The VA - More Good Care and Bumbling Bureaucracy

Harlingen, Texas, October 31, 2009:  The ink had not even dried on our latest commentary about VA care and operations before another flood of email from across the country hit our computer. Veterans had a lot more to say.

Marc Martinez a Navy veteran from McAllen, TX is still expressing his anger over the slow movement of the VA in the Rio Grande Valley.  “We have more than 100,000 veterans here in deep South Texas”, he writes.  “They have been fighting for more than 30 years to have a VA hospital built in this area.  During all of that time they have been forced to spend countless hours on the highway driving more than 270 miles one way to a VA hospital in San Antonio.  Even by Texas standards that is a long trip.  It usually adds up to about 5 hours of fast driving, followed by an overnight hotel stay, followed by a day long wait at the hospital to receive service and than a repeat of that long 270 mile trek back home.  For many of us this is a trip that has been required weekly or monthly for years.”

Sidney A. Schwartz of San Benito, TX wrote of the government’s attempt to improve the administrative situation for veterans.  He writes, “I am a surviving combat veteran of WWII.  I was informed the VA had a new program to provide picture ID cards so war veterans could be quickly identified in the event medical help was needed.  The regional VA office in Harlingen administers the program.  All of my records and documents were copied but no ID picture was taken.  I was told the documents had to be confirmed before a photo would be taken. I was given a note that said I would be notified within 10 days to return and complete my application.  Since no notification came after eight weeks, I returned to the VA and was told that my documents could not be verified because they had no picture of me. They said their computer was down and they could not take my picture.  I was told to return in two weeks when the camera would be fixed and online.  Just after two weeks I returned again and was told the camera was still not working.  In the future I should call first because they did not know when the camera would be working.” Sidney went on to explain that when you call the Harlingen VA you get a computer answering machine and not a person, so that didn’t work for him either. It is not known if he ever received that ID card.

William Carr says, “I like a lot of vets, have had terrible administrative service from the VA.  I do not use them medically or otherwise.  Here in Carteret County, NC we do have one of the best VSOs (Veteran Service Officer) however, Colonel Hank Gotard, USMC (Ret) in the VA pantheon.  He really looks after the troops and is highly respected.”

Jim Bathurst is a retired Marine who served 36 years in both the enlisted and officer ranks.  He now resides south of Springfield, IL.  He tells about the wonderful care he received from the VA clinic in Billings, MO.  After numerous CT scans and MRIs they flew him to the Salt Lake City Regional VA Medical Center for back surgery.  He says, “I could not have been more pleased with the outcome.  In fact, upon returning home, I sent a personal letter to the Director of that hospital telling him how pleased I was with the experience.  Everyone, and I do mean everyone, down to the guy who swept the hallway floors at night could not have been more professional, courteous and caring.”

Bathurst also praised the Billing clinic saying, “It was run by a retired US Army Colonel, Urologist.  It ran like a finely tuned clock.”

He concludes, “I have been to many VA clinics and medical centers since retiring and the lonely one where I found problems was with the Mountain Home facility in Johnson City, TN.  They are severely over burdened, almost to the point where they have become inefficient.  The problem as I saw it was when the government changed whom the VA clinics would see.  They basically started seeing and accepting everyone who ever served a day in the military.  I saw men and women in Johnson City that had spent two years in the military and had no service connected problems at all.  They simply went to the VA because they could…and it was free.  It’s no secret that when something is free it WILL be taken advantage of by not just a few of our fellow Americans, but many of them.”

Gale Gabriel is a veteran who has visited a VA clinic and hospital in Wisconsin with mixed emotions. He says, “You can, on occasion, get a dedicated caregiver but for the most part they will give a cursory exam, prescribe some pills and send you on your way.  Some, like Minneapolis are so large it reminds me of herding cattle.  I also was disappointed with my first visit to the new clinic in Harlingen, TX.  I went to the new clinic and could not make an appointment because they say I don’t belong there. I arrived at 8, waited all morning, left briefly for lunch and returned to find they had called my name in my absence.  I then waited another hour to see the doctor who only gave me a ten day supply of the pills I needed because, as they said, I belong in Wisconsin.”

Mike Bailey is a former Army Staff Sergeant and an Operation Desert Storm veteran.  He holds the administrative side of the VA in complete contempt.  His words, “The whole system sucks, plain and simple.” He continues saying, “On the healthcare side I have to do an about face and tell you the truth.  I get better care at the Charlie Norwood VA medical Center in Augusta, GA, that I received from doctors I choose from the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Plan 1, I had from the Postal Service when I worked there.  On the other hand, I wouldn’t give you a nickel for the Dom VA in Columbia, SC.  I will only go there on the day I am ready to die.  They might hasten it.”

Eric Muth is a former Army Staff Sergeant from Milford, CT and he has strong complaints about going to his VA clinic for a scan of his left leg, which had a blockage.  He charges the doctors ordered a scan of the right leg and then noted in his records that ‘Does not contemplate having surgery at this time’.  He only managed to get the situation corrected when he threatened a malpractice suit.  They then did a scan on the correct leg.

