President Obama’s speech on Monday at the DAV could have been one for the history books – a landmark address for veterans spelling out how our country can step up to support the millions of us returning from the current conflicts. Instead, the President used the backdrop of a veterans convention to score points on campaign promises and focus the nation’s attention on the war in Iraq, instead of on the warriors coming home.
The hardly new announcement that the US is drawing down in Iraq captured media headlines all day. The press ran with every possible variation of this theme, but neglected to report on an equally important component of the speech - and the war: the veterans.
If you watched the whole speech, you saw that the drawdown update on Iraq was just one of two big themes – the other being what the Obama Administration is doing for veterans. And even though the President said many of the right things, the hard results were lacking. Lip service doesn’t go far with military folks. We expect more than rhetoric about respect and promises; we expect outcomes.
In the last two years, the Obama Administration has made solid progress for veterans through advanced appropriations, the New GI Bill, and improved PTSD rules. But much of that is old news. And so far during President’s Obama’s time in office, veteran unemployment has risen, the VA disability backlog remains unacceptably high and suicide rates continue to skyrocket. The veterans community hoped that the President would deliver concrete solutions to these acute challenges in this speech and issue a call to action. But what we got instead, was mostly just talk.
It’s time for the President to look ahead and put the pedal down to deliver real results in Washington before the fall recess.
We know what can be done when America really works together. And we know President Obama, working with Congress, the VA and the veterans organizations, can put action behind these promises. It’s time for him to help deliver the historic results we deserve. Then, he’ll really have something to say to the veterans community.
Crossposted at www.IAVA.org
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Paul Rieckhoff: VOW to Hire our Heroes
You did not say what kind of an employee so all my other questions would be wasted.
A president is supposed to make unemployment from a shattered economy go away in less than 2 years?
No one on Earth has that power.
But if you put your efforts behind Obama - his efforts will gain strength and momentum.
That's how we built everything.
Agreed! But the administration is not doing that either!
A president is supposed to make unemployment from a shattered economy go away in less than 2 years?
Not sure it was originally "shattered". But in 2 years you certainly can make a solid start. That has not happened.
But if you put your efforts behind Obama - his efforts will gain strength and momentum.
Two years! No positive movement! And I am supposed to continue to provide unadulterated support for a group show a poor effort?
That's how we built everything.
We make things better by empowering the individual not shifting that power to the oligarchy.
It's not old news for the veterans who are benefiting from these improvements. As for veterans unemployment, the Nation as a whole is suffering through this.
I don't think this statement is true. It seemed to work wonders during the Bush administration.
I review the bills signed daily and I know which progress Vets have made so.
If you cannot admit that so far vets have received more under this administration in such a shorttime than you have under any other then you make it harder for those pushing your agenda to remain engaged with the same level of enthusiasm
Of course you have not received EVERY THING you want. But of all groups I believe Vets have received close to the most - and that is as it MUST and SHOULD be.
Peter Bright
:( But then my luck with the VA has been less than stellar. And yes, I have seen a lot of vets go through administrative hell. I know one that it took 27 years for her claims to finally come through. How sad is that?
http://www.ehow.com/how_4480671_prevent-nerve-deafness.html
I worked on very loud electronics all the time with no hearing protection as did other military family members. Granted it's not as traumatic to the ears as artillery, but over time it still takes it's toll. and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sensorineural_hearing_loss
Besides, most people know that high pitched sounds are easier to hear anyhow. "Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) typically is centered at 4000 Hz." if you scroll down the wikipedia page, there is a section on medications can affect hearing. You might want to check that out.
Otherwise it's just words.
If there was a draft then maybe everyone would give a care about this painless war, unless your kin are already in the mix.
I love seeing you on MSNBC with Rachel and hearing what you have to say. You are truly an inspiration.
I think your concerns should be directed towards Congress since it is the body that writes the bills. Mr. Obama and the First Lady have shown more respect and consideration towards veterans than any president since Eisenhower. Surely you can make some efforts to be critical of the politicians who are the real guilty parties.
My 50 year-old husband is in the KS Army National Guard and has served two tours in Iraq, so I'm not just whistling Dixie here.
I look forward to your next article addressing the legislative body.