Weinstein called upon President Obama to immediately issue a statement as Commander-in-Chief making it clear that there would be a zero tolerance policy against any member of the US military "inflicting harassments, retribution or reprisal against an Islamic member of the US military."

- Growing evidence of extremists in U.S. military, photo of active duty Oath Keeper in Mosul, Iraq -
by Rob Waters and the Southern Poverty Law Center on AlterNet - Oath Keepers, the militia/“Patriot” extremist group made up of law enforcement officers, military personnel and veterans, has posted a photo on its site showing (it says) “an active duty Oath Keeper in Mosul, Iraq” wearing two Velcro-attached “tabs” or patches, one saying “Oath Keeper” and the other “Three percent.” The flag patch beneath them is also an insignia of the “Three Percenters,” an informal alliance of hard-line gun owners.

HISTORY FORGOTTEN IS HISTORY REPEATED

By Gordon Duff STAFF WRITER/Senior Editor

As in the 1930s, when the Great Depression swept through America, patriotic groups are springing up across the country like weeds.  The funding and message is much the same as then.  Illegal aliens are destroying America.  Communism is taking over.  Under it all, of course, is the real belief, that African Americans and Jews are the real enemy.  The money, same as then:  Wall Street

Today the message is unclear but the dynamic the same.  Behind every patriotic group is a bank, an insurance company, an oil cartel or an arms manufacturer that lives on aggressive war.  Their loyalties are always to money and those who help them steal it and keep it, the crooked politicians, the foreign dictators and the "patriotic" mobs who join the organizations they fund.

What are their political beliefs?  Nothing has changed, they are Fascists.  Fascism is the religion of rule through money and power.  Their tool is the police state, where spying, arrest and torture are legalized to fight off imaginary enemies.  Courts, prosecutors, police agencies and the military are staffed only with "the faithful," those loyal to the party only.  Sound familiar?  Think Ashcroft, Gonzales, Rumsfeld and Rove and how the agencies, Justice, Defense, Homeland Security, SEC, Commerce and even the VA became servants of the powerful, arms of the ruling party.

The Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act  

“The ink wasn’t even dry on the The Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act before the same tired attacks and bold face distortions were launched by those committed to inaction. We predicted long ago that those on the other side would adopt the misleading jargon of oil companies, lobbyists, and special interests, which maximize their profits at the expense of progress.

Let’s be clear: The Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act will put America back in control of our energy future. It invests in coal, natural gas, nuclear, and renewable energy companies that make America great, while vigorously protecting the American consumer.

It can finally put us on a path to energy independence, in spite of the misleading campaign that would keep us hostage to foreign and unreliable governments.”

Washington, D.C. - On Thursday, September 11, 2009, Economic Opportunity Subcommittee Chairwoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD) conducted a hearing to review the Interagency Agreement (IAA) between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Navy, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center (SPAWAR). 

The hearing focused on a recent VA Office of Inspector General (IG) report that identified many contracting irregularities between SPAWAR and VA.  The IAA was entered into in November 2007 to provide government employee and contractor technical support for information technology initiatives, including a system to process claims for the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.

Fellow Veterans Today writer CWO3 Tom Barnes posted an article "Navy Lawyers File Motion to Halt Proceedings Against Alleged Terrorist" that I almost missed the point of until I read Tom's comment quoted below that sums up why so many American Patriots are sincerely concerned about the excesses of our government over the past decade or so.

"There is a difference between arresting, apprehending and incarcerating a dangerous human being who poses a real threat to all of us and constructing an entire "judicial system" apart from American legal standards to more or less set him up to be executed. These "special courts" [at GITMO] are one of the very hallmarks of a totalitarian society. This is the sort of thing that the Soviets used to do.

I am swiftly becoming numb to this stuff. If this can happen to these people, innocent, crazy, guilty or religiously deluded, it can happen to all of us. You and I are in just as much danger of being subjected to "special courts" as these people are. I am not so much worried about their rights being abrogated as I am worried about my own rights. What in the hell is going on in my country? CWO3 Tom Barnes, USCG (Ret.)"

Tom's commentary got us to THINKING, has our government ever threatened the "rights of American Citizens"?

According to Congressional Records from the 1970s, you bet your life and liberties our government has been a threat to American citizen rights. I must strongly agree with Tom not only in the case of GITMO but all the excesses and trampling on American freedoms during the Bush administration that continue into the Obama administration through failure to TAKE ACTION to correct them once and for all.

