Hundreds of thousands of servicemen were exposed to asbestos over decades, especially during the period from 1940 to 1980. Asbestos was used in construction of naval vessels as well as shore facilities. All branches of the military used asbestos, which was also widely used in civilian applications. Asbestos can cause mesothelioma. Because this cancer has a particularly long latency period, many servicemen who were exposed years ago are now developing this disease.
- Mesothelioma Patient & Family Resources: Mesotheliomahelp is provided by Belluck & Fox, LLP as a comprehensive resource for mesothelioma victims and their families. The site provides up-to-date information on the latest news and treatment options as well as an easy to use search feature to find local mesothelioma doctors and health care clinics.
We fight for veterans harmed by asbestos: Veterans with mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer should know they have options: the opportunity to bring a suit against manufacturers and sellers of the asbestos that caused their illness. If you were harmed by asbestos exposure, for example, in ships or military housing, contact Weitz & Luxenberg to get a free case review.
Important Information for Veterans: Asbestos products were often used on military ships and within military housing, and Veterans may have been exposed. Previous exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma, a fatal cancer that has no cure and affects countless Veterans and loved ones. For more information regarding military asbestos exposure visit Mesothelioma.com
HELLO
News: Secretary Shinseki Details Plan to End Homelessness for Veterans
Posted on November 03, 2009 by mikeleon
WASHINGTON – Today, at the “VA National Summit Ending Homelessness among Veterans,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki unveiled the department’s comprehensive plan to end homelessness among Veterans by marshalling the resources of government, business and the private sector. “President Obama and I are personally committed to ending homelessness among Veterans within the next five years,” said Shinseki. “Those who have served this nation as Veterans should never find themselves on the streets, living without care and without hope.”
Shinseki’s comprehensive plan to end homelessness includes preventive measures like discharge planning for incarcerated Veterans re-entering society, supportive services for low-income Veterans and their families and a national referral center to link Veterans to local service providers. Additionally, the plan calls for expanded efforts for education, jobs, health care and housing.
“Our plan enlarges the scope of VA’s efforts to combat homelessness,” said Shinseki. “In the past, VA focused largely on getting homeless Veterans off the streets. Our five-year plan aims also at preventing them from ever ending up homeless.”
Other features of the plan outlined by Shinseki include:
· The new Post-9/11 GI Bill provides a powerful option for qualified Veterans to pursue a fully funded degree program at a state college or university. It is a major component of the fight against Veteran homelessness.
· VA is collaborating with the Small Business Administration and the General Services Administration to certify Veteran-owned small businesses and service-disabled Veteran-owned small businesses for listing on the Federal Supply Register, which enhances their visibility and competitiveness – creating jobs for Veterans.
· VA will spend $3.2 billion next year to prevent and reduce homelessness among Veterans. That includes $2.7 billion on medical services and more than $500 million on specific homeless programs.
· VA aggressively diagnoses and treats the unseen wounds of war that often lead to homelessness – severe isolation, dysfunctional behaviors, depression and substance abuse. Last week, VA and the Defense Department cosponsored a national summit on mental health that will help both agencies better coordinate mental health efforts.
· VA partners with more than 600 community organizations to provide transitional housing to 20,000 Veterans. It also works with 240 public housing authorities to provide permanent housing to homeless Veterans and their families under a partnership with the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The VA/HUD partnership will provide permanent housing to more than 20,000 Veterans and their families.
Over the duration of the conference it is expected that over 1,200 homeless service providers from federal and state agencies, the business community, and faith-based and community providers will attend and participate in the summit.
“This is not a summit on homelessness among Veterans,” added Shinseki “It’s a summit on ending homelessness among Veterans.”
# # #
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A great way to start addressing this would be to do outreach programs informing all homeless veterans who are 65 or older they are entitled to the Basic level of the VA's Improved Pension for almost $12,000 a year. Improved Pension is a "Benefit" and not disability compensation. A veteran does not have to have service related injuries to be eligible for this benefit. There are 3-levels to include Basic, Housebound, and Aid and Attendance.
