is not that extra money is needed, the problem is the money needs to be properly allocated!!! The link between the taxpayer and government spending is non-existant, we have no say in how our money is spent - even when it results in injustice like mental and physically crippled vets going without help and care! The only way to fix it is to get involved and vote too!
Comment: I think it is about time that the average american steps up and does his or her duty for being free and give a little of their hard earned money back to no better cause than helping the ones who gave that right to them..1. If you are in the 0 to 50 k tax bracket than a flat tax of 50 dollars is taken from your return, 2. If your in the 50 to 100k bracket a 100 $ fee is taken. 3. If your in the 100k and a year bracket and up than a appriate tax should be assesed against your return and if you make the hollywood figures income than your tax should reflect as such, So many people in life wine about the little things in life and its about time we as Free Americans gave Just a Little back to the ones who have given that right to us. Im a disabled veteran and when I feel sorry for my self I just go to the local V.A Hosiptal and take a good look around and I'M curred, So I can say Step Up America the land of the Free and Brave and give back a little to those who have fought for that right to say and do what you want with out getting your head cut off!!!!!!
Comment: I will tell you how to fund the casualties, 1. Charge every tax paying american a flat fee of 50 dollars annually, 2. If you are in the 6 figure a year bracket then a 100 dollar a year fee is taxed, 3. If you make more than 250k a year than a 500 $ tax fee is assesed a year you will pay taxes for this or that, or will try to get out of a tax here or their so I feel that It's about time americans step up to the plate and take some responsibitly for their own, and if you are a part of the rich and famous Hollywood than your tax should reflect your income. Im sorry if I hurt some feelings but I feel that some people have really taken advantage of the fact of living amongst the free and the brave, now its about time some be brave and step up to the plate and pay back our vetrans for the service thay have gave. Angry American
Comment: i work for the va.i love my job because of the vets.i see the bureaucracy the people have to go through.it isnt just iraq and afganistan vets,ww1,ww2kroean,vietnam war vets as well.i have seen vets collecting 100% disability from the government for back pain and not being able to walk ,yet i saw him in a mall he was out walking me and my children. yet when i confronted a vet rep about this he just shrugged his shoulders.
Comment: We are rapidly approaching half of the total defense spending for the entire world, and our CIA budget exceeds the total defense spending of all but a few of the largest militaries. Our soldiers in Iraq are stretched to the breaking point and our VA hospitals are an embarassment. Can somebody cut through all of the BS and tell me what is wrong with this picture.
Comment: Why can't a community pull together to meet the need of their neighbor? One does not need a local disaster to help a single individual or family all the time. We keep looking to big brother to help, but people are forgetting that the government, "Of the People, By the People, and For the People", are only a part of that people. The excuse of not looking for a hand out or taking charity is over as aide from the government are coming from taxpayers, the people. Why should those that suffer, wait needlessly when all they have to do is let their need be known locally? If one can establish an authoritative handler that the locals know and trust, then not only when the confirmation of the neighbor's need will be made known, but when that need is met so as to not just raking in the money needlessly. That would be showing respect towards the local givers as well as giving assurances that no scam is being done, because no one would want to give if there is no longer any need. A sacrifice is to help those in need; not to make those in need better off than the giver. I can't see how this process would be longer than going through red tape to get the help one needs from the government, but to love thy neighbor as yourself is something far better appreciated and valued than when you are the one waiting for the government to help you. The local newspapers have been pretty good in announcing the needs of the community, but one does not have to look far when you have a couple of eyes and a couple of ears of your own. If you do not want to give, don't. You would not want people helping you out if they didn't really want to. Jesus said to give without letting your right hand know what your left hand is doing thus to give in secret, but if one cannot, people are to give and hope for nothing to be returned. Of course, not every one is a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, but to love thy neighbor as thyself is a practise anyone would love to have in place when there may come a time one find themselves in need.
Comment: How Do You Prevent Another Pearl Harbor? Sometimes the government is forgotten by what it is made up of which is, "Of the People, By the People, and For the People". The rallying cry of "Ask not what your country can do for you, but rather ask what you can do for your country" can make the solution appear clearer. When are the people are going to rise up to support the casualties? When are those suffering are going to the churches for public help? The excuse of not looking for a hand out or not taking any charity is over, because it is either from the people that are taxpayers through the government or from the people that are cheerful givers through charitable occasions when the need arises. Either way, it is a "thank you" and "we care" from the people of the United States of America. Granted, some authoritative confirmation of the need will be announced before anyone can put aside doubts to meet the need since we live in trying times to give without any hesitant doubt of a scam in progress as it will also help when those that authorize the need should announce when the need is met, and not just raking in money. People have to understand that the chriatble drive to meet a need will gain more respect when the call is made when the need is met, and if any money came their way after the need has been met, that they would return it if possible since the sacrifice is no longer necessary. That is showing respect to the people that gives, and I believe that would cause more people to give when the need arises even though Jesus taught to give by not letting your right hand know what your left hand is doing, but not everyone is a believer and follower of Jesus Christ so this comment is given out as a solution to stop looking to the big brother government to solve all the people's ills when the people see a fellow citizen in need in front of them. Why have a community if the people are not going to pull together for a single need occasionally? Surely a local disaster is not needed everytime to go to the aide of a neighbor.
Comment: From a Disableed Vet of the Korean War.. I would not like to see the men who have been fighting for the past several years, spend a life like this Vet.. Six wives, prison, broken life all around.. Treatment for the disabled, at an early stage can make a huge difference.. I was 65 before I Knew I could seek help from the VA for physical wounds and PTSD, then I spent two years trying to qualify, mostly because of admiinistration failure to find and process records. I must say however that once in the system the care is excellent...
Comment: Why is the name of the wounded vet not mentioned under the photo? Apparently Newsweek supports Bush and his blind agenda rather than those sacrificing their lives, health, and bodies to the war.
Comment: Bush's body language in the picture says it all.
Comment: Bush's body language in that picute says it all.