ROBERT L. HANAFIN, Major, USAF-Retired
Veterans Advocacy Editor
Veteran Today News Network &
Our Troops News Ladder

It is a sham when politicians use veterans as political pawns.

Is Arnold's military support just a big Hollywood ruse?

by Tim King, Salem-News.com

He may be from the Republican party, one that constantly lauds its wonderful appreciation and good treatment of veterans, but a decision by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger this week over veterans, casts him as anything but a friend to those who served.

The former movie star has clipped the wings of a bill that would have honored Vietnam Veterans. It wouldn't have been a costly measure, just the simple designation of a particular day to honor those who served in a war that claimed over 58k lives - a war where the veterans were treated horribly. This bill had redeeming qualities, but the state's governor didn't apparently care about that.

If you are an active duty service person or a veteran there are two bills that you should get behind this year. The first bill is a bill in the House of Representatives introduced by Representative Bob Filner, [D-CA].  The bill “Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act,” is very similar but not the same as Senate Bill 1204 “Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act of 2009”. The Senate version introduced by Sen. Patty Murray [D-WA] simply states:

“To amend the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001 to require the provision of chiropractic care and services to veterans at all Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers, and for other purposes.” 

Thursday, September 10 at 9:30 a.m. – 345 Cannon House Office Building

Joint House and Senate Full Committee Hearing 

Legislative Presentation of The American Legion   

Thursday, September 10 at 1 p.m. – 334 Cannon House Office Building

**Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity   

“Interagency Agreement between the VA and SPAWAR”

By PB Rose

Roughly twenty months ago, Lance Corporal Maria Lauterbach's burned body was found in the backyard of Cesar Lauren's home.  The very same home he shared with his wife and children.

LCpl Lauterbach was 8 months pregnant and the Department of Defense Armed Forces Institues of Pathology DNA experts concluded on May 7 that former Cpl Lauren was NOT the father of her child.

Gang, I know this is not news to you but let me throw this thought out to you: 

    Isn't having the DOD DNA experts conducting the forensic investigation like having the fox investigate the hen house?  Isn't having the DOD investigate one of it's own similiar to having Congress investigate itself?

I bring this subject up because it reminds me just how easy evidence can be slanted to reflect information that the Military wants you to see.  The military wants you to forget that the USMC has given Lauren an Other than Honorable Discharge but they brought his wife back onto active duty.  The military wants you to forget that they have deceided that Maria Lauterbach's life and that of her unborn child was not worthy of fighting out in a Court of Military Law.  The military wants you to forget, that if the civilian criminal justice system fails to do it's job, Lauren will be free to file the appropriate paperwork to get his Other than Honorable recharacterized and possibly receive VA benefits. What would he would get benefits for I would like to know (PTSD for murdering his alleged rape victim.  This is something I'm sure that the VA would gladly give him a 100% service connection for.  Lauterbach would have to fight until her child was at least a freshman in high school before she could get a 100%--if her case goes like mine did.)

The military would, also, like you to forget how poorly they handled this case.  They gave Lauterbach a Military Protective Order, which means that neither she nor Lauren could be in so many feet of each other.  They kept her in the same unit but switched her to a different section.  And he being of a higher rank would have to go to all formations where she could not--so much for communication.  (This is so typical.  Treat the women like mushrooms--you know the rest)

It is my sincerest hope that the prosecution can effectively communicate the heinous nature of these crimes.  Lauren's next court date is scheduled for 2010.  His defense attorney is to busy to properly handle this case this year.   Maria and Baby Lauterbach were not ready to die last year. But the prosecution is ready to keep Lauren in jail.

Morrison & Foerster and DRA to Present Appeals Argument Against Department of Veterans Affairs on Behalf of 900,000 Veterans

SAN FRANCISCO – Attorneys from Morrison & Foerster LLP and Disability Rights Advocates (DRA) on Wednesday will present arguments in the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in a landmark lawsuit demanding reform of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), a system now backlogged with 900,000 disability claims—400,000 of which have been filed by Iraq war veterans (Veterans for Common Sense, et al. v. Shinseki, et al.).

Non-profit group Veterans for Common Sense (VCS) and co-plaintiff Veterans United for Truth (VUFT) are asking Court of Appeals judges to reverse the lower court’s ruling, which lacks the authority to order VA to provide timely medical care and disability benefits to hundreds of thousands of waiting veterans. The lawsuit was filed in July 2007 on behalf of all veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), conditions impacting more than 600,000 U.S. service members sent to the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Washington, D.C. – Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Bob Filner introduced H.R. 3365 to allow veterans to use their earned Medicare benefits to receive health care and services from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). 