For additional information on this benefit visit www.veteranaid.org
So, we have more homeless shelters for vets...how is that going to make a vet not homeless? A shelter is just that a shelter not a home. I see nothing new here except increasing the spending. there are already multiple programs available at the VA if a homeless veteran wishes to use them. They want to eliminate homelessness for vets? What about the thousands of veterans that have no desire to leave their current status? This is another waste of cash, without any new ideas. But, hey it makes the Administration look like they care and that's what really counts...right?
By Bob Higgins on 2009-11-03 18:34:22 Here you are again, little Josh. What are the names of these "multiple programs" you speak of, what are their track records? Would you care to expound further, your diminutiveness?
By Fran Lawrence on 2009-11-04 14:10:16 Josh,
Apparently you have not stood on the edge of hell and got a glimpse before you came back to the "Real World".
By Alton on 2009-11-03 18:03:13
Apparently people talking negatively about the homeless have never been homeless themselves. It could be they have never slept underneath a bridge, on a beach, a street or in the back of a car holding a knife. And they have never been refused care by the VA over and over ("you have to be in the system 6 months", "I can't find the problem, you're going to have to live with the pain", "you're not crazy, it's an alcohol problem, but we don't have any openings for alcoholics"). Maybe where they work, it's not a Veteran versus the good ol boys and "My worthless son in law just got the job and even if you do know more than he does, you'll teach him or be fired". And maybe they've never slept in a shelter to see how big or little it is. Some have lot's of room but depending on the weather can be crowded. Betcha they've never been mugged in a 'bad neighborhood' either or even a good one. Betcha they have meat with every meal and beans are a side dish, not the main. Betcha they don't know what the thousand yard stare is or have ever gone from zero to 60 when they hear somebody knock over a trashcan, because on the streets, if god gives you a chance, you better take it. Maybe they've never looked in a person's eyes and saw...death in the process. Staying with them so they wouldn't die lonely. Maybe they don't know what it means to save a life or let one go because there is nothing they can do to stop it.
Josh is right. This is just another waste of taxpayer money. Homelessness is a symptom, not a disease. All over the U.S. the VA is disposing of urgently needed medical facilites and Veterans lands via the use of Enhanced Use Leases with private sector developers. This country is at war and we need more VA hospitals and medical centers, not less. Starting with Vietnam, our Veterans, and especially those now returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, are suffering from terrible physical, mental and emotional disabilities. If our Veterans were given proper medical and psychatric help to overcome those problems, they wouldn't be homeless in the first place. Yet, Shinseki and the rest of the bureaucrats insist on treating the symptons not the disease and solve nothing! Give our Veterans the medical care and treatment they need and are entitled to receive and they will all benefit, those that are homeless as well as those that are not.
SAVE OUR VETERANS LANDS AND MEDICAL FACILITIES! Peggy Burgess
By Alton on 2009-11-03 21:18:45 Thank you Mr. Lee. Always good to hear there's somebody out there that understands about veterans suffering needlessly. On their badges they used to have the words' "My name is xxxxxx. How may I help you?". They don't anymore, guess it's too quaint.
By Terry Lee on 2009-11-03 21:40:15
Alton, I would be the first to agree that homelessness is not an easy fix, and yes there are those who seem to be happy right where they are. Many are really wanting help, and would pull themselves up out of their misery if only given the chance. There is a lot to this subject, more than most people realize. I have lived on the streets of Los Angeles, and other places myself. I don't claim to know just how to fix the problem, I just know that Veterans deserve better.
By Alton on 2009-11-03 22:12:19 Yeah Terry Lee, I too don't claim to know how to cure homelessness. Some of mine was caused by my hardheadedness. But everything I stated in my letter happened to me, plus a few more that well, enough is enough. I do know I don't want to go back cause I'm too old and now I have many 'safety blankets' that I didn't have before.
Bet they never had a Spouse say they wanted a divorce, took the kid, and you had to complete the fracture in your Spine to finish traveling 3000 miles going home and hear your boss say, "so what"? That could cause homelessness.