From New Mexico, Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Revie, US Army (Ret) writes he has had few dealings with the VA. “The reasons are varied, but among them is the fact that Las Cruces has a community clinic much like a forward aid station and has little treatment capability.” He says the clinic must refer to the El Paso VA Clinic that is 50 miles away.  If things can’t be handled there “The next nearest VA facility is the Albuquerque VA Hospital, which is 250 miles distant. One difficulty with the El Paso Clinic”, he says, is that they must refer outsource patients only to providers in the El Paso area and not to providers who live in the vicinity of the veteran’s home.”

Writing from Orlando, FL retired US Coast Guardsman William Miller says,” I dread going to the VA even for my routine annual check-up.  I had shingles last year and the year before that.  When I called the VA clinic to get an appointment for a shingles shot, I was told I couldn’t get an appointment until July.” He continued seeking help for another month and was finally told by a nurse, “the doctor would not authorize a shingles shot since I already had shingles twice and there was no medical evidence the shot was effective.”

Michael Beggs is a retired Marine Captain from Fredericksburg, VA.  He says, I stepped on a landmine in 1971 in Vietnam and was ultimately medically retired from the Marine Corps.” Seeking VA help, “I quickly learned that I would have to report back to the VA hospital annually for an examination to determine if I was ‘still wounded’.  When I pointed out to the VA physicians that only chameleons can regenerate tissue, they were not amused.

The Captain went though all the required examinations and was awarded his disability rating. Time passed and “Somehow I did not receive one of the annual ‘you are directed to report to the nearest VA hospital for reevaluation’ notices…and one half of my disability pay provided by the VA was stopped.”.  The VA stopped his disability pay because he had “refused reevaluation”.  He has now waived his VA rights and the Marine Corps has resumed paying his disability stipend. “It will be a cold day in hell before I deal with the VA again,” he concludes.

Retired Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant Art Cohan says, “I hate it that these great guys and gals get shabby treatment from the VA, and our Commander in Chief calls them ‘selfish’ for not giving more.”

Army veteran Mike Press says, “The VA is an organization out of control and Congress refuses to do anything about it.  There are 25 million veterans in this country.  Let’s get together and make some changes.”

Disabled Navy veteran Ron Whaley comments, “I know I had to fight them for years and then tried to be seen by an over worked doctor in an over worked clinic.  It is like a nightmare to most people.  We need mandatory funding for the VA and we need it NOW!”

Finally, to show rank has no special privilege in the VA, Brigadier General Bob Clements, USAF (Ret) writes, So far my experiences with the VA trying to file a claim, stink.”

Long time friend, retired Marine and Minister, Pastor Ed Evens writes from Nashville, TN.  “We are fortunate that the VA hospital is backed up to and only 25 yards from the world class Vanderbilt Hospital.  Many of the doctors who work at Vanderbilt also see patients at the VA and many of the procedures are conducted at Vanderbilt since they are connected by two second floor walkways.”

“I am aware through talking with other veterans, that there are bureaucratic problems with the VA and sometimes you run into someone who should know more about the system than they do, but there is usually help available.  From what I have seen the new VA Head, retired Army General Shinseki is making a difference from the top down.

“But here is the key: Ask questions!  If you don’t understand what is going on, or it doesn’t make sense to you, ask questions until you are satisfied.  VA hospitals have a Patient Representative, an ombudsman, whose job it is to represent your complaint to the staff and solve the situation.  It’s just like when we were in the military.  We can sit around and complain to everybody about something, or we can solve it by going to that person who has the power to make the right decision.”

Unfortunately, there are uncountable veterans who do not understand or are unable to fight the bureaucratic system to the point where they can resolve unsatisfactory situations.  Nor should they be placed in positions where they are required to fight for promised care.  We have seen from reports made by veterans that this vast government operated Department of Veterans Affairs can be outstanding.  We have also seen it a nightmare for the common man in need of help.  There are many veterans around the country who see the VA medical system as only a preview of how things will be once the federal government takes over all medical care for the nation.

The VA - From Excellent Treatment to a Bumbling Bureaucratic Mess

Harlingen, Texas, October 29, 2009: Ask veterans a question about the performance of the Department of Veterans Affairs and prepare yourself to be overwhelmed with replies both good and bad, but most being just plain ugly.  That was the result experienced when we asked the military community about experiences with that governmental agency. The woeful responses of many veterans were difficult to read. 

The anger expressed by some veterans is understandable.  Plain bitterness and disgust were also noted in the many email responses.  When everything was sorted out rating the VA as a bumbling bureaucratic agency lost in a governmental maze seemed to be to general view.  However, sprinkled in among those who ranted and raged, were other voices that offered nothing but praise for how they had been treated.

Tony Nathe is a retired Army Sergeant Major and Past President of the Uniformed Services Disabled Retirees.  He claims his life has been filled with negative experiences dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs.  At the top of his list is dealing with his local VA in St Cloud, MN seeking some “government healthcare”.