Comment: I must agree with king george. Another thing is that when Saddam was in power over in Iraq, there was not as many IED's going off everywhere ( in Iraq).
I'm not trying to say Saddam was not evil because he was and he deserved to pay for his sins. But we should have been better informed of the real reason we were forced into Iraq. Iraq was like a kennel with 1 big dog ( Saddam ) and a bunch of other small pitbulls (who were kept in control by Saddam). Than Bush put a hit on Saddam and with the main Dog out, all the other pits now want to be the big dog.
Comment: To add to the disgust posted by nativewarrier - the billions of dollars going for no-bid and cost-plus contracts in Iraq could provide health care and quality of life provisions for all our soldiers and their families who have sacrificed too much. The waste and corruption are horrific and I think our presidential candidates should start addressing how they are going to make Halliburton et al accountable.
Please see Vanity Fair article for details:
www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2007/11/halliburton200711?currentPage=1
Comment: First of all, it is ridiculous to selfishly take advantage of this article to post one's political agendas such as saying to vote for one person or another. This article is about taking care of our own. I'm in Iraq right now and I see what's going on. We can't take care of our troops suffering from PTSD because we don't have enough money to pay for the resources. When billions are requested for the war, none of that is directed at caring for the wounded. That is VA money, and there isn't enough of it. TRICARE asks doctors to accept two-thirds their regular rate to care for troops. Among doctors who accept this, there isn't enough to pay all of them, so the VA prioritizes among PTSD sufferers and those who have more severe physical wounds such as amputated limbs and head trauma. Those troops aren't more important, but the leaderless VA has to prioritize because it can't afford to treat everyone. No one is in charge, so no one is even available to demand more money. It's an endless cycle because we have become so good at keeping people alive, but not taking care of them when they get home.
Comment: In response to charlsong1 I could not agree more. As a two time combat vet who also claims disability I have personally seen the lack of care. Why can I not get seen at the hospital for my knee trouble? Because the US is busy paying the contractors 4 times my salary to do less work than I do. I am spending my time protecting the lives of the innocent and the contractors who volunteered to come and all I want in return is respect and decent medical care for me and my brother's in arms. As to those who think that the "office" workers should take pay cuts..say that after you do my job. I may not put myself directly in harms way every single day but my job is just as important. I'm tired of the "office" workers being over looked and under appreciated. We handle your intel, your pay, your supplies, the vehicles that get troops where they need to go, the weapons, the housing. If any one believes that that along with the fact that we too live out here in the "war zone" with the infantry men and scouts and continually seperate ourselves from families and loved ones...if that makes us less than a soldier in your eyes then I challenge you to sign up and show us how it should really be done. Talk about what you know not what you don't. Again all I ask from my country is the proper care for my service and sacrifice....they asked for my life.
Comment: On a global scale we are graded on the effectiveness, or the lack of, of our president. The Presidency is an institution, not a person, so my earlier comment was not directed at Bush, that is what you saw because you see where he lacks yourself.
I volunteered to join the military so they would pay for my school, and they called me to active duty while I was a 21 year old college student. So we are even, I needed them, they came, they called I went. So my perspective on war may be different than yours since I was there.
The issue once again is the treatment of veterans coming back now that will be affected for life. These young troops may never live a full life because of what they saw or did over there. They answered when the government called, now they are calling the government and no one answers.
We have to find a better way of taking care of the soldiers that provide the very freedom that We as Americans enjoy! I came back in 92 and I still cannot sleep an entire night, but I will have to live with that one.
Comment: Comment: I have a 23 year old son who is in the Army National Guard and he spent a year over in Iraq, and when he came home, he was not even the same. He had to go to the VA and get pills to take for his PTSD do he could at least try to get on with his life. He has a new baby and a wife now and HAD a job at a railroad company and worked as a temp for one year (not missing one day due to any disability) and now he has been dismissed from his job and told that because of his bad knee and back, he no longer can be an asset to the company. Now he is told that if he goes through this simulation thing doing his job he may get his job back. But commenting on President Bush, I would really like to know what people would do if they were in his shoes. This all started back when President Clinton was in office, he should have finished the war while he was president instead of chickening out and leaving it for the next president. So you people think about where we would be if we had no President. Granted I was not happy about my son going to war, but when you sign up for the military, that is your job to do what is needed of you.
Comment: We cannot blame one president or another for not finishing the first Gulf War. It was a series of failures that caused the situation. Clinton did not take actions I thought would have been prudent nor did the first Pres. Bush. In 1990 I went to the Persian Gulf with the 101st By order of my Commander in chief, Bush I. I missed being sent to Somalia at his order. He left that war unfinished and then Clinton had to manage it. Which sadly he did not do so well. In 2003 I went to the Persian Gulf again this time under Bush II. As with the first war over there I agreed something neded to be done but from the beginnng of this war it has been mismanaged by our current civilian chain of command. Now if the war was mismanaged to the extent that it has it is no suprise that the aftermath (injuries both physical and psychological) has been very badly mismanaged. I am going to Quote Robert Heinline "A country that forgets it's veterans will one day itself be forgotten".
Comment: My heart goes out to all soldiers affected by the VA, or the lack of. I served in Desert Storm and I have several friends that were affected mentally by the war, some are still there in spirit, and here in a shell of a body. We have taken the aspect that we must help each other. Fortunately all of us came back without any major physical damage, but this war is much more brutal and Bush acts as though he doesn't want to bring them home! I do not take advantage of the veterans benefits I am entitled to because there are many others out there that need it more than I, plus I really don't like to wait for very long periods of time for medical assistance. Just remember this bit of sarcasm. "God bless our good and gracious president, Whose promise none relies on; Who never said a foolish thing, Nor ever did a wise one!" That is from the Earl of Rochester over 100 years ago, and still rings true today.