By VIRGIL MATHIS on 2009-11-04 12:12:18
Homeless Veterans Visit wedsite of the Northlawndale Community News at www.nlcn.org in Chicago
In Chicago we have two projects we are working on to create jobs and jobs opportunities for Homeless and Disabled Veterans
I was homeless in 2005 & 2006 in Anchorage, San Francisco and Las Vegas.
I actively pursued assistance through municipal and veterans social and homeless services.
My conclusions:
1. Most of the money allocated to help the unfortunate is spent on bureaucracy. Ironically, the homeless end up paying the salaries and rent for many employees who are basically doing busy-work.
2. Social service agencies provide piecemeal, looks-good services that merely string along the homeless but do little to tackle the underlying causes. The best solution to homelessness is prevention, but programs are not designed for this.
3. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Every person needs a case worker with the intelligence, compassion and resources to tailor-make a solution for that individual.
4. There is little genuine oversight of case workers effectiveness, leading to corruption, bribery and incompetence throughout the System.
5. Homeless veterans are given no preference above dirtbag ex-con parasites who've done nothing but take from society. I get $16 in food stamps while illegal aliens and former enemies may be receiving $500 or more. Unwed mothers are rewarded for being irresponsible about birth control.
Other than that, things are going well.
Not to be cynical but, based on my own experiences, most of this money will be wasted on social workers and ineffective programs.
They need formerly-homeless people involved in the process and true oversight and accountability.
If you are homeless, you are on your own to climb out of it so- Man up and do it!
By Fran Lawrence on 2009-11-04 14:06:23 You have brought up some really great points and things to consider here.
By Byron Skinner on 2009-11-04 15:12:33
Good Morning Folks,
This is a start and nothing more. Many of the homeless Veterans from the current Bush Wars have emotional/psychological issues that go way beyond PTSD. It's time that the VA and the American people recognize that some of these Veterans and also many non homeless has been carrying societies water in the Bush Wars for seven years now. Many have over 48 months of real combat, they need help and out reach. Yellow ribbons are nice but they are not enough. The care they will need will go beyond just simple disability payments and it will be expensive and will last all their lives. This much combat is going to effect everyone, including the hard core of the "Old Breed".
Society has a LIFE LONG debt to these women and men and unlike Vietnam where all we got was "Welcome Home" IOU from the American people it's time for society to do the right thing for these battered warriors.
Well the way that I look at this every time that some one want to fix a problem there are people who say that will not work, My question is how do you know this and do you have the answer. Not No But Hell no You do not so lets try and see what happens give the General a chance to see . If some one do not how in the hell are we going to know if it works or not.
Life, just sucks when you think about all you should have been; turns out to be; a realization, that you'll never be all you can be; because the odds were stacked against you generations before you were conceived. War is hell on earth, and what you thought you were doing for God and country turns out to be a set-up for some rich asshole who is gonna get richer off you and your family's naive belief that those who are pushing you off to war actually give a rat's ass about you, and what your dreams are; however, if you had kept your ass in school and got that good education their children received while you were humping your ass around the world; so they can enjoy spring break, and sell you a video of how to maintain the status guo at your expense; enough said. this is what can happen when people would rather believe the lie, because the true is too hard t bare.
Unless it has changed, our local VAMC gives a homeless veteran a pair of gloves, a warm coat (sometimes) a blanket, meal ticket to the cafeteria and then sends them to a Best Westeran, or similar and then they are on their own. A real problem solver. In the meantime the head of social services at the hospital gets a nice bonus for helping solve the homeless veteran problem. I hate to be so cynical but as a former county veterans dir., I saw this over and over again.
By Steve on 2009-11-04 16:20:00 Oh yes, at the Best Western for two days!
