Posted on Sep 22, 2015
Why Are Veterans Not An Issue in the Debates?
37.7K
438
294
50
50
0
Why Are Veterans Not An Issue in the Debates?
RP Members do you agree with the article and the lack of concern for Veterans in this upcoming election or are there more important issues?
Your thoughts and comments welcome!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dustin-demoss/veterans-debate_b_8164118.html
With the 2016 presidential election quickly approaching, campaign season is in full swing and boasts no shortage of candidates. Presidential hopefuls from all sides of the political spectrum have pulled no punches when it comes to the multitude of issues currently concerning the American public. In fact, candidates have weighed in on any number of topics, from immigration reform to civil liberties, with incredible diverse and aggressive opinions. Perhaps this willingness to engage and volunteer opinions is what makes the lack of attention to one topic in particular so striking, especially in the glare of the ongoing G.O.P. presidential debates.
Do you know where the candidates stand when it comes to veterans' affairs and healthcare needs?
A Growing Lack of Attention to Veterans
The lack of attention to American veterans and the care they receive once they return home is not necessarily a new development when it comes to presidential debates. Veterans and their supporters faced this same problem in the 2012 debates, for example, where only repeated urging convinced the candidates to briefly consider the topic. And as more and more people are aware, the number of candidates with any sort of military service background is constantly shrinking. Not only is this concerning for a country that is still in the midst of a war that has already spanned 14 years, but it's especially worrisome considering that one of the major topics up for debate is the looming ISIS/ISIL threat and how the United States will engage with it.
RP Members do you agree with the article and the lack of concern for Veterans in this upcoming election or are there more important issues?
Your thoughts and comments welcome!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dustin-demoss/veterans-debate_b_8164118.html
With the 2016 presidential election quickly approaching, campaign season is in full swing and boasts no shortage of candidates. Presidential hopefuls from all sides of the political spectrum have pulled no punches when it comes to the multitude of issues currently concerning the American public. In fact, candidates have weighed in on any number of topics, from immigration reform to civil liberties, with incredible diverse and aggressive opinions. Perhaps this willingness to engage and volunteer opinions is what makes the lack of attention to one topic in particular so striking, especially in the glare of the ongoing G.O.P. presidential debates.
Do you know where the candidates stand when it comes to veterans' affairs and healthcare needs?
A Growing Lack of Attention to Veterans
The lack of attention to American veterans and the care they receive once they return home is not necessarily a new development when it comes to presidential debates. Veterans and their supporters faced this same problem in the 2012 debates, for example, where only repeated urging convinced the candidates to briefly consider the topic. And as more and more people are aware, the number of candidates with any sort of military service background is constantly shrinking. Not only is this concerning for a country that is still in the midst of a war that has already spanned 14 years, but it's especially worrisome considering that one of the major topics up for debate is the looming ISIS/ISIL threat and how the United States will engage with it.
Election 2016
Elections
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Issues
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 121
3
3
0
Because we aren't a large enough voting block to rate more than lip-service coupled with deeply embedded liberal prejudices towards us dating back to the Vietnam era.
(3)
(0)
PFC Don Palumbo
I think those prejudices are a thing of the past. I get many hand shakes and thank you's from civilians these days, especially if I wear my M-51 field jacket, with the patches on it. The prejudices you are talking about only come from the liberals. Ask me if I care.
(0)
(0)
SSG Kevin McCulley
You don't see a lot of conservatives standing on the flag, burning the flag, using the flag of toilet paper... Just saying.
(0)
(0)
3
3
0
PFC Don Palumbo
Colonel, More care than not. believe me. I get many thank you's from the civilian community. By the way, What armored division were you in. I was in the 4th, 2 years
(0)
(0)
3
3
0
I disagree and think we are a large enough part of the population, but, unfortunately, veterans as a whole have not presented themselves as a significant voting block in national elections.
(3)
(0)
MAJ (Join to see)
In U.S., 24% of Men, 2% of Women Are Veterans
On this Veterans Day, 13% of U.S. adults are veterans, including 24% of men and 2% of women. Veteran status is above 60% among men 75 and older, but no more than 12% for men younger than 35.
(0)
(0)
PO2 Gerry Roberson Sr.
MAJ (Join to see) - Too many of our younger folk don't seem to believe that service to others before self has any meaning.
(0)
(0)
PFC Don Palumbo
You are right on the money Major. I salute you Sir. Your brain is in the right place. I would liked to have served under you. May God bless you.
(0)
(0)
2
2
0
2
2
0
COL Mikel J. Burroughs My brain is not wide open yet, but simply put, they (Congress) are using 'Pork Barrel Monies' for anything but military. That and going to illegal aliens.
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
As I've said before, I believe our best chance is with Donald Trump. He is the only one that has acted on our behalf. Others have not even tried to do what he has done. While we get some lip service from those that weakly try to follow some of Trumps actions, I see no real movement from any of them. He needs us, but more importantly, We need him.
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
Politics, pure and simple.
The number of US citizens as of the US Census Bureaus population clock, we are at about 325,000,000 citizens.
There are 218,959,000 citizens eligible to vote, and there are approximately 23,229,995 Veteran's and active duty military to this day.
To put it into perspective, the Veteran and Military personnel represent only 10% of the voters, so in their minds, they have to put their efforts in convincing their parties to choose them.