“Every time I go back”, says Nathe, “my wife asks me why I continue to expose myself to such harassment and punishment?  Several years ago she quit her pharmacy technician job at the same VA because every time she tried to put a veteran first, her supervisor told her to ‘Get back in your box. You are here to do what we tell you to do.’ The VA is a typical federal bureaucracy, overburdened with too many leaders and not enough workers.  It also has too few military retirees and veterans in its ranks.  Consequently, it is incapable of serving veterans, of ‘Putting Veterans First’.  It also appears to b the future of all healthcare in the United States”.

Kathy Champion is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel residing in Gulfport, FL.  She says, “I have been going to the Bay Pines VA for three years.  I was wounded in Iraq and needed follow-up treatment.  My process to even get seen was a nightmare.  They gave me a team of individuals to follow my case, but then it stopped.  My case was closed with a rating.  I am 100% disabled with the VA and 90% with the Army.  Twice my doctors left to go to another VA and they never told me.  Now by the grapevine I hear my third doctor has left…and did they tell me. NO!  I have spent three years trying to get the mental and physical help I need from the VA.  Everyone talks the good talk but actions will speak louder to me.  I am a Lieutenant Colonel, but I worry most about the enlisted guys who have no pull to make things happen.  Case workers do not exist like they claim.”

From Liberty, MO Vietnam veteran Larry Stephens writes, “The VA is a politician run healthcare system.  It is subject to the will and the whims of the President, as exercised by the Secretary of Veteran Affairs, who serves at the pleasure of the President and a complicit Congress…none of whom are in the system they oversee.” He continues saying, “The problems I have experienced with the VA stem from myself and other Vietnam veterans being denied information.  Trust me, one small ‘glitch’ or a doctor who doesn’t like you and you will be thrown into a black hole that is very difficult to climb out of.”

Carl Mathison, an Iraq veteran from Columbus, OH feels the Veterans Affairs organization is filled with dishonesty.  He charges that internal watchdogs discovered more than 500 benefits claims had been shredded without completely processing the applications.  “Added to all that”, he says, “even with more than 250,000 employees they still avoid processing claims thereby denying many veterans the benefits they often depend upon to have any quality of life.”

Mathew Ford a retired Army SPC from Bethlehem, PA tends to agree.  “In my opinion, the VA is a corrupt bureaucracy”, he charges.  “Unprocessed claims before the Department of Veterans Affairs now exceed 915,000. (Source:  Marine Corps Times, 30 June 2009) My claim is now before the Court of Veterans Appeals for the second time.  The claim is now 14 years and 1 month old.  I have written to President Obama and not even received a reply.  This is proof veterans are third class citizens in their own country.”

Doctor Daniel R. Sullivan is a retired Navy Korean War veteran and physician.  He claims, “The VA system has always had problems…usually referable to under funding.  Good care always costs money and the government never budgets enough to provide it.  The government promises so much, but is never able to deliver adequate funding to run their programs.  Anything that can be done to improve the system would be a positive step forward.”

John Boring, a retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant from Arizona has a different take on the VA. “I’ve never filed a claim with the VA for anything.  My reluctance to do so had more to do with the many veterans who “milk” the system, than it did with VA policies or treatments.  My son Dan, who was diagnosed with cancer while still in Boot Camp and later medically retired, used the VA extensively.  The oncology care he received there was excellent, as were the prosthetic people who fitted him with his prosthesis.  He was considered to be 100% disabled so that put him on a priority level that allowed him to receive prompt attention.

“ I was involved with him and his VA care and I saw nothing there that changed my mind about the system.  In fact quite the opposite.  Some recipients of VA disability care, especially Vietnam veterans bragged openly about receiving monthly checks for their disabilities and were eager to share the “how” of getting those kinds of stipends.  The system is abused by the vets it serves and that is the VA’s own fault.  It was a good idea that quickly went bad and now I believe it’s terminally beyond repair.”

Major Art Furtney, USMC (Ret) from Jacksonville, NC has never had problems with the VA.  “When I submitted my claims they were processed quickly and fairly.  Later after my wife hounded me concerning my lack of hearing her ‘orders’ or requests, I was sent to the Durham VA hospital for hearing tests…and issued a set of hearing aids.  I’m on my third set of aids now…and the new ones are just great.”

Another retired Marine, Captain Donald Greenlaw of Oceanside, CA reports; “I have been dealing with the VA for over 15 years.  I have nothing but the highest praise for their service and caring.  I have had the same primary care physician for the past seven years.  The one bit of advice I can give to others, when corresponding with the VA or any branch of government, send your correspondence ‘Certified Mail – Return Receipt Requested’.  They are prone to lose things and I attribute this to high column and staffing shortages.”

Harry Meinhardt is a disabled Army airborne veteran from Fayetteville, NC.  He is very leery of receiving VA care.  “The is a large VA hospital here in Fayetteville, but I choose to go to my own family physician.  I would venture to guess that 70% of the doctors at the VA hospital are foreign born, from India, Pakistan, Brazil, etc.  I can’t quote their qualifications.  I do know that anyone needing a colonoscopy is sent to the VA hospital in Durham, NC.  Many of the doctors there are from nearby Duke University hospital.”