By Alton on 2009-11-04 18:25:32 You got the Best Western? You got it good. I got "well, we can't take you in, you're an outpatient. we'll, let you go sleep with the homeless. And yes, all the people that are supposed to make sure you don't go homeless don't care, it's all about the numbers. Been there, done that and got plenty of barriers so It won't happen again. But if you ask me, do they help the homeless? From my experience, "No they don't". All the "thanks from a grateful nation" doesn't mean anything. Better you conserve your energy and help yourself. I do have fantasies about later on in life when I find some of my former friends that put me there though.
By Simon A on 2009-11-04 16:45:04
Given up hope! Why are veterans homeless? The word is that newer vets have a higher homeless rate. Considering that money has been pumped into returning vets where are the programs and the money? Oh, yes the jobs. In my experience there are several things that lead to homelessness, 1) no trust for government programs, 2) no adequate programs for dealing with post war blues after returning home, 3) no jobs for returning vets, 4) no family support, 5) after you take your uniform off the magic goes away, 6) If you are 11B, home is where you dig it. If we are lucky maybe the VA will print brochures about homelessness. Homeless, is not having a home, a shelter like someone mention is only that, a shelter. Mr. Shinseki, (VA God) is going to cure homelessness in 5 years, I beg you he even walks on water. He has not even been around to see veterans, and he expects to end homelessness. He refuses to meet with veterans groups that do not support his agenda. Some leader. If given an opportunity for a decent job most veterans could be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
By SSG Lem Genovese USA/Retired 91B on 2009-11-04 17:15:18
Inadequate transition programs since the Vietnam Era for troops separating from active duty, PTSD, substance abuse, a faltering economy, poor vocational-training program access, poor monitoring of whether a veteran qualifies for specific government education and hiring programs have all contributed to the ever increasing number of unemployed/homeless veterans. This is a SYSTEMIC issue that will take huge inter-agency cooperation at the Federal, state, county and local municipalities to see an dramatic positive impact on this crisis. Social services personnel are usually ill-trained and poorly equipped to adequately deal with veterans with these issues. A referral to a municipal or county veterans affairs office is about all these local bureaucrats can handle. FOLLOW-UP is crucial. There HAS to be a paper trail with accountability to make this all function properly and THAT is one long, expensive and arduous task. An inter agency task force of Federal, State, County and local veterans affairs personnel would be a good start in every state in this nation. Then at least, we'd begin to spot demographic patterns, trends of transient migration & failures and success in the program
General Shinseki should be congratulated and thanked for his valiant and diligent efforts in ending homelessness amongst veterans. He is definitely endeavoring to end homelessness amongst veterans to the best of his ability. He is a COMBAT veteran of the War in Vietnam. His valiant and heroic efforts with regard to ending homelessness with regard to veterans reflect his loyalty to his fellow veterans and the valor and patriotism of his prior military service. Thank you General Shinseki! I served with the U.S. Army;4th I.D.; 2/8th Inf.; RVN 1969-1970.
By Simon A on 2009-11-04 22:23:14 I beg to differ, but Shinseki has done very little for veterans, other than running around the country pacifying veterans or not evens, but developing program that have nothing to do with direct care for veterans. He has been pumping money into cemeteries; does he know something we don't?
The illusive, Mr. Shinseki is nowhere to be found. Is he in your AO? Maybe he does not want to listen to the truth. Many veterans have died under his watch, what are you doing to bring this situation to light? IT takes more than crumbs to convince me that he is he doing a service for veterans. Sorry, I do not share your kind words for Mr. Shinseki. He has not proven anything worth mentioning. When was the last time you spoken with him, or when was the last time he advocated for better healthcare?
Oh, by the way, welcome home. I share your Vietnam service. I served with 1/10 cav attached to 4th ID in 1970-1971. I have souvenirs from Vietnam and you know what? They remind me every day that the war is still a constant reminder, thanks to my 2 purple hearts.
So, if you happen to see, Mr. Shinseki tell him that Simon in Texas wants him to call home.
By Bob Higgins on 2009-11-05 07:54:26 Eric Shinseki has been in office for less than 11 months while many of the problems at the VA have been festering, no, metastasizing, for decades.
During the last eight years the VA was treated with neglect, no, contempt, by the Cheney/ Bush administration. know who.