For this reason, they only briefly mention the Veterans vote, because in their minds, that will not be what gets them in a POTUS candidacy.
I believe we will see more talk focused on the Veterans when a representative is chosen for each party, and those debates begin.
However, I do not think it will be the hot topic for any of them because of the demographics of the military population. I haven't heard of many Veteran Support groups who actually lobby in Congress, or even just a group of Veteran's who gather to peacefully raise awareness for our military, both Veteran's and those still serving.
We are 10% of the population, and will be for some time, unless we join together and "recruit" others in our cause, which would be to project our Veterans as a legitimate force in which the candidates have to take notice.
Regardless of how you feel about the Black Lives Matter movements, you have to admit that it is effective, and many people are beginning to join.
If we are generous with the numbers members they have, We will estimate there are 1,000,000 and growing.
That puts the percentage of eligible voters who represent the BLM movement is only 0.4%.
0.4% of the voting population is shutting down rallies and influencing hundreds of voters daily.
Our 10% will never have that influence if we do not start calling our Congressmen and become involved on a local, regional, and then national level.
No protests, no violence. Just Veteran's starting a movement which will make us visible in the public's eyes.
However, except for the statistics, everything else is just an opinion.
The number of US citizens as of the US Census Bureaus population clock, we are at about 325,000,000 citizens.
There are 218,959,000 citizens eligible to vote, and there are approximately 23,229,995 Veteran's and active duty military to this day.
To put it into perspective, the Veteran and Military personnel represent only 10% of the voters, so in their minds, they have to put their efforts in convincing their parties to choose them.
For this reason, they only briefly mention the Veterans vote, because in their minds, that will not be what gets them in a POTUS candidacy.
I believe we will see more talk focused on the Veterans when a representative is chosen for each party, and those debates begin.
However, I do not think it will be the hot topic for any of them because of the demographics of the military population. I haven't heard of many Veteran Support groups who actually lobby in Congress, or even just a group of Veteran's who gather to peacefully raise awareness for our military, both Veteran's and those still serving.
We are 10% of the population, and will be for some time, unless we join together and "recruit" others in our cause, which would be to project our Veterans as a legitimate force in which the candidates have to take notice.
Regardless of how you feel about the Black Lives Matter movements, you have to admit that it is effective, and many people are beginning to join.
If we are generous with the numbers members they have, We will estimate there are 1,000,000 and growing.
That puts the percentage of eligible voters who represent the BLM movement is only 0.4%.
0.4% of the voting population is shutting down rallies and influencing hundreds of voters daily.
Our 10% will never have that influence if we do not start calling our Congressmen and become involved on a local, regional, and then national level.
No protests, no violence. Just Veteran's starting a movement which will make us visible in the public's eyes.
However, except for the statistics, everything else is just an opinion.
(2)
(0)
PFC Don Palumbo
Hello Michael , I'm really sorry to hear that you are that much disabled. I hope this site helps you in your daily doings. Good luck and may God Bless You.
(1)
(0)
SGT Michael Thorin
PFC Don Palumbo - Thank you very much, and it has.
I also appreciate the sympathy, but there's absolutely nothing that I set out to accomplish as a teenager through today that I haven't accomplished.
I wanted to be a soldier, and would later in life get to lead troops through the dessert.
I wanted to be a firefighter, and would later become a firefighter/paramedic for one of the busiest, highest paid, and largest departments in Alabama.
I have met every objective I have set out to accomplish, so now I write as I can to keep making as much of a difference as I can for as long as I still have breath.
God continues to bless me in days now, and I pray that every person knows the joy of accomplishing all that they have set out to accomplish.
I pray that God blesses you as well, and thank you for the kind words.
I also appreciate the sympathy, but there's absolutely nothing that I set out to accomplish as a teenager through today that I haven't accomplished.
I wanted to be a soldier, and would later in life get to lead troops through the dessert.
I wanted to be a firefighter, and would later become a firefighter/paramedic for one of the busiest, highest paid, and largest departments in Alabama.
I have met every objective I have set out to accomplish, so now I write as I can to keep making as much of a difference as I can for as long as I still have breath.
God continues to bless me in days now, and I pray that every person knows the joy of accomplishing all that they have set out to accomplish.
I pray that God blesses you as well, and thank you for the kind words.
(0)
(0)
PFC Don Palumbo
Hi Mike, You have a great spirit buddy. I am 100% also and I thank God everyday for it. Thank God I signed up. I really miss it. How about you.??? I'm a wildlife woodcarver and fine arts and antique restorer. Good fun. How about you.??? Do you have any hobbies to keep you busy.???
(0)
(0)
SGT Michael Thorin
Writing is my main hobby, I'm not sure emery, LOL.
I miss it more than I can explain. The bonds we formed we most likely will never form again.
There are many times I wish I was back in Iraq. Mainly because of the camaraderie.
I miss it more than I can explain. The bonds we formed we most likely will never form again.
There are many times I wish I was back in Iraq. Mainly because of the camaraderie.
(0)
(0)
2
2
0
Bottom line. It's a mind over matter thing. They don't mind and we don't matter.
(2)
(0)
PO3 Michael James
That Sir, is True.. and at the same time very Cleaver, I raise a glass to you, Sir..
(0)
(0)
2
2
0
We represent a very small percentage of the overall population. With absolutely catastrophic debt hanging over the nation