Neil E. Barber is a retired Marine Colonel from Pahrump, NV.  He says, “The retirement income that I receive from my service disqualifies me from receiving any benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.  I am what the VA terms Priority 8, which I believe must be one priority lower than that for illegal aliens.”

Fred Rendon Jr. is a Vietnam veteran from Houston, Texas who filed his claim with the VA in 1981.  Finally in 1995 he was designated as having Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and assigned a 10% disability rating.  He laments, “The VA is a joke, only not a funny joke.  It is a travesty that they do whatever they want with veterans.  They pay thousands of attorneys millions of dollars to defend the VA from disabled veterans.”

He charges the veterans only have service officers from the DAV to act on their behalf against these attorneys. “Who do you think is going to win those fights?” he asks.

There were many more who registered their approval and disapproval of the VA system.  A large majority of the veterans felt the medical treatment they received was good to excellent.  Their primary complaint was the administrative nightmares they were forced to endure before treatment was received.  Other veterans never made it trough the bureaucratic maze to earn a disability rating and still other felt they were not given the correct percentage of disability their condition deserved.

For Americans now faced with the possibility of a nationwide government mandated healthcare program, what has been reported here should be eye opening.  It is touted as “government healthcare” at its best…. and at its worst.

In America it Still Seems to be "Tommy this, and Tommy that"

Harlingen, Texas, October 24, 2009: “You talk of better food for us, an’ schools, an’ fires, an’ all:  We’ll wait for extra rations if you treat us rational.  Don’t mess about the cook-room slops, but prove it to our face.  The Widow’s Uniform is not the soldier-man’s disgrace.  For it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ Chuck him out, the brute!  But it’s “Savior of ‘is country” when the guns begin to shoot; An it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ anything you please; An Tommy ain’t a bloomin fool - - you bet that Tommy sees!”

These are but a few lines of the Rudyard Kipling poem “Tommy”, written in 1890 as an expression of how the public views those who serve the nation during times of war…and after.  “Tommy”, as the British soldier was called, was not wanted inside the public houses, the theatres, on the trains or anywhere in polite society. ,still, as the poem continues “But it’s ‘Thin red line of ‘eroes’ when the drums begin to roll, …” and toward the end of the tale, after telling Tommy to step to the rear of the line during times of peace, it is “Please walk in front , sir,” when there’s trouble in the wind, O it’s “Please walk in front, sir”, when there’s trouble in the wind.”

Veterans of our nation’s wars feel the words of “Tommy” are a strong reflection of how many in America view their service to the country.  We are quick to pay great lip service …lauding our armed forces and those who have served in uniform.  It is almost a joke to hear politicians hurriedly tack on “We support our troops” to the end of their constant political blabber.  But, then we next hear these same political hacks has stolen away almost $3 billion from combat appropriations to fund special interest pork projects in their home districts.

While such despicable acts are being perpetrated almost a million and a half veterans returning from combat have been identified as having serious mental illnesses. Many of these heroes have been denied needed care. 

It is estimated that more than 170,000 veterans, a number equal to the total troop strength of our military in both Iraq and Afghanistan, now find themselves unable to obtain meaningful employment in the civilian world. Theirs should be a place at the very front of the employment line, not bringing up the rear.

There are between 135,000 and 200,000 veterans homeless in America on any given night. These veterans make up 26% of the total homeless population, but less than 10% of Americans ever step forward to wear the uniform.

There is no accurate total of veterans who have combat related illnesses or wounds that are not receiving adequate treatment. A survey has found that 63% of the people in the United States believe these veterans are not receiving good medical care.

Much of the blame for lack of veteran’s services can be laid at the feet of bumbling and mismanaged Department of Veterans Affairs.  If a veteran files a claim, it takes almost 200 days to receive a written reply giving him or her a decision.  If that decision is not favorable, the veteran may appeal.  However from the time they file a Notice of Disagreement until they receive and answer an average of another 971 days have passed.  There can be further appeals but some claims take up to seven years to resolve.

At this time there are 450,000 unresolved claims resting on desks in VA offices.  One veteran reported his claim took eleven years to be answered in his favor.  Many of our veterans who were the subjects of atomic and chemical testing have not had their cases resolved in more than 50 years.  No business, school district, or municipality would tolerate such abysmal performance, but when it comes to veterans issues, Americans just yawn, say “we support our troops” and return to their cell phone chatter or TV soap.

If we had more than a handful of veterans serving in Congress this situation would rapidly improve.  As things stand now, few in that elite body of 535 people, and even fewer of their children have ever served a day in uniform.  In a Congress where those of that special club get offended if they are asked to wait in any line, making veterans wait years for claim resolution is never a matter of concern.

As it was in Great Britain in 1890, in the United States it still seems to be “For it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ Chuck him out, the brute!  But, it’s “Savior of ‘is country”, when the guns begin to shoot.”