Shinseki is one of the most honest guys who ever wore stars on his shoulders. Give the guy a chance and he will change the culture at the VA.
By Jerry Bohr on 2009-11-05 11:23:02 Mr. C.V.Compton:
Thank you for your service. I am just wondering how long do you believe it will take General Shinseki to fix the mess? In order for the General to fix the VA and all the problems, he would or should know something about health care......would you agree? Where is the hotline that one could set up for problems with healthcare that some of these vets are receiving? Sounds like I could have set that up in the first week? You will never know what a veteran is going thru sitting behind a desk and Mr. Shinseki with all due respect should know that with all his yrs in service. Being a Veterans Service officer I realized that after the first day because I actually care what is happening from the veterans standpoint or perspective. If you want to know how the veteran feels, ask someone who has no agenda, or nothing to gain if you really want to fix what the problem is. Another thing, we hired four more Judges for the court of appeals if I have that right, will that fix the problem or are you applying a band aid? I do not know the man Mr. Shinseki, but with all due respect again....".In the kingdom of the blind, the man with one eye is still king".
By Dave Culmer 20 Year Career Marine on 2009-11-06 00:02:46 Mr. C.V. Compton Shaw, it seems you've been sucking up too much shinsuki sake. Take off the rose colored glasses and smell the political scams, lies and deceit.
By Gy Berg on 2009-11-04 20:03:23
Oorah! I agree with everyone's comment. So here is my two cents. Veterans have benefits everywhere, does the upper echelon know how hard it is to get. I am at 100% disability and my state offers registration fee's waiver for the 100% Veterans. I talked to everyone I knew, didn't know and whomever I looked up on the internet. Filed out every form the DMV asked for but there was one form missing from the VA and they would not accept anything else but that form. Everyone I spoke to said Hell No. So there is a dis-connect. I finally got a hold of the correct office and they are sending the info needed by the end of the week. So why does this happen? It took 19 phone calls, 9 work days to get to the right office.
Too many hoops, too many people judging, not qualified, sorry we're too busy, but we want to help. I am tired of hearing that phrase.
So for the General, like Patton stated; Stop shining your but on the chair and get up and go see what the veterans (troops) MUST deal with in order to get these benefits.
Programs are everywhere, and funded, but how easy is it for Veterans to receive these benefits. It is extremely difficult. If you are homeless, you don't have a phone or an address, so your check never gets to you. Ask the homeless what they need. You'll be doing the right thing, don't ask people who have a job, security, healthcare, a home etc., go out and ask the Veterans how hard it is to get the benefits.
I say start from the bottom and work your way up.
All retired officers I know, can claim their Gunny's job specialty, every job specialy they were in charge of and get their job with little difficulty. The Gunny doesn't qualify for anything, accept janitor or security guard. Ever try for the 10-15 point federal points for veterans? I have, and I am not competitive enough or qualified. It is another benefit that exist only on paper and not in reality.
By Alton on 2009-11-04 22:08:24 Hello Mr. Berg; At last I found another Vet expounding on the uselessness of the 'Veteran's benefit program' (LAW) written in 1944 by the way and is supposed to help veterans, Title 5 USC Para.s 3301 to 3319 backed up with the Disabled Veterans Affirmative Action Program and the USVETS program run by the Dept of Labor I believe. When I talked with the Texas state Veteran's rep. about this, I got "They will hire whoever they want". It's a long and perhaps tragic story but it's over now. They won't get any help from me anymore until they get an earfull first.
And I too had problems with the DMV over a form that I should carry with me at all times (right) but any other form that I have and I had to have the first form in order to get the second form is not good enough. Sorta like carrying your birth certificate in order to prove who you are to cash a check, Ridiculous.
By Robert Rosebrock on 2009-11-05 13:25:42
If Secretary Shinseki is to be taken seriously, he can come out to the Los Angeles Nation Veterans Home, unlock the chained front gate, tear up the public park agreement with the wealthy neighboring homeowners and declare the 16 acres a Veterans Tent City until we can get our fellow Veterans more permanent housing.