Comment: I just don't understand people voting Republican this year. Rudy Giuliani??? what a joke!!! The more I read about the tragedies befalling our troops and their families, the more I want to scream! Politicians, Rudy in particular, can smile all they want and pretend they have the answers to hello, but where are the real answers to some very serious concerns? This war and it's veterans are NOT A JOKE and the soliders who fight so valiantly for us should be brought home with the largest ticket tape possible, thanked for their service and treated with the best medical care the US has. Waiting months for disability? unconscienable. If you MUST vote republican, and I hope you don't, look at McCain and see a real hero. Where were Bush, Rudy and others during Vietnam? Not serving I can assure you! I was opposed to the Vietnam Conflict, very opposed, but NEVER was I opposed to our servicemen and women. Just because I don't believe in preemptive bombing doesn't mean I'm not patriotic. On the contrary, I'm very patriotic. I love my country and would be proud to see it return to the glory days when the entire world envied us and being an American Citizen abroad was the best thing in the world. Please, vote democratic this year - never before have we needed you. Even if you don't agree with everything they say, Democrats and always for "the people". We may live in a global economy, but our own citizens deserve everything we can bring to them.
Comment: They don't care enough about the war casualties or dissabled veterans and its very evident. Meanwhile members our presidential administration are raking in millions of dollars from behind the scenes due to their affiliations with big defense companies such as KBR --- (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kellogg,_Brown_and_Root) and Haliburton ---(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halliburton) and Carlyle group -- (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlyle_Group). This information you'll never see on national News with extensive coverage. Most of our soldiers who fighting in the middle-east don't know that their leaders are involved in this money grabbing circus while they beat their drums for wars. These leaders would'nt dare send their own children into combat. Things just don't add up here.
Comment: I agree, our vets deserve not only the best equipment, but also the best care possible when they return home. Here's the problem, anti-war politians love to complain about the cost of the war, and post combat support is also part of the war. These wars are avery expensive not just because of the military hardware, but because of the support costs for feeding our combat soldiers and medical care for our wounded. Political hacks in both parties care more about scoring points than taking care of our military. If the Republican minority acted like this during WWII, all of Europe would be speaking German and China would be speaking Japanese. How about a different approach, stop telling us how much you support the troops and actually do it.
Rick Winchester, VA
Comment: When we vote in an intelligent, capable and qualified Administration and congressional body we will have sound poilcies that help vets, as well as having good domestic and foreign policy. As long as we vote in those who show only capability in their ability to be supported by big business, raise enough funding and have 'political' connection we will have short-sighted, non-visionary leaders who only support and provide real gain to a very small minority.
Comment: The vets deserve the best, yet here's a problem. Everyone knows there are gays in the militsry and serving on the front line, but they run the risk of being discharged when they return home. How long will heterosexual parents allow the military and the government to send their kids over there to get killed or maimed? Currently the military are using reenlisment, early-ship and enlistment bonuses, yet there are thousands of gays and *** that would sign up tomorrow if allowed to be themselves and not forced to hide. Is this the America we want? Is this how we treat our vets. Everyone should be allowed to serve as everyone benefits from this great country.
Comment: The vets deserve the best, yet here's a problem. Everyone knows there are gays in the militsry and serving on the front line, but they run the risk of being discharged when they return home. How long will heterosexual parents allow the military and the government to send their kids over there to get killed or maimed? Currently the military are using reenlisment, early-ship and enlistment bonuses, yet there are thousands of gays and *** that would sign up tomorrow if allowed to be themselves and not forced to hide. Is this the America we want? Is this how we treat our vets. Everyone should be allowed to serve as everyone benefits from this great country.
Comment: Those vets deserve the best. A tax on gas could pay for the war and vet benefits. Without our vets we would not have our freedom. How many 9/11 style suicide attacks did not happen as a result of our troops pounding the Taliban and Al Qaida in Iraq? Some Maylasian were plots foiled as well. Libya gave up their nukes, Korea is in the process of giving up their nukes. The soldiers have given 100%, we can give back to them. I think people don't like taxes that take money from workers giving it to people that don't work (welfare, benifits for illegal immigrants ect.. ect..) But, The troops deserve the best we got, they are out there with real low pay doing some of the most dangerous work there is. So we can live a peaceful life where we don't have to worry about suicide bombers going into elementary schools or shopping malls, Without the Military what could stop enemy aircraft from flying over our neighborhoods unloading bombs, foreign troops and tanks rolling up and down our streets. Rounding up people for slave labor camps or extermination.
Comment: While I don't debate the value of our vets or our troops I still contend that you are a fool. What freedom do we actually have? And what war since World War II have we fought in that in any way threatened our freedom? This war just like everyone since World War II is only a power game led by those in power without concern for the less fortunate of this society who are actually taking part in combat. And furthermore before King George decided to send our troops into harm' way to save face for his daddy there was no Al Quaida in Iraq. Korea would not have nukes if Stupid had not labeled them one of the "Axis of Evil". The best thing we can do for our soldiers is to bring them home. It is time we start asking the question, " Why are we in Iraq at all?" We sacrifice huge amounts of American blood and treasure with no mention of what we are to gain from this ridiculous experiment. A democratic Iraq? Ha. There is no point for democracy where ignorance is celebrated. And there is no amount of money or medical care which will give a father, son, or husband back the use of a missing limb/limbs. Not to mention those that lose genitals or bowel function. Let's not kid ourselves, this war is not worth it. One last point if you are one of those who "support the war" then shut your mouth, pack up your stuff and go fight.
Comment: This is insane!!! How in the world do you make the decision to go to war and not even consider how to care for those servicemen and women who come back wounded? They have paid the price and make sacrifice, not to mention their families!!!!! It seems to me this administration really does not care about the walking wounded or the damage done to their lives, not the least of which is the gross indadequate care and lack of financial support. It's almost as if they are basically being punished for having the nerve to come back alive!!!!! I think the one gentleman is right, this does not seem to be a high priority to this administration. I agree with pinkpanther8743, there should be thousands of comments posted on this horrible injustice. Where is the collective outrage of the American people?