Robbing Peter is Demanded by Paul

Harlingen, Texas, October 19, 2009:  People around the world have utilized The phrase “Robbing Peter to Pay Paul” for hundreds of years.  In 1380 it was included in John Wycliff’s “Selected English Works”.  It appears in the 1546 John Heywood’s collection of “Word and Phrase Origins” and was first noted in the United States when it appeared in the “Thomas Hutchinson Papers” of 1657.  The words mean to take money from one person and use it for another, a practice that appears to have been going on for a very long time. 

We all have heard it time and time again.  In fact, one of my favorite political aphorisms is, “As long as you are robbing Peter to pay Paul, you can always depend upon the support of Paul.” And that, my friends is exactly what is happening with the so-called health insurance reform, which really has nothing to do with either healthcare or reform.

What started out as healthcare reform did not resonate with the American public, so the Obama Administration quickly searched for some villain they could attack. They discovered none of us like insurance companies very much; so healthcare reform quickly became healthcare insurance reform.  But it still had no reform in the mix, because it did not allow people to shop across state lines for better rates and most of all, there was only a token reference to curbing those wild medical lawsuits that drive up everyone’s costs.

Of course, to assure some support there were the bribes to keep all of America’s Pauls in lock step.  It is reported that the national mean income as of the last tax filing was $66,212.  In simple terms this means half of the American work force brings in $66K or less.  Well, since this makes up the Obama base, everyone making below that magic $66K will either receive tax subsidies to cover their health insurance or will be provided health insurance at no personal cost.  In simple terms half of the American work force receiving above $66k a year, will buy health insurance for those with lower incomes.

But the redistribution doesn’t end with just paying for the other guy’s needs.  We don’t know how many illegal aliens are in this country, 8-10-12-20 million.  There are so many and the Donkey Party pushing for “comprehensive” (read amnesty) immigration reform that a large segment of the population is starting to call the alien visitors Undocumented Democrats.  These millions of people are supposed to be excluded from the various health bills, but don’t you believe it.  The Supreme Court already ruled we could not deny an education to illegal alien children and it has determined that hospitals can never turn away anyone seeking emergency care.  There is a strong body of evidence that says, the high court will also rule those undocumented people should also be granted healthcare insurance.

The big question is, how many of these Pauls are out there today, just waiting for a payday?  According the American Taxpayer Union 43% of all tax returns being filed will either receive taxpayer money in response to their not being required to pay any federal income tax or they will pay at such a low rate the total dollars submitted add up to only 2.89 percent of all income tax paid.  More than 91 million people will be involved in this wealth redistribution scheme.  Added to this number are another 15 million Pauls who will not even file a tax return.

What is even more deplorable is how Congress treats our military community.  Some of the pending legislation talks about reducing the benefits under Tricare for Life, the hard fought compromise that helps our most senior military retirees.  There is also the plan to punish all seniors by making drastic cuts to the current Medicare rates.

While all this is going on, Congress has been finding it difficult to find those extra dollars to fund their pet project earmarks back home.  So they dipped their fingers into the military appropriation that purchase bullets, bombs, support items, clothing and equipment for our troops now in combat.  These congressional weasels took $3 billion away from our armed forces overseas to fund 778 earmark projects in their home districts.

Now one final thought.  If you are in the large body of people above that magic $66K number, you will be required to buy whatever insurance ends up on the congressional table.  If it is a government mandate, than it is a tax.  We all thought that any Peter making $250K or less would not be burned by this wealth redistribution.  Well with so many million Pauls lined up at the feeding trough that promise too, is out the window.

Does Our Unrespected Leadership Ever Step UP?

Harlingen, Texas, October 15, 2009:  For more than two decades the most admired, most respected and most trusted organization in America has been our military establishment.  During the same period, the least admired, least respected and least trusted organization in the country has been the United States Congress. Only 15 points above Congress is the office of the President, which for the same period of time has only had a trust factor of 25%. 

Paradoxically, Congress, the organization that is ranked as having the trust of only 10% of the entire population is the same body of elected officials we rely upon to keep our nation’s promises to the veterans, retired military and active duty service personnel.  The organization with the least honor must assure the well-being of our country’s most revered and respected band of brothers and sisters.

At this important time in our history, we have both the President and his Congress, along with a wide collection of appointed/unelected officials in lengthy debates about our nation’s will to win wars.  Weeks and weeks have passed since General Stanley McChrystal made a plea for 40,000 more combat troops to be sent to Afghanistan, or risk losing that conflict. 

At this hour, President Obama has not even admitted receiving such a request.  However, he has held at least five lengthy meetings trying to decide his “strategy” for Afghanistan, having already announced such a strategy just six months back.  Since “strategy” is defined as the science of planning a campaign or war to assure viability, it is hard to visualize this crew of politicos coming up with anything that is an improvement over the strategy of military commanders in the field.  Since the Obama Administration has surrounded itself with many who voice their strong anti-war sentiments, it seems more likely that victory is a topic on the table.

There was a time in our history when going to war meant a country was engaging in combat with the objective of destroying the enemy.  Then we had some great thinker come up with the concept of “limited warfare”.  This so-called limited war idea was defined as a war in which it is not the aim of the participants to defeat or destroy the enemy totally.

We practiced such a limited war in Korea.  The result was lost lives and a return to the status quo.  Today we can see the results of our failure to eradicate the enemy in the establishment of a nuclear pariah state called North Korea.

Limited warfare was practiced in Vietnam.  Instead of a swift and sure victory we had prolonged conflict, the emerging of a strong anti-war movement, battles won by our military and a war lost by our politicians.  We departed with heads bowed and a loss of national respect.

The Bush Administration surge in Iraq proved once again the value of overwhelming force.  It resulted in stabilization of Iraq, the emerging of civilian control and most of all…reduction in lives lost.

It should be clear to everyone that if we are interested in winning this war, a total commitment is required.  It will do far more than help stabilize the country, it will bring to an end the deadly restrictive rules of engagement and poorly funded secondary support that today is resulting in American lives being the price for poor political leadership.  Isn’t it time for the least respected organization in the United States to step forward for once and give our military commanders the tools they need for victory?

More Voices of America

Harlingen, Texas, October 13, 2009:  “I am not a deep thinker like all of our political whiz-kids in Washington”, says Myrna Rogers of Los Angeles, California, “but, I can’t figure out how raising everyone’s taxes now and making medical insurance companies even richer, then waiting three years to have the insurance kick in and give me medical coverage, is good healthcare reform.”

This lack of faith in our national officials is an ongoing theme in the remarks citizens from across the nations have emailed in response to last week’s commentary on Americans speaking out about Washington and the political elite.

Americans across the political spectrum are speaking out.  Perhaps the most concerned voices are those of retired military personnel and veterans.  Both of these groups have been victims of self-serving politicians who neither value military service nor view those who served as potential voters.

One of these speaking out is Retired Marine Sergeant Major Leo Robert of State College, Pennsylvania. He sees the continuing rants on healthcare and other planned legislation in the same light. The Sergeant Major writes, “I feel that politicians from both parties are in it for themselves.  It is not what’s good for America.  Politicians from both parties are more interested in getting re-elected.  It is about power and $$$$.  Nothing else.  The Republicans had many chances to help get America back to its roots and failed to do so.  The Democrats are following in their footsteps.  Today issues are no longer important.  There is so much political correctness.  Until we change the mindset in Washington we’ll continue to go deeper into the cesspool.”

Michael G. Bailey is a 100% disabled veteran who feels “Politicians seem to cause more problems than they solve.” He speaks about the corruption and misdeeds of so many we have elected to high office and laments, “If this is what we have in elected officials, then we need to take a deep breath and start over.” He also believes, “It is time to end professional politicians and term limit all elected positions.”

Donna Hood is a housewife in Yakima, Washington.  She notes, “When all the cities and many companies made major cuts and even had employees working without pay for periods of time, I never did hear about any elected official in Washington D. C. giving up any of their salary for the good.”

John Clayton is a retired Master Sergeant who fought in Vietnam.  He is very concerned about military retiree healthcare.  “Can our earned and promised healthcare benefits for military retirees survive the political debate on the current Administration healthcare plan?  Is there enough honesty, integrity and truth in our political arena to prevent them from raising/charging us military retirees more for our promised healthcare benefits?

Wayne C. Bucklaew is a retired Navy Chief Petty Officer from Nathalie, Virginia.  He reflects on the national healthcare debate saying, “Washington is not listening to the people.  Two million of us went to Washington to protest and the Administration has pooh-poohed it.  Do they really think they can manage a health care system for the whole nation?  They can’t even manage Medicare cost effectively, much less the military health care system.  It s time they fixed both of those systems before trying to tackle something as big as a health care system for the whole nation.”

Paula Martin is an administrative executive for a legal organization in Harlingen, Texas.  She writes, “What scares me the most is that Senators and Congressmen (and women) seem to be following our newly elected president without question and he appears to believe that he can do anything he wants.  His arrogance and his ignorance are apparent and yet he can snap a finger and get what he wants, except for the 2016 Olympics.  He has made a mockery of our Nation, let alone the Constitution, and bends over backwards to Islamic leaders.  He wants to be able to dictate and control every aspect of our lives.  I only hope and pray that God will protect us and that it is not too late for our country, our world and our children.”

Another Texas veteran, Randy Givens writes, ”These days fewer and fewer of our elected officials have a background of military service, nor do many have children who serve in the military.  This tends to support our belief that the Political Class is an elitist minority which looks down its noses at those who serve, and doesn’t hesitate to adopt policies which demean and endanger the nation’s defense.”

Givens continues to observe, “We should remember that we, the electorate, reelect about 95% of our Representatives who stand for reelection.  We should also remember that Congress critters today are career politicians, many of whom are lawyers, and only a few of which have owned a business and have had to meet a payroll.  Also troublesome is that Congress writes laws, which are general in nature, and leaves it up to unelected bureaucrats to write the rules to implement these laws.  Those bureaucrats are generally without experience as business owners.  Considering the condition, we have the blind leading the blind as they adversely affect our businesses and their employees.  In this recession, the only growth sector in the economy is Government.  That bodes ill for us all.”

A note from a self-announced “civilian”, Donald Hank is harshly to the point.  “I can say the following about the ruling elite:  They are a bunch of lying, hypocritical, sneaky, lazy, stupid, treacherous, un-American SOBs, mostly to a man and woman.”

Elaine Kolodziej is the publisher of the Wilson County News, which runs many of my political commentaries.  She writes, “Unfortunately, this proposed health care reform bill is not about reform and it is not about health. It does not address tort reform.  It is a power grab in the biggest sense, and it is payback to those who put him (Obama) in office.

“Tell me again why we must go along with this 1000-plus page monstrosity without asking questions?  And why is it that when we ask questions, this most scripted man in the world, Mr. Teleprompter himself, accuses us moms and pops, small business owners, grandparents, and other conservatives of being scripted?  This is the ultimate irony.”

Colonel Harry Riley writing from Crestview, Florida is very concerned about the lack of attention the current Administration is paying to national security.  “At home, four of five terrorist attempts across American in just one week clearly indicate another priority failure…a great catch by intelligence/law enforcement but ‘no thanks’ to the Obama Administration lack of emphasis on stopping the ever growing jihadist movement in America.”

He continues, “Mr. Obama has been focused on leftist campaign promises while neglecting the security of the United States, a clear signal; that the White House priorities reflect a grave danger to America.  Inattention to national security is an impeachable offense by a pro-American House of Representatives and conviction by a loyal American Senate…. there is no other word…treason.”

Retired Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant Larry McCartney holds both major political parties in distain.  He says, “The sad fact of the matter is that since the early 1980s at the very least, both major political parties have continued to ignore, marginalize and disenfranchise ‘Joe Six-Pack’ and the working class of America.  With few exceptions, national political figures, Bush, Chaney, Clinton, Gore, McCain, Obama, etc. – reflect the agenda of their party; reelection, power, control, and raping the national treasury for their personal advantage, despite what is best for this great nation of ours.  The time is long past due for a viable third party which will force a coalition government in which a broader cross section of America is represented instead of the special interests who currently buy influence”.

Still Airborne after all these years, George Goetzke says he is not eloquent either with the spoken or written word.  “As the years have passed since the formation of this country we have seen the transition from a group of patriots to the present rabble of Washington D. C., who are primarily motivated by providing for themselves and those who contribute to them.  The politicians of today are almost without exception a group of lying, cheating, thieving miscreants!  The quality of members of Congress appears to reach an unmatched low, only to get worse each two/four/six years.  They vote themselves more undeserved privilege and remuneration each year!  They are driven and supported by a huge group of Carpetbaggers, clinging to them!”

John Kutzenberger is a well-traveled farm insurance salesman.  At lunch today he made an interesting comment.  “I’ve asked around”, he said, “but I have yet to find anybody who admits voting for Obama.  He also noted we live in an area where 75% of the people vote the Democrat ticket.

The glow and warm fuzzy feeling about this new Administration seems to have worn thin.  Not only are locals denying their vote, but more than 250 individuals from across all political lines answered our call for comment.  Not a single person writing in had anything good to say about politics or Washington.

The most heated comments came from veterans and military retirees.  This is understandable.  They, above the vast majority of citizens, have given abundantly of themselves on behalf of the Nation.  They cannot abide those who hold their many sacrifices to be of little value.

Semper Fidelis
Thomas D. Segel

Voices of America

Harlingen, Texas, October 6, 2009:  The large congregation was tuned to his every word as Pastor Chris Pena spoke to the second service of the day at Foundation Ministries in Bastrop, Texas.  He talked about a nation in deep trouble.  He spoke of an economy in collapse, unemployment, and a troubled education system, excessive spending and attempting to borrow our way into a return to prosperity.  Then he asked everyone the key question relative to his narration.  Calling for a show of hands, he asked, “How many of you think we can solve these problems by having a lot more politicians in Washington?” Not a hand moved.

I use this scene, which I witnessed, as an introduction to the results of a message I sent out seeking comment on how people view our Washington elite.  This request was sent primarily to the military community that follows my writings.  I was amazed at the response.  My email was jammed with comments about the current Administration, Congress and politics in general.  Responses came from military retirees, veterans who wore the uniform of our nation, wives and widows of servicemen and a smattering of people who had never seen military service.  Surprisingly, every single person had a negative attitude toward Washington.  Nobody defended the actions now being taken or the legislation being proposed.  It appears that people all realize that the answer to our nation’s problems is not more politicians and politics.  Politics IS the problem!  Because of politics and political parties, as a nation we have become incapable of winning our wars, resolving our debt, improving our education mess, ending our unemployment, solving our health concerns and even returning to public civility.

Brigadier General Robert Clements, United States Air Force (ret) sent a warning out to the military community.  He said, “For all the veterans and retirees fighting to keep some of the broken promises made by Congress, and for all of you who have paid your own way all these years, remember the latest action by Congress, if successfully passed, can only be paid for at your expense.”