Then he can walk across the street and evict Donna Beiter, the non-Veteran executive director of the largest VA in the nation, from her mansion on 30 acres of Veterans land and turn the mansion and grounds into more Tent City and a gathering place for America's Veterans.
There are 11 empty buildings at the largest VA in the nation, and some estimate that number to be as high as 20, yet there are 20,000 Veterans who are homeless, even though this is their rightful "Home," so stipulated in the Land Grant Deed of March 3, 1888.
If Secretary Shinseki is to be believed about ending homelessness of Veterans, he will convert all buildings on Veterans property into residence halls and training facilities to help get our fellow Veterans back into society as productive citizens.
But if anyone believes that the Secretary will do anything close to the aforementioned, I have some prime ocean-front property in the Mojave Desert that I'd like to sell you.
Ending homelessness for Veterans is as believable as ending corruption in government.
So Secretary Shinseki is going to end homelessness in five years. What a crock to excite everyone. We live in a remote area and we have so many Veterans living in the hills, woods, and on the beaches. Most of them are Vietnam Veterans who chose to turn their backs on a society that turned their backs on them. Statistics say they are homeless, but to them they have homes. They are coming to an age now where they need help. Our organization helps them with food, clothing, outdoor equipment , medical and etc. But try to put them in a home---forget it. They won't go to our shelter where they will be taught self help skills and etc. They have been taking care of themselves for over 30 years now. They don't want to listen to a bunch of text book preaching people sitting on their fat bums getting paid to do a job that they aren't doing. And you can't blame them. We have a homeless task force and I was used as a reference for one of the people applying to be on it. I was asked why I thought he would be good for this group and my answer was because he is homeless and lives in his car. Who else would better qualify? Our young veterans who are coming home now in our area are met with immediately and we are enrolling them in college, making sure that they have a stipend to live on, a place to live and etc. We have a group called the VCC. Veteran Conservation Corps. They are able to work outside which is helping them with ptsd problems. A lot of the veterans have training on heavy equipment. We help them get their CDL license and they are able to help with our beaches. Screw the government and all of their empty promises. I realize that it is easier for us in a rural area as opposed to a big city. But I feel that our older veterans and or their dependants need to take a bigger roll in helping all of our veterans. It has taken us a few years to gain the trust of our guys, but the point men that they send down to check us out have let them know that we are ordinary citizens who are doing this and not the government.
My comment is wait till the next election and not vote for any of these politicians who feel that they are insulated. Someone once told me that the pin was the most powerful tool we have, we can do much with this pin. I have an idea lets all right all the representives that are in office now and let them know exactly what is being writen here today. Oh! make many copies so maybe one will reach their desk. Yes many of served in one branch or another and yes many of us were disabled because of the wars. I do agree with all that I have read here today and my feeling still have not changed on how proud I am of our country and we should fight for our rights as many others did before us. To many people are afraid to say anything, why? I don't know. I do know this if you do not stand up for what is going on in the country then let it all go to hell and enjoy that. It is good to see you all voicing you thoughts and standing up for what we all fought for. You know the rest. God Bless America yes I said God. Welcome home comrades.
By Chaplain Mary Murphy War Widow on 2009-11-05 15:41:50
Please join the Mediation being prepared vis HEALING A BROKEN SYSTEM; VETERANS BATTLING ADDICTION AND INCARCERATION, 11-4-09, Drug Policy Alliance, 222.drugpolicy.org
Any prima facie evidentiary evidence you can identify for Wounded Warriors Incarcerated who have documented medical records vis combat experiences resulting in PTSD, etc.
please share Mary, former VA/Prison Chaplain/Marshal Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals www.veteranschamberofcommerce.org
After re-reading this article I realized something I had said in August when I had the meeting with Sen. Koch (Rep-MN). I told her that the reason there are so many homeless Veterans is because they dont trust the VA or the government. 23% of all homeless people are Veterans, every year 400,000 veterans face homelessness, myself included. It talks about transitional housing for 22000 veterans, that 10% of how many veterans are homeless. I hope they ... Read Morehave actually talked to some of these homeless Veterans like I have. How can someone that doesnt trust the VA just says "Okay, I forgive you for screwing all of us over and I will become an everyday common citizen. After that we can work on getting my disability claims done. Then I will go to college and learn a trade that has been approved by the VA. I hope by then the GI Bill can be worked out." There are too many Veterans that just dont want to do any of those things because they believe none of it will happen for them. Lets work on earning their trust first then helping them.