Comment: 6 POST TODAY PLUS MY THREE? SO MUCH FOR THE PUBLIC CARING ABOUT THE VET: PRAISE THE SOLDIER, FORGET THE VET! ALL OVER AGAIN-NICE-NOT
Comment: THIS ADMINISTRATION AND AT TIMES THE COUNTRY HAVE MADE ME ASHAMED TO BE A VETERAN, WHAT IS GOING ON DO YOU CLOSE BASES,STEAL VA FUNDS,KILL THE UNDERTRAINED AND UNDERFUNDED TO PAY FOR BLACKWATER AND CLAIM VICTORY EVERY TIME A SOLDIER [FAMOUS ONLY] DIES? FORGET IT, NOT TO MANY PEOPLE CARE FOR VETS. THIS WAS APPARENT AFTER NAM, AND NO I DID NOT GO. I WALKED UPSIDE THOSE WHO RETURNED TO STAND BETWEEN YOUR SPIT, AND THEM, SO I GET IT, THEY STAY DRY AND I SCREAMED, TO HELP THEM NOT HERE THE CAT CALLS AND THE NAMES THEY WERE CALLED, SO THEY COULD NOT HERE! VETERANS ARE THE FORGOTTEN. ITS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE SOLDIER IS TO. NOT MY INTENTION, I FIGHT FOR THERE RIGHTS, AND LOSE A LOT, BUT ALWAYS MADE THE POINT. WE ARE NOT WORTH DCS TIME,ENERGY,OR FUNDS. WE SHOULD HAVE DIED, AND WE ARE REMINDED OF THIS, EVERY DAY WE WALK OUT THE FRONT DOOR! DON'T DO IT TO US AGAIN, SOME OF US DON'T HAVE A LOT LEFT TO FIGHT UNCLE SAM, AS YOU DO. PLEASE! IT'S UP TO THE CIVILIAN POPULATION TO SCREAM FOR US NOW! WE NEED THE HELP, OR DOES 700 A MONTH TO LIVE ON SOUND OVERPAID?
Comment: I SERVED THE USMC FROM 79-84! I ESCORTED 79 HOSTAGES FROM IRAN,I ARMED, TRAIND AND KNOW WHO FUNDED THE TALIBAN AND AL-QUEDA. I SHOOK THE HAND OF THE PRO-AMERICAN BIN-LAUDEN, AS WE CREATED A FRANENSTIEN, AND AS FAR AS THE COUNTRY,MILITARY,CIA,SAS,IMI ARE CONCERNED I NEVER EXSISTED!! ACCORDING TO THE VA I STILL DON'T, BUT CAUSE OF MY SERVICE, I EAT 325MG OF MORPHINE A DAY, PLUS 15 OTHER DRUGS THREE TIMES A DAY, AND MY ER IS ONLY 170 MILES AWAY? THEY REFUSE TO LISTEN OR UNDERSTAND THE BLACK OPS DAYS, AND I HAVE ONLY DIVULGED WHAT IS KNOWN PUBLICALY, INCLUDING BAGGING AND TAGGING 241 MARINES IN THE MIDDLE-EAST [NO I CANNOT SPELL WHERE IT WOULD BE INSULTING TO THEM AND I DON'T DO THAT] AND THAT IS WHERE I BLEW OUT MY BACK!! WHILE A NOBODY,OFF THE GRID, NO RECORDS,NO BOOKS, NO ORDERS IN WRITTING, NON-EXSIETENT!!! SO FAR I HAVE BEEN STRIPPED OF ALL MY BENIFITS, CAUSE I AM A NOT SO COLD WAR VET, AND WE DO NOT EXSIST. NONE OF US, NOT TO THE PUBLIC, AND NOT TO OUR COUNTRY!! WE ARE ALL MADE TO BE GHOSTS,SHADOWS,DEAF, DUMB, MINDLESS MEN OF HONER! DO WE COUNT TODAY? NOT IN ANY BUDGET I HAVE SEEN IN MAY YEARS. DO YOU BLAME US FOR WHAT IS GOING ON TODAY IN IRAQ OR ELSWHERE? WHY?
Comment: FEAR IS THE MIND KILLER, AND BUSH TAKES THIS INTO CONSIDERATION EVERY TIME HE OPENS HIS MOUTH! JUST TO KEEP YOU IN FEAR SO YOU BLINDLY GO ALONG WITH HIS "STAYING THE COURSE" FEAR PROFITS A MAN-NOTHING! SO SAYETH THE CHICKENs OF DC, CAUSE FEAR PROFITS THEM PLENTY!!!
Comment: FIRST THING YOU DO IS KEEP BUSHS HANDS OUT OF OUR TILL!! THE LAST BUDGET HE TOOK NOT 90MILLION AS PLANED. HE TOOK AN EVEN BILLION!!! FROM HEALTHCARE AND BENIFITS. SO IF BUSH WOULD LIKE US ALIVE [HE DOES NOT] MAYBE WE COULD PROVE UNIVERSAL MEDICINE CAN WORK AS IT DOES, OR USED TO WITH THE VA. TILL BUSH-BOTH-MADE THE VA AN EASY TARGET TO ROB OUR TILL OVER AND OVER. I GUESS SOCIAL SECUTIRY FUNDS WERE NOT ENOUGH TO PAY HALLIBURTONS NO BID CONTRACTS IN IRAQ, OR BLACKWATER CONTRACTS. BOTH ARE PAID FOR BY DYING VETERANS, AND SOLDIERS! WHEN WILL THE PEOPLE SAY A WORD TO DC ABOUT VETERANS, OR DO WE HAVE TO WAIT TILL THEY REFUSE BENIFITS AND HEALTHCARE -AGAIN-OR LET NAM VETERANS LOSE IT ALL, OR AS BEFORE STRIP NOT SO COLD WAR VETERANS OF OUR BENIFITS AGAIN AS HIS DADDY DID!
Comment: Message to sundrips: I am so sorry for you and I feel your desperation. Somebody in the VA - DO SOMETHING, THE RIGHT THING, for this person.
Bush should be so ashamed of himself and his administration - imagine not being able to take care of the veterans coming back (after they fought his dirty war) but being able to fund this war and cutting taxes on the people who can most afford to pay taxes to fund this war (not officially a war). I believe WE THE PEOPLE should demand that all who believe in this war should get training to go into Iraq. That would include this administration and elected officials, their children and grandchildren. Bush has 2 daughters - Cheney has 2 daughters - send them in. Obviously they believe in this war because they haven't spoken against it.
Also, Bush, Cheney: you've got the money to personally help these veterans financially. DO IT.
Comment: It is correct that I did not know that the Social Work Services within the VA prevent Licensed Professional Counsellors and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists from being employed by the VA. How dare they!! The richest country in th world (supposedly) cannot afford to fund the veterans' casualties but can fund a war. You would think the administration would have had plans in place for taking care of our veterans before they went to Iraq (or anywhere else). I think WE THE PEOPLE should demand that anyone who believes in this war (not officially a war) should go to Iraq, especially children and grandchildren of people in the administration and our elected officials. Bush has 2 daughters - Cheney has a daughter - send them in. I assume they believe in this war because they have said otherwise.
Message to sandrips: I am so sorry about what happened to you. I feel for you and hear how desparate you are. SOMEBODY IN THE VA - DO SOMETHING TO HELP THIS PERSON.
Comment: In response to emerick: It is rather ironic that you mention God as the solution to this war, considering people's differing opinions as to exactly what is the will of God is the underlying cause of this war...
You are seeing things from a strictly spoiled rotton Westerner's poing of view- try seeing things from the Middle Eastern deprived and desperate side. Are you willing to give half of everything you have to end this? It would require at least that much if not more to equalize access to neccesities and opportunity throughout the world. ColeenTAZ
Comment: I THINK WAR IS VERY SCARY AND SO MUCH KILLING AND SO MUCH HATE FOR ONE ANOTHER ITS SO CONFUSING TO ME WHY CANT, EVERY ONE LOVE AND HELP EACH OTHER WHY DOSE THERE HAVE TO BE SUCH BAD THINGS HAPPEN? WHY WHY CANT, PEOPLE WORK OUT THEIR TROUBLES IN TALKING, IAM A DISABLED PERSON MY FATHER DID HIS TIME IN THE WAR, ITS SO SCARY FOR ME TOO SEE SO MANY PEOPLE DIEING IN WARS SO MUCH HATE NOT ENOUGH PEACE AND LOVE, LIKE GOD WANTS. WHY CANT THIS WAR STOP AND PEOPLE GET ALONG.! PLEASE STOP THESE WARS FOR OUR CHILDREN,S SAKE OR THEY WILL SUFFER MORE WITH OUT MOMS AND THEIR DADS ETC, SANDLYN
Comment: everybody keeps talking about the people in iraq that have ptsd but what about our people who went through the terrorist wars in japan in the 80's? my husband went through that for two years. Now he not only has ptsd but, severe bi-polar disorder as well. We as a country need to think about not only the resent vets but ALL of our vets who have given the best years of their lives to this country that is supposed to be free. For example, the cold war, the korean war the vietnam war ALL of them deserve more than what they have gotten over the years. Thank you for listening Tanya Turk Yuma Az.
Comment: you guys keep talking about the war in iraq but what about the people who went through the terrorist wars in japan in the 1980's? my husband went through it for two years. He now has ptsd because of that time he spent over there without it ever being considered to be an act of war.
Comment: ANOTHER NOBODY LIKE ME PINKPANTHER87413 YAHOO COM WE BOTH ARE IN SAME BOAT SAME BLOOD SAME TIME.
Comment: No money to expand Childrens' healthcare, but an endless supply of money for Iraq to satisfy men with egos 1 milliion times as large as their brains. JUDY
Comment: Ironically, our elected officials are paid salaries and benefits that the average American Family could not even dream of. The do not have to worry about their children's or spouse's or aging parent's health care, education, living conditions! I do know that when cuts were made to fund the war....the first place President Bush took funds away from was the Medicare Program! We can put a man on the moonand continue space travel....but we can not honor the promises made the working population was forced to pay into FICA......we can not provide decent medical treatment for our war heroes....WE THE PEOPLE!!! It appears that WE THE PEOPLE can not afford to continue to pay any of the elected officials! One thing that WE THE PEOPLE do not see during this time of desperation - when so many in this great country are suffering from lack of even the most routine medical care - are any of our elected officials taking any less of our tax dollars to pay their salaries or give up any of their "perks", such as luxury transportation, excellant schools for their children, staff to prepare their meals and clean their homes and mow their yards...etc. WE THE PEOPLE never hear about any elected official who is living in the "Middle-Income Level" - let alone the larger number of "Low Income Level" families! I do not care how many of our elected officials HAVE served OUR country....I would like to know how many elected officials have children or grandchildren serving in Iraq or waiting for treatment for their injuries?! How many have parents or grandparents who survive on Social Security and Medicare as their only source of income and medical treatment?! All who do not have children or grandchildren in this war - resign! All who do not have elderly family members living with only Social Security and Medicare - resign! If they can not govern and protect WE THE PEOPLE - they are not earning the wage that WE THE PEOPLE have been paying them....for far too long!
Comment: WHEN YOU SAY "ALL" ARE YOU REFERING TO THE DC CROWD OR ALL OF US I GENERAL I SERVED IN A NON WAR AND LIVE ON SOCIAL SECURITY AT 700 A MONTH SO PEASE I HOPE YOUR "ALL" ARE REFERING TO GOV OFFICIALS-PLEASE, SORRY I DO UNDERSTNAND WHO ALL IS AND YOUR RIGHT THEY SHOULD RETIRE AND LIVE ON MY INCOME SO THEY GET WHAT THEY GAVE>
Comment: This article is not about Democrats or Republicans it is about VA care. What the public does not know is that the VA Social Work Services as successfully dominated the Masters Degree level of Mental Health Care for our Veterans and not allowd Professional Counselors or Marriage and Family Therapist to apply for employment in the VA. Even after Congress passed legistlation stating the VA could recognize these two professions. That said the VA cannot possibly say it even has the best people serving our Veterans if they do not allow these two professions into thier fold. Why would a profession such as Social Workers prevent others from serving our Veterans when there is such a need for mental health professionals within the VA. Did they forget the VA motto- "Veterans Come First"?
Comment: This article states that the VA lacks the Mental Health Professionals needed for the troops returning from Afganistan and Iraq. What the public does not know is that Social Work Services within the VA has successfully prevented Licensed Professional Counselors and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists from being employed by the VA. The VA cannot say it has the best mental health professionals if it continues to allow only one profession from dominating the Master Degree level of Mental Health professionals. I am looking forward to the day that the VA learns to put pride in professions aside and allow other professions into the Mental Health ranks of the VA. Remember the VA motto? "Veterans come First?"
Comment: It is the pathetic fighting that's preventing anything from helping the vets. I mainly blame the Democrats. They are to ignorant to realize that trying to fight Republicans and Bush is helping nothing. And they ignore the facts and only do what is popular. Trying to leave Iraq in a year because a bunch of ignorant people think so is a horrible idea and will cause massive losses. I also blame Bush' administration for not being prepared in this war. Bush is a bad President but is not the worst. Something the left keep ignorantly thinking while ignoring real facts and our vets. Both sides are to blame and both sides are responsible to fix the problem.
Comment: Put me in there to chop out all of the beaurcratic red tape and get the ball rolling. It doesn't take a rocket scientist or a college degree to handle fundamental health issues and funding. The biggest problem that the VA and DAV have to consistantly struggle with is all of the pork and fat that has come between where the metal has been tearing up the meat. That is total BS and I can clean it up! Put me in there! Contact me: USMC0351Grunt@yahoo.com 918-582-1694 (24/7)
Comment: What I can't figure out is this....if Democrats really want to comment on the perversity of the President's commitment to the killing, but not the aftermath, why do they not speak about this? The soundbytes might then make their way to the news and force the GOP's hand in addressing the issue. If the roles were reverse, and if this had happened on Clinton's watch, it would be a regular drumbeat in the press.
Yet another reason for me to be disappointed by the Democratic leadership.
Or is that an oxymoron?
Comment: What I can't figure out is this....if Democrats really want to comment on the perversity of the President's commitment to the killing, but not the aftermath, why do they not speak about this? The soundbytes might then make their way to the news and force the GOP's hand in addressing the issue. If the roles were reverse, and if this had happened on Clinton's watch, it would be a regular drumbeat in the press.
Yet another reason for me to be disappointed by the Democratic leadership.
Or is that an oxymoron?
Comment: I will speak slowly so you can understand why there are fewer comments by Democrats about casualties. If there was no war there would be no casualties. And, I doubt very much if it would happen on Clinton's watch since on one hand we have a Rhodes scholar and the other hand we have a flunky. But there would be a lot of press for Clinton, as much as Karl Rove could make up that is.
Comment: What exactly is to be gained by your patronizing response about "speaking slowly."
Gee ,no Mimi...I guess I don't understand. ...The point of my message is that the Democrats have a winning issue over the disregard of veteran's health care by this president and the GOP. The GOP is good at knowing how to work the media in instances like this. The Democrats still don't get it. They need to take a more pro-active role in putting these issues forth and putting the GOP on the defensive. Too often the strategy has been to let the GOP self-destruct on its own and also to be re-active to GOP attacks. If this wasn't the case, we'd see more cojones from the Democrats on issues such as illegal wiretapping and the trampling of our Constitution. On this issue, the point needs to be hammered home loud-and-clear. This isn't a nuanced issue. It's something that everybody gets.
There...now have I spoken slowly enough for 'you' to comprehend?
Comment: ???
HELP US
TO HELP OUR VETERANS
A lot of veterans needs are not being met. So now
it???s our time to come together as one united front to
help them and their families get the help they need.
Many veterans are homeless, hungry and want a hand
up, not a hand out. These men and women served our
country proudly. That is why we are embarking on this
event VET AID 2008 so we can serve the needs of all
our veterans. To show them thank you other than, a
salute or a warm hug. That being said please would
you or your group join us in this plight for the
American Veterans.
Their situation has been reported on CNN News,
USA Today, ABC News, and others have reported on
the situations of our veterans.
Please Contact Us At ( 330 ) 898-2453 or (330) 369-
1766
Web Site..... www.vetaid.info
Thank You,
Michael Primmer
Paladin Knights Corp Liaison
Comment: Like everything else this administration does, is a rush job. They are now demanding a new two tier Veterans compensation system where the "new terror war veterans" get treated better than disabled veteras of the past wars, why? It costs all of us the same to live, it is not cheaper for those of us who have been disabled for years, we have just had to adapt to living on less, but if benefits are to be improved, they should be improved for all, nit just a chosen few of Mr Bush's wars. The Veterans Disability Benefits Commission a 2 1/2 year study led by LTG Terry Scott has recommended many of the same suggestions of the Dole/Shalala commission but treats all veterans of all the wars the same and is a far better balanced piece of work, I feel Congress should take it's time and fix the Dept of Veteran Affairs right, once and for all not, quickly and haphazardly like everything else related to Mr Bush's wars, the NSA wiretaps, FISA, Medicare Part D, Katrina cleanup and rebuilding etc, their total Keystone Cope routine needs to end, especially when it comes to comepnsation and treating this nations veterans. Mike Bailey a disabled South Carolina Vteerans Army, Vietnam and Desert Storm
Comment: I have faxed and emailed Sen Casey, Specter and Congressman Cagney about forcing Iraq to hold a referendum asking the Iraqi people if they want us there to see them through to a form of democracy.
I have written Bush, those who hate bush. Those who are public about cutting funding. Only Congressman Cagney has responded saying that we can't interfere with the Iraqi government!!! I think he's nuts but at least he answered. Only Geraldo Rivera has mentioned this concept on TV and said it once.
At this point, we should not ask any US Soldier to lay down his life for Iraq unless we can see that 50+% OF THE VOTERS WANT US THERE. THIS IS NOT ROCKET SCIENCE. BUT NO ONE IN POWER, NO PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE WILL TALK ABOUT THIS OR A DOZEN OTHER ISSUES WHICH MIGHT MAKE SENSE. THEY HAVE US CHASING OUR TAILS. JUST LOOK AT THE IRS NOT GOING AFTER JUDGE JOHN MOTT AND HIS WIFE BRENDA AFTER THEY DID NOT REPORT 500-600 THOUSAND DOLLARS OF INCOME OVER 5-6 YEARS SHE DID FEW MONTHS.. APPARENTLY THE GOV ONLY WANTS TAXES , FINES, PENALTIES AND INTEREST ON MONEY MADE HONESTLY.
SICK, JOE DUPONT TOWANDA, PA
Comment: I have asked both Democrats and Republicans, Sen. Casey, Specter and Congressman Cagney, GW BUSH why we don't demand a referendum by the Iraqi people to tell us if they want us there to see them through to a democracy. I have asked those who want to cut funding to the war to use this carrot to get a fund cut.
Only Geraldo Rivera has mentioned this concept.. once. No US soldier should be asked to lay down his life unless 50% of the Iraqi voters want us there. If we can't get their Gov. to hold our referendum we pull out in 90 days.. if we can't get the 50+% we should move out in 90 days or sooner. But it appears that not one candidate for president will push this concept. In fact I don't hear the candidates pushing for many important issues. God bless our troops . God help us from those who pissed off Turkey . It is called treason or sedition. joedupont@juno.com
Comment: As a Vietnam Veteran, I can attest to the sad state of the VA, I do however commend the Nurses that have taken care of us Vets and who will continue to do so regardless of the Funding Deficits. The VA is full of those that like any other Bureaucrat DON'T CARE. Teddy Roosevelt said in the early 1900's and I quote,
"Behing the ostensible government sits enthroned a government acknowledging no allegiance and owing no responsibility to people" To think that we can continue to allow those working in the VA to show diswregard and disrespect to all WHO HAVE SERVED is insane. The Congress and the President all share the responsibility. Those like Sen. Edward Kennedy and Sen. Harry Reid and Rep Murtha have all done disgraceful by those of that have served. I believe whether they believe in the War or have never believed in the War is irrelavent, they committed us to those Wars and theyt owe it to us to furnish care in the best way possible. There is too much focus by Congress in trying to disgrace the Executive Branch and too little focus on HELPING THE VET. The responsibility belongs to us the people to tell Congress enough petty bickering, get with it or concede your office. Let's stop the finger pointing and get with it, support those that served on your behalf. The greatest fighting force on the Planet is being defeated daily by those that have sent us to War. It's disgreceful and should cease.......SUPPORT YOUR FIGHTING MEN, DURING THE FIGHT AND NEXT IN THE BIGGEST FIGHT OF THEIR LIVES......
Comment: As a nurse and a pacifist I am always apalled by the lack of committed resources for veterans. Although I do not support war in a world capable of diplomacy, I certainly support a need for appropriate healthcare for military men and women. How can you ask people to sacrifice their mental and physical health and not adequately provide for their suffering? It is one thing to ignore the needs of those who can't help you politically, but it is morally repugnant not to take care of those who are willing to die for your cause. This issue, more than any other, reinforces my contempt for this administration and their BLATANT hypocritical agenda.
Comment: As a pacifist and a nurse, I find the lack of resources commited to veterens goes beyond appaling. I may not support war in a world capable of diplomacy, but I certainly support the need for appropriate healthcare for military men and women. How can you ask people to sacrifice their mental and physical wellbeing and not adequately provide for them upon returning? This notion disgusts me and makes me even more passionately against this administration. It's one thing to ignore the problems of those who don't support you politically but it is insulting and morally repugnant not to take care of those who believe in your cause!
Comment: The federal goverment has always been short on suppling the vet with the means of recovery. Not only do the vets suffer but there families suffer more. For it takes generations for the families of vets to recover and prosper in this land.The goverment should not only take care of the vet but there families as well.The dependents of disable vets should not suffer but recieve the highest quality of support, Health Care,and EDUCATION. The vet has earned this right by his sacarfices.By granting this gift of a greatful nation the vet would not have to worry about the needs of his family and could focus on recovery. The hardest thing for a vet to do is to wacth his family suffer while he is trying to recover. He has given his time, his engery, and the life that he once had for this country and what does he get in return. MISERY. Think and reflect and listen to your heart if enough people write there congressmen and request that the veterans be given a new bill of rights that truely reflect a greatful nation then the nation will reap the benefits and the misery will subside.
Richard Simmons DAV
Comment: I have a Brain and Spine Injury from more than a decade and a half ago. The kindest thing to do is to end their lives, I regret having lived in this misery all these years. Show mercy and compassion you would give to a dog. Have them put down, for God's sake, no one should be left to suffer this way.
Comment: GO TO OREGON THEY MIGHT ASSIST IN THERE PROGRAM WHICH THE SUPREME COURTS DECIDED ITS THE PEOPLE WILL AND IS CORRECT TO DO SO I SUFFER THE SAME AND FOR JUST AS LONG I REALLY DO UNDERSTND WHAT YOUR GOING THROUGH AS I TO HAVE SPASMED SO HARD IT BROKE TEETH FROM MY GUMS AND BROKE 4 TOES WITH THE AFTER CRAMP. I HAVE HAD MY KNEE CAPS MANIPULATED BACK TO THE TOP 15 TIMES PER LEG AND NOW THE UGLY PURPLE IS PERM SO I DO UNDERSTAND THAT 325MG OF MORPHINE A DAY DOES NOT KILL THE PAIN IT ONLY KILLS THE AFTER THROB SO YA WE SHOULD GO THERE TOGETHER AND FORCE THE ISSUE TO DIE IN PEACE,MERCY,COMPASSION AND FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 25 YEARS PAIN FREE EVEN IF ONLY FOR A MOMENT ITS WORTH DYING FOR!
Comment: Put them down
Comment: When the warriors aren't being taken care of, it's time to outsource the war to mercenaries that don't need benefits. Can we afford to pay them?
Comment: Why pretent that Republicans care about ANYONE but themselves??? I find it quite amusing that the military expects Geo W Bush to keep his word. All Republicans are liars, cheats, and theives. This has been proven time and time again. The fact that so many are shocked by his inaction only supports my belief that these 'patriots' are no paying attention. In the era of 'personal responsibility'' , veterans are on their own. Sorry, guys, you should have known better.
Comment: GLAD TO KNOW YOU JUST VOLLENTEERED TO DIE FIRST BY THE HANDS OF A MENTALY TOUCHED VET-AND I WILL GIVEN HALF THE CHANCE SO YOU CAN JUDGE FOR YOURSELF WHAT TOUGH IS, YOU PINK,UGLY BAG OF WATER!!!
Comment: Tough luck, suckers.
Comment: To top all this off Line of duty investigations that have to be done to pay out benefits to widows and children are now being done by the VA. So when someone is killed thier family has to wait 3 to 6 months for the VA to process the LOD investigation. Imagine that. Your spouse, son, daughter is killed and then you sit for months without thier life insurance or income while the VA tries to not pay out because thats thier real job.
Comment: There is more than bodily and mental casualties involved in the United States Government's mistreatment of those that it sent to do its dirty work. There is trust that is lost by its citizens also. The lost of that trust can destroy an industry as it did the American automobile industry because of its abuses during the 1950's. The mistreatment of the men who went to Vietnam and to the later wars has gained the United States Government the mistrust of the citizens that were willing to befriend its needs and wishes and also those who have only their personal gains at heart. A person who expresses trust in the U.S. Government today is a rare accident. In the 1950's nobody stated that they distrusted the Government because we knew that Ike was loyal to us and so we believed in the leadership. Tell us how many people have you met lately who expresses any kind of trust in the Government now. Businesses and government survive only as long as they have the trust of their customers and citizens, and the U.S. Government has achieved ultimate distrust of it.
Comment: There's more types of casualties than the bodily and mental types of casualties. A nation can never regain the repect of its citizens when it becomes known that it has turned its back on those that it demanded that they do its dirty work. The United States Government has lost enormous amounts of trust by its policies towards the veterans of Vietnam and the following wars. That kind of lost of trust can explain the decline of the American automobile industry because of its abuses during the 1950's. And the same goes for a nation who knifes its best friends in the back. Governments and businesses in the end survive or fail based upon the trust it generates among its citizens and its customers. The United States Government has done a tremendous job of destroying that trust.
Comment: Why not use the funds for the uplift of your own people?
Comment: How do you fund a war and not the casualties is a question that should be asked of the new recruits being solicited to join the services. There should be a requirement for the Armed Forces to advise all military personnel the discusting lack of funding relating to health care for veterans with a military related disability. I know because I???m one of the victims suffering from severe Tinnitus (Ringing in the ears). This screaming noise comes seemingly from an outside source which in my case seems about a foot outside each ear which sounds like a high pitched buzzing. A further agitation is the fact that each side in of a different frequency. I received no treatment, no examination, no conciliation and no care of any kind. This problem occurred on an US Air Force Base at 2:00AM in the morning. Without prior notice I was placed near a Air Defense Aircraft hanger as an armed guard for an eight hour period during a night of fair weather. During the shift a maintenance crew towed a F-104 Starfighter, the latest in the USAF aircraft arsenal at the time into a position established for testing the engines. Berm of earth covered with steel was located behind the tail which deflected the tremendous force of wind upward protecting personnel behind the aircraft. Unfortunately, however, the noise created traveled in all directions including my location at the time which was approximately a hundred feet. I had no idea what was going to take place. The airplane was anchored to the concrete ramp and the engine run ups begin lasting about a half hour. At first it was simple engines rev ups and idols. I was completely surprised that all of a sudden they added what I assume to be maximum power producing a punishing noise louder than anything I had ever heard before. A vibration was causing my body what I can only describe as severe vibrations causing my head and bones pain. I kept my ears covered with both hands but found little comfort otherwise. It was at this time the crew kicked in the aircraft???s afterburners which took only a few seconds for my body to completely collapse to my knees where I placed my head on the ground. My entire body was in pain and my ears was the least of my concerns at the time.
The aircraft was shut down and returned to its hanger and I returned to my guard duty pleased that my body stopped paining for the most part. This again took place in very early morning when its normally at its quietest and now the only thing I could hear was the remaining ringing noise I still endure. When I was picked up and returned to operations and the shift???s desk sergeant, I registered this incidence as well as my pain received which received laughter from the desk sergeant and several men standing nearby. During my discharge from service I received a medical examination reflecting a high loss of hearing in both ears. I suffered with these conditions from 1959 through 2003 at which time I learned of the Veteran???s Administration and the fact I may b
Comment: How long will the American People allow this National Nightmare to continue? Everything this Administration touches turns to dust. We send our fellow Countrymen off to fight a war in our name and our national leadership has underplanned, under budgeted and under resourced the whole effort. I guess they thought this would be a "Weekend at Sadaam's". When you send a solider into combat you Mr. Commander-In-Chief you have an obligation to take care of the solider. That returning warrior deserves the best health care this country can provide and provide it in a manner that shows your deepest gratitude for his service and sacrfice. Don't pay Lip service. This is another example of this administration's incompetence and inability to do Government. While Mr. Bush awaits historys verdict. Just remind him he is no Truman. He has managed his presidency with the same lack of skill he exemplified in every enterprise he has ever run.
Comment: Let's keep in mind that the current administration may not be right, but they are certain of their spin. This has been eight years of darkness. We have a war effort, where the American people are encouraged to continue shopping, while the same 140,000 undermaned, underequiped patriots are sent to grind it out in the black holes of Iraq and Afghanistan. How did we allow this to happen?
Comment: SORRY IT KEPT TELLING TO TO TRY AGAIN LATER