Paul Balaich agrees with the general and feels we should “Flip the House in 2010.  Since one third of the Senate is to be elected or reelected, we need to flip those seats also. As voters we should change the way business is done in the United States.”

Thomas Ferrell is a medical doctor practicing in San Diego, California.  He says, “I think ‘outcome-based’ compensation is in order and they should quit excluding Congress from all the bills they foist on us.”

Tom Skaug is senior citizen and military retiree who depends upon his hard won health care coverage.  He says, “It is time to clean the House of Representatives.  They need new employment.  I being retired military on Tricare for Life do not want the government to upset the program, as you know they will.  Come on, it is high time we started voicing our outrage over the impending health care issue.  Being an independent voter I have no one speaking for me in Washington.  Do you?”

“I feel that everything I fought against for 20 years is now setting in the White House selling out the country to two distinct enemies”, says retired Marine Corps Captain Steve Clayton.  Continuing, he laments, “One enemy is our foreign enemy, those trying to bring us down through terror or financial warfare, and our Administration is doing everything in their power to help our foreign enemies win.  The other enemy is the soulless liberals who have been waiting for an opportunity to destroy us from within.  The leader of our current Administration is not in bed with them.  He is one of them.”

Don Maurer was a Marine NCO who feels the government is creating another Vietnam by its inattention and lack of support for the mission in Afghanistan.  “We felt we were winning in Vietnam”, he comments, “But, then the idiots in Washington refused to back us and we lost.  I see it happening again in Afghanistan.” He says the President is “more interested in getting the Olympics in Chicago, more interested in getting his medical bill passed, more interested in being on late night television than acting as Commander-in-Chief.”

Mathew Ford is now retired from the Army infantry.  He remarks, “The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and Congressional Veterans Affairs Committee who are charged with the oversight of benefits for those who have worn the nation’s uniform have done a terrible job.  Just look at the number of unprocessed claims before the Department of Veterans Affairs.  There are 915,000 that have not been processed.  Just what have our elected ‘leaders’ done?” President Obama fares even worse with his promises.  The President-Elect stated on Veterans Day, “As your next commander in chief, I promise to work every single day to keep that sacred trust with all who have served.” He concludes saying, “Well…so much for change.”

“I used to think of myself as a centrist.  Maybe on some issues a conservative, “ says Paul Kelly a twenty-eight year military retiree.  “Today I feel out of step because all the things I thought were good about America are the things they are changing so radically.  The Constitution, the Bill of Rights, even the rights and reasons spoken about in the Declaration of Independence are being attacked.  I love my country, so please don’t fundamentally change it.  Yes, it may need a tweak now and then, but our fundamentals are the best in the world.”

Earlier this year former Marine combat correspondent and author Charles Henderson was in Los Angeles helping ABC News on a sniper documentary for 20/20.  The producer asked him why he was on President Obama’s “Watch List”.  He did not even know such a threat list existed and regards his oath to uphold and defend the Constitution as still being in force, even though he is now retired.  “It reminds me of the purge lists that Joseph Stalin and Adolph Hitler had their staffs build, to single out the subversives and opposition and political threats to their dominations of their respective nations.”

Bill Henderson concluded his remarks saying, “In the cases of the President of the United States and the leaders of Congress, members of Congress, the Supreme Court and Officers of the Cabinet, I will always, without hesitation, render respect to those offices.  Without question, like the people or not, they are our nation’s elected leaders, and as citizens we owe them the respect of those offices.  That does not mean we have to like or even respect the people wearing those wigs.”

Lee Webber writes from Hawaii with a very concise comment on his feelings about our elected officials.  “Gentlemen, I risk repeating myself regarding things along this line.  When I wore the cloth of our nation and now that I do not, they are FUBAR!” (The polite translation of that is “Fouled Up Beyond All Recognition.)

“My husband was an attack pilot,” said Jo Dermody, widow of Major John Dermody. “Once he found out that Congress and the Press and many people in this country had given up support for our troops in Vietnam, it cut him.  He continued his dislike for the Press and politicians for the rest of his life.”

Units States Coast Guard retiree Jerry Echols writes, “As an enlisted man and later a commissioned officer I lived up to my oath.  With that said, no matter how much I might disagree with the Commander in Chief, I assumed that he had assess to information I lacked, and therefore hopefully was making the right decisions.  In the case of the current occupant of the White House, I do not believe I could follow his orders beyond a certain point.  My oath was to the Nation.  I believe that I was obligated to follow the orders of those lawfully appointed to lead.  I do not believe the Usurper in Chief meets that requirement of Lawful.”

Colonel F. Phil Torres, USMC (Ret) summed up the comments of veterans and retirees very succinctly.  “Whereas all Americans have the right to question and critique elected and appointed officials at all levels to ensure accountability and such a right is secured by our Constitution, I personally believe those who have fought for and defended our great land have a first right.  And I believe we do not only have a right, but a duty to do so because of our often special and expanded knowledge.”

More voices of America and the military community will be heard in coming days.