If our government really want to help our vets, they need to focuse on programs that will look out for the vets. I think programs that is run, own and managed by veterans will be one way to go. I do believe that a true military person that believe in God and country is not going to take advantage of other vets. There are some homeless by choice and there are some homeless by force and some are homeless because they have no hope. They just do not know how to make it in a world outside of the protective worl of the military. For those of us that served we met many that do not know how to how to make it on their own. They were use to someone telling the the how and when, they were taken care of, but one that caretaker was taken out the picture that vet was lost, had not hope. There are many reasons that there are homeless veterans, however it is time that someone take some course of action and I say this is a start. (A postive something beats a negative nothing any day and anytime) By: GJM
The private sector should be taking care of our veterans, and all welfare programs. Trouble is, the Government takes my disposable income from me and all citizens at the point of a gun, then squanders 50% of it to finance the bureacracy. The private sector could handle it nicely, and would have 100% to disperse if the Government would adhere to our Constitution. Furthermore, there would be little or no fraud invovled, and the funds would be used to best advatage of all.
By Bob Higgins on 2009-11-06 09:36:28 Mr. Thompson
You wrote:
"The private sector should be taking care of our veterans, and all welfare programs. Trouble is, the Government takes my disposable income from me and all citizens at the point of a gun, then squanders 50% of it to finance the bureacracy. The private sector could handle it nicely, and would have 100% to disperse if the Government would adhere to our Constitution. Furthermore, there would be little or no fraud invovled, and the funds would be used to best advatage of all."
Nonsense.
You are entitled to your opinions but please keep your nose out of my health care. I am treated at the VA; three years ago they saved my life and the ongoing treatment and services I have received since then have been excellent.
Are there problems? Yes. Many of the problems have been generated or exacerbated by political, ideological and budgetary concerns and none have been more serious than those that have surfaced in the last decade. The scandal at Walter Reed a couple of years ago was generated by "privatization," by the greed and fraud of a politically connected private company. The facts of this one case alone will tell you all you need to know about the privatization of veterans' medical care.
You may have been sleeping during the last several years when the "free market" revealed its true nature and collapsed in a stinking pile of bad corporate debt and fraud, while private companies were caught with their fingers in every cookie jar in sight.
To which "private" company would you turn the health care of our veterans? Go down the list of once "respected" companies that have gone belly up in the last decade and then make a recommendation.
There are many areas of the public's business in which the wolves of private profit and speculation must be excluded and health care is one.
The next time you have one of these free market, Ayn Randian wet dreams please reconsider and ... Butt out.
By D J BLAIR on 2009-11-16 13:58:39
FORTY-THREE (43) YEARS AND WE ARE STILL FIGHTING TO GET VIET-NAM VETERANS AND NOW OTHERS INTO HOMES AND OUT OF THE GUTTER. HOW ABOUT THE FACT IF YOU TAKE A HOMELESS VETERAN OFF THE STREET HE/SHE STILL CANNOT AFFORD A HOME. A HOME IS MORE THAN JUST A ROOF.
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WASHINGTON – Today, at the “VA National Summit Ending Homelessness among Veterans,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki unveiled the department’s comprehensive plan to end homelessness among Veterans by marshalling the resources of government, business and the private sector. “President Obama and I are personally committed to ending homelessness among Veterans within the next five years,” said Shinseki. “Those who have served this nation as Veterans should never find themselves on the streets, living without care and without hope.”
Other features of the plan outlined by Shinseki include:
