Do Republicans care about keeping our promise to veterans?
Looking at the recently released GOP budget, written by Rep. Paul Ryan, it's hard to see how they do. In fact, looking at the nearly 100 page document, the word "veteran" doesn't appear once. Not once.
Today is the 9th anniversary of the start of the Iraq War. Last night, I spoke with someone who served with me in Iraq during my first tour. And for the first time in almost nine years, she wanted to talk to me about an incident where she drove through an IED and a soldier was killed. It was a profound moment that shows how war and sacrifice stay with us, always. For those of us who served, in many ways, yesterday is today. And today, we read that the GOP doesn't even talk about veterans in their budget.
But, without saying the word "veteran," the budget tells us a lot about what they think about veterans. The budget calls for across the board spending freezes and cuts. If enacted, the Ryan GOP budget would cut $11 billion from veterans spending, or 13 percent from what President Obama proposes in his own plan.
It's unconscionable that they'd do this at a time when so many Iraq veterans have just come home and rely on veterans care. Over 45,000 US troops were wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, and more will come who will rely on VA services, on top of veterans of other wars and eras who depend on the VA. But, this shortsightedness isn't new.
Back in 2005, President Bush underfunded the Department of Veterans Affairs by about a billion dollars, despite its need. The result? Secretary Jim Nicholson was forced to crawl before Congress and plead with it to pass emergency supplemental spending, just so it could keep the doors open. After that debacle, I have to admit, I never thought Republicans would do the same thing again, if for no other reason than that it just looks bad politically, leaving aside the horrible effect it would have on veterans in need.
Additionally, after the backlash against ending Medicare the last time Paul Ryan released a budget, they're at it again. That, too, affects veterans. I was speaking with one veteran in Missouri, who lost both of his legs in Iraq. His care now relies largely on Medicare, as it does for so many veterans who were wounded. In fact, older veterans, even those not wounded, rely on Medicare like any other senior. So, no, I couldn't believe that Paul Ryan and the GOP would again propose ending Medicare.
Yet, here we are. A budget from the GOP that short changes veterans, horribly. And where does that money go? Not to reducing the debt. The debt as a share of GDP would actually increase under the Ryan plan. The money doesn't go towards anything, really. But it does go towards some people. As in $3 trillion in tax giveaways to the richest Americans and corporations. People like Mitt Romney, who already pays a tax rate lower than most of our troops.
That's the choice the Ryan plan presents to America -- do we want to fund the wealthiest Americans and corporations, or keep our promise to our veterans? Ryan and the GOP say the former. I can't believe that most Americans wouldn't say the latter.
Follow Jon Soltz on Twitter: www.twitter.com/jonsoltz
Semper fi
Medicare's trust fund is currently forecasted to run dry in 2024 only pay 90% of benefits, dropping to paying 75% of benefits in 2045 (http://usat.ly/m1jBSl).
Doing nothing is not sustainable.
Then, the amount of money spent by the central government will subside dramatically, and the states may take care of themselves, as intended.
Semper fi
The private sector does it best will be the new National Anthem.
The same with many of the women who are protesting attacks by repugs on women WILL vote for
repugs on election day.
Same w/ Occupy.
Just my opinion...;-))
I want to point out them that they committed generational theft when they voted to cut taxes during two wars. Maybe, Gregory will have muster up the courage to do that someday.
History will view them as the generation of cowards who made future generations pay for the wars they started.
I depend on the VA for my medical care. At 100% disabled, I couldn't afford it otherwise. The VA provides great care and service. They've saved my sorry butt more than once. Yes, the VA has some people who should look for work elsewhere. Show me ANY other profession that can't say that about SOME of its employees! Before health reasons took me out of the civilian work force I encountered more than a few 'civilian' docs/staff who should have been bagging groceries instead of practicing medicine.
A
They found that broken wrist while I was in the Navy.
Since I've been out of the Navy I've had the best health care in my LIFE from the VA! Granted, the ADMINISTRATION side of the house leaves a bit to be desired, my 6 month checkup letter arrived in time for me to call for an appointment NINE months after my last checkup, but once I get in to see the doctors, it's AMAZING!
And it's not just the budget, Senator Webb (D-VA) who introduced the new 9-11 GI Bill was fought by Senator John "Mavrick" McCain, because in today's vets didn't deserve a GI Bill and good as the one the WWII vets received.
Semper fi