GOP Tells Disable Vets To Take A Hike

http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=56522
from JoeUser Forums
For the first time in more than 50 years, "veterans service organizations will no longer have the opportunity to present testimony before a joint hearing of the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees." This according to House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Steve Buyer (R-IN).

The announcement, coming right before Veteran's day, has groups like Disabled American Veterans(DAV) and the VFW, undertandably upset.

"We think it’s an absolutely abhorrent idea. These things were initiated somewhere around 1950, and they represent a crowning moment for our grassroots membership," said Dennis Cullinan, national legislative director for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

"The right to fully participate in the democratic process is a cornerstone of our nation," said Commander Jackson. "Eliminating these joint hearings is an insult to the men and women who have fought, sacrificed and died to protect our Constitutional rights, including the right to petition the government." DAV National Commander Paul W. Jackson.

That's what I call supporting the troops!
5,185 views 10 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
From what I have read they have the same right to present anything to the government that any other organization does. They aren't barred from government participation, they just haven't got their special day set aside that they get moved to the front of the line.

Fair, unfair, I'm not worthy to judge. I can say, though, that the idea that not having a special joint hearing doesn't take away your ability to petition the government. No group or organization I belong to gets a special joint hearing, am I being abused?
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
they just haven't got their special day set aside that they get moved to the front of the line.


Good point. However, there are many (myself included) that think veterans, especially disabled ones deserve one day a year at the front of the line.
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Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
davad, you should seriously consider posting both sides of the story. Where are the quotes from the people who put a stop to this practice, giving them the opportunity to explain their reasoning to us?

Or do you simply intend to stir up mindless hatred?
Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
Where are the quotes from the people who put a stop to this practice, giving them the opportunity to explain their reasoning to us?


They are being ruthlessly attacked by omission!

If you're going to state your opinion (which this is, once the reader gets past the headline and... well, actually the headline is biased, too...), then you should at least offer some explanation, even if you don't quote them directly.
Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top
Where are the quotes from the people who put a stop to this practice, giving them the opportunity to explain their reasoning to us?

Neither of the articles that I read detailed the "explanation" or I would have. To be honest, I don't really care what their excuse is. As much time and money congress wastes, it would not kill them to give these guys their day in the sun.

If you're going to state your opinion (which this is, once the reader gets past the headline and... well, actually the headline is biased, too...),

I very clearly stated the opinion of the leader of the involved groups. My opinion, as I said earlier, is that there is no excuse and that it's shameful. It's also shameful how they cut veteran's benefits, but I'll save that for another post.


davad, you should seriously consider posting both sides of the story. Where are the quotes from the people who put a stop to this practice, giving them the opportunity to explain their reasoning to us?

Or do you simply intend to stir up mindless hatred?

It's funny, I don't recall all of you guys making comments like this on the countless posts that point out the "misdeeds" of liberals/democrats.
Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top
Strange Davad, being a disabled vet, I can't seem to feel slighted. Maybe I'll just let you feel slighted for me and call it even. ;~D
Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top
Link to a bit more fleshed out story. I doubt it will change anyone's mind, since the Dems involved claim that the real reason given isn't really the real reason, as usual...
Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top
After being on both sides of the VA healthcare counter, as far as I'm concerned, the best way to both help the vets get better healthcare, and trim uneeded fat from the budget would be to close down the VA healthcare system (except for the research parts) and switch to an insurance type system where we can choose our own doctors, clinics and pharmacies. The VA medical system is a dinosaur that fails much more than it succeeds and wastes a lot of money on things other than healthcare for vets.

If the VFW, DAV, American Legion, and other vet service groups really want to help us, they would lobby for that!

Happy Veterans Day!!
Reply #9 from JoeUser Forums Top
Strange Davad, being a disabled vet, I can't seem to feel slighted. Maybe I'll just let you feel slighted for me and call it even. ;~D


Well, I'm glad to hear that you personally don't feel slighted. You obviously have every right to feel how you want to feel. However, the men that I quoted above represent and speak for many thousands of veterans in this country who do feel slighted.
Reply #10 from JoeUser Forums Top
No, those fine vets speak for themselves and get paid quite handsomely to lobby congress. It is their job so be slighted and offended. Unfortunately what they lobby for is a continuation of a failed healthcare system that compares more to a second world, socialist medical system than one you would expect to find in the U.S.

No vet organization should ever be proud of supporting the VA healthcare system.