Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease, and it takes a terrible toll on a family. But there is one irony in Mr. Reno’s passing. As a columnist at Newsday, he earned a very nice income, much of it during the salad days of American newspapers (1970s and 80s). Looks like he lived in some pricey New York real estate as well. Probably had retirement income from the News Guild, Newsday’s parent company, investments and Social Security.
Yet, in true liberal fashion, the Reno family latched onto the public teat to care for their brother. No mention of his military service in his biography—wouldn’t want his reputation sullied by association with the American war machine. But those veterans benefits—earned in uniform—provided his care in the final years of his life.
Meanwhile, I’m guessing that a lot of his assets were transferred to his survivors a few years back, until he became “poor” enough to qualify for public assistance and move to the head of the VA line. Meanwhile, we have combat wounded vets from Iraq and Afghanistan who are trying to work their way through the system, and obtain their benefits.
I don’t wish Mr. Reno’s fate on anyone. But he certainly was consistent in his liberal views—and his reliance on the state.
Well said.