Preparing For War, Bush Spurns Veterans

www.thebostonchannel.com ^ | POSTED: 12:25 p.m. EST January 7, 2003 | Helen Thomas

[He Rides A White Horse]

Can you turn your sarcasm button off a sec please?

No. Because many people really think that way.

[He Rides A White Horse]

Unless you have been wounded or injured on active duty while wearing the United States military uniform in honorable service to your nation - please just spectate.

....and save your high-handed nonsense for those who are impressed by such things.

[Helix]

I hate to interfere in the discussion, but I'd like tell you (and everyone) that not all retirees get full health care or retirement. My father retired from the Army with 23 years active duty as a combat veteran. I don't know all his campaigns, but I do remember Papua , New Guinea campaign on his dd-214. He was in Europe and the Pacific in WWII, he also served in korea and was with the MAG groups at the beginning of Vietnam(1963).

After his retirement, he worked for another 22 years for the Post Office. He does not receive Social Secutity since the military didn't withold enough for certain "notch" people -based on the year they were born. He said this is why he doesn't have part B on medicare (though he does have part A) you need both for Tricare (this is the firtst time I've even heard of it). He had to leave Champus at 65.

Anyway, in 2001, he had a series of small strokes and was in various hospitals for about 6 months, finally ending up in a VA facility. This was the first time he'd been to a doctor for about 20 years (he's 79). When I asked about disability (he has a visual cut, diabetes,high blood pressure and other problems and is now unable to care for himself) ) I was told not to bother. At his income level, he would only save a small amount in taxes and his annuity would be cut by the amount he received. When he came home, I asked about some of the in home services, I was told we could apply, but don't hold our breath since the waiting list was so long. If he ever needs nursing home care, his savings will only pay for it for about a year. His retirement annuity will ony cover a portion of it. There is a three-year wait for nursing facilities at the VA. As it was explained to me, just because a benefit is listed, that doesn't mean the funding is there for it.

He did pay for doctor's visits and certain tests when he was at hopitals other than the VA. The things that were "not covered by medicare A" or went toward the deductible or were over the amount allowed by his FEHB plan, etc. At the VA, he still pays the full amount a veteran can for his medicines ($7) per perscription, since his strokes are non-service connected conditions. As I understand it, he will also have to pay for certain tests and procedures.

Please understand, I am NOT blaming GWB for this. This was Clinton's idea. I am saddened by the system we have when so damn much tax-payer money is wasted. I'd also like to say that the Doctors at the VA are wonderful, but the red-tape is a nightmare.

Most importantly, I just want everyone (esp. veterans) to understand that they need to check their insurance carefully and buy supplements while you can! We've made it through the worst and I consider my self blessed that Dad was able to come home with us.

Sorry to be so long-winded, I just want to explain the situation some veterans face.

Thanks,

[He Rides A White Horse]

...and I saw who wrote the piece. Somebody who really isn't interested in serving the welfare of veterans, but seeks to sow division at the present time.

You saw that though, didn't you?

[F16Fighter]

Thanks for the cheese-cake....(barf)

[rwfromkansas]

"Raping Rhodes Scholar." Hot diggity, what a pithy and accurate phrase worthy of billboards.

[T Lady]

Consider the source.

...Aunt Bethany on a tear, with a bad-hair day thrown in for good measure.

-Regards, T.

[Happy2BMe]

Thanks for sharing that, Helix.

You are a good man and it perplexes all of us how vets out of your dad's era gave so much only to be cast shamefully away when they need it the most.

Good words - and I know your dad is proud to have a son like you.

[DaBroasta]

I think it would look great plastered on a billboard directly across the street from the clinton Liebrary.

[Helix]

I appreciate the kind words. I should have said that I'm his daughter, though.

Many people don't realize just how badly Clinton and the democrats gutted the VA. I believe he cut their budget every year he was in office. At least Pres. Bush raised it last year, but the damage isn't going to be reversed quickly.

[Voice in your head]

What is wrong with you people? This is an issue about how we treat our veterans. Some of you dismiss the article because it was written by a Marxist. Others dismiss it, because it discusses an injustice against veterans waged by Klinton. How about some rational thinking? Read post #29, if you haven't already.

[exnavy]

check out the link in post 10.

[BlackbirdSST]

Dispute my point. The owner of a business is not legally bound to provide something a salesman promises.

Your point, that a promise on the lot doesn't carry forward to the contract, if you sign the contract without it containing the deal you bargained for, is not in any way similar to the gubermint lying to get your signature. The legality would be in question all the way through the court, up to the point that the judge ruled. Legality is a coin toss any more. I guess by your stance, you're all for Army Recruiter's lying to get people to join up. Strange! Blackbird.

[exnavy]

No doubt about the fact this is a real live issue that needs to be rectified. We must remember that the laws of this country come from the house of reps., not the oval office.

There is also no doubt that the troll on the by line is a clinton apologist. And H T wouldn't know the truth if it hit her in the face.

[JoeSixPack1]

Well, gee, don't I even get a byline for finding her in that picture first? :-(

I see it made it's way to strange cosmos!

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/818200/posts

Post #5

[geedee]

I don't know about a byline...but how about an...ATTA BOY!!!!

Best this simple West Texan can do. It's amazing how things fly around on the internet, huh? I've often wondered how people come up with some of the stuff they do...now I know they just steal it!!

[JoeSixPack1]

That'll work!!! :-)

Of all things in this world up for grabs, I get an attaboy for pickin Helen Thomas out of her boot camp picture!! LOL!!!