Under current law, VA has the authority to bill enrolled veterans and their private health care insurers for the treatment of veterans’ non-service-connected conditions. 

More than four years after being sent to prison for allegedly  lying about his PTSD which had been diagnosed and verfied by a C&P exam by a VA Doctor.

This veteran managed to really tick off the VA, his mistake was like many veterans  he wanted back pay to when he left military service and his life fell apart, but that is not how the VA claims process works, unless the veteran files the claim within one year from their discharge.

But most veterans do not know this and many do not file for benefits for years and in some cases decades, especially when it comes to mental health issues, due to the stigma attached to them. Keith Roberts wanted back pay to 1969 and that just was not going to happen.

Washington, D.C. – On Monday, July 27, 2009, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA) announced that the House of Representatives approved three bills that would improve benefits and services to veterans provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). 

The legislation approved by the House includes a comprehensive bill to expand necessary life insurance options for veterans and their families, as well as improve medical services at VA hospitals and clinics around the country, a bill to streamline the process for nonprofit research and education corporations to participate in VA research endeavors, and a bill to provide essential support and training to those caring for this Nation’s wounded veterans.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – An amendment authored by Senators John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Saxby Chambliss (D-GA), and co-sponsored by Senators Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), to expand National Guard and Reserves’ retirement benefits to include duty performed after September 11, 2001 was included in legislation recently passed by the Senate.

The Kerry-Chambliss amendment makes a change to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 to allow the combat service of members of the National Guard and Reserve who worked in support of a contingency operation after September 11, 2001 until January 28, 2008, to be recognized to reduce the age for eligibility of Reserve retirement pay.  

Senate Attaches Military Spouse Residency Relief Act to Defense Authorization
Move Puts Carter Bill on Fast Track for 2009 Passage

(WASHINGTON, DC) – The U.S. Senate today approved the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act as an amendment to the 2009 Defense Authorization Act

(S. 1390) at the request of Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), putting the legislation on a fast track for passage into law this year.

The bill authored by U.S. Rep. John Carter (R-TX), currently has over 140 bipartisan co-sponsors.  The high level of support Carter has built in the House makes it likely the final version of the Defense Authorization Act will include the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act when it is signed into law by the President.

On July 27, 2009, the House of Representatives will consider a bill to support the caregivers of our wounded warriors.  As you know, caregivers of our veterans have made great sacrifices – giving up jobs, delaying their educational aspirations, relocating – to provide daily care for our Nation’s heroes.  

H.R. 3155, as amended – Caregiver Assistance and Resource Enhancement Act (Michaud)

The July 2007 report of the President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors (Dole-Shalala Commission) found that of the 1,730 injured OEF/OIF veterans surveyed, about 21 percent of active duty, 15 percent of the reserve, and 24 percent of retired or separated service members had friends or family who gave up a job to be a caregiver.  H.R. 3155 would provide support services to family and non-family caregivers of veterans, including educational sessions on how to be a better caregiver; one-stop access to support services via a dedicated caregiver support Internet website; and information and outreach.  The bill would also make counseling and mental health services available to family and non-family caregivers of veterans. 

Washington, D.C. – On Wednesday, July 15, 2009, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs led by Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA), approved four bills that would improve benefits and services to veterans provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

“Today, this Committee passed a slate of bills that will have a significant impact on the lives of veterans when they become law,” said Chairman Filner.  “I would specifically like to thank the freshman Members of this Committee for their ability to get right to work and address the needs of our Nation’s veterans.” 

Washington, D.C. – On July 13, 2009, House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA) announced that the House of Representatives voted to approve two measures concerning veterans.   

1)      H.R. 1037 – Pilot College Work Study Programs for Veterans Act of 2009 (Herseth Sandlin)

H.R. 1037 directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a five-year pilot project to test the feasibility and advisability of expanding the scope of qualifying veterans' work-study activities and authorizes student veterans to participate in work-study positions in academic departments. 

Enactment of veterans’ funding bill will amount to a 58% increase in the past 2.5 years under Democratic leadership

Washington, D.C. – House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA) released the following statement upon House passage of H.R. 3082, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs spending bill:   

“Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3028, a bill to fund the Department of Veterans Affairs for Fiscal Year 2010.  The bill provides $108.9 billion, the same as the President’s request and $14.5 billion above 2009, for veterans medical care, claims processors, and facility improvements.  This is the third budget in a row that exceeds the request of the Independent Budget, which is formulated by a coalition of veterans’ organizations!

"NEOCON MOUTHPIECE" PROVEN NATIONAL SECURITY THREAT

THOUSANDS OF OFFICIALS - ANYONE -  WIRETAPPED

By Gordon Duff STAFF WRITER

Rupert Murdock, owner of Fox News and the Wall Street Journal has been exposed, in Britain, for having funded massive spying operations, including illegal wiretapping of thousands of phones of, not only celeb's but government officials.

Use of intelligence operatives and highly sophisticated NSA type cell phone interception equipment by News of the World, the Fox News clone in Britain has led to cash settlements, jail time and allegations of a massive blackmail scheme that may be worldwide.

That this story has not been reported in the US nor have any security agencies looked into Fox News practices here is extremely curious.  Noting that, not only members of the Royal Famiy were wiretapped, but Liberal Party members of parliament puts a sinister bent on what may be a massive news blackout and coverup within the US.

Washington D.C. - On Wednesday, June 24, 2009, the House Veterans’Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, led by Chairman John Hall (D-NY), held a hearing to review legislation relating to veterans’ insurance benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). 

Bob Filner (D-CA), Chair of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, said, “I applaud the Members of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs as they work tirelessly to ensure that our veterans, their families and survivors are able to plan appropriately for their financial security and have the best and most affordable options available.  In this time of war, our grateful nation honors the sacrifices made by our service members and must honor the promises made to our veterans.”

Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, June 23, 2009, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Bob Filner (D-CA) announced that the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1211, a bill to expand and improve health care services available to women veterans provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). 

Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, June 23, 2009, the House of Representatives approved H.R. 1016, landmark legislation to secure timely funding for veterans’ health care delivered through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).  Bob Filner (D-CA), Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, announced passage of the bill that would authorize the ‘advance appropriations’ process.  The bill provides Congress greater ability to develop appropriation bills that provide sufficient funding to meet the best estimate of anticipated demand for VA health care services in future years by allowing funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical accounts one year in advance. 

Washington, D.C. – On Wednesday, June 10, 2009, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs led by Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA) announced the passage of H.R. 1016, landmark legislation to secure timely funding for veterans’ health care through the ‘advance appropriations’ process.

H.R. 1016 would authorize Congress to approve Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical care appropriations one year in advance of the start of each fiscal year.  An advance appropriation would provide VA with up to one year in which to plan how to deliver the most efficient and effective care to an increasing number of veterans with increasingly complex medical conditions.  Unlike proposals to convert VA health care to a mandatory funding program, an advance appropriation does not create PAYGO concerns since VA health care funding would remain discretionary.  Congress employs a PAYGO rule which demands that new proposals must either be budget neutral or offset with savings derived from existing funds. 

An Official St. Petersburg Times Editorial

This nation has a fundamental responsibility to provide medical care to servicemen and women sent into harm's way — and someone needs to make that clear to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA is splitting hairs over which Navy veterans exposed to the herbicide Agent Orange during the Vietnam War qualify for health care coverage. The answer is obvious: all of them.

A bill in Congress would clear the way for Navy veterans to get disability payments and free health care for ailments linked to Agent Orange. The U.S. military sprayed 20 million gallons of the herbicide in Vietnam to remove foliage that provided ground cover to enemy fighters. One of the chemicals in the weedkiller contained dioxin, which the VA recognizes may be related to a number of cancers and other health problems.

Washington, D.C. – On June 8, 2009, House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA) announced that H.R. 466 passed the House of Representatives. 

H.R. 466 – The Wounded Veteran Job Security Act (Doggett)

H.R. 466 seeks to expand the protections of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act to include veterans with service-connected disabilities who seek an excused leave of absence from work to obtain medical attention.

Washington, D.C. – On Thursday, June 4, the House Veterans’ Affairs Health Subcommittee, led by Chairman Michael Michaud (D-ME), held a hearing to assess how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) meets the needs of family caregivers of veterans and to identify any gaps in supportive services for family caregivers. 

Chairman Michaud provided the following statement to begin the hearing: “Clearly, the family caregivers of our veterans have made great sacrifices.  I have heard from family members who gave up their jobs, delayed their schooling, or made other significant life-changing sacrifices in order to be by their loved one’s side.   This raises questions about the VA’s current efforts to help these family caregivers and whether there are sufficient supportive services in place.  Additionally, there are concerns about the lack of coordination of caregiver benefits when the service member transitions to veteran status.  In other words, supportive services that family caregivers may have depended on during military service are suddenly discontinued when the wounded warrior transitions to the VA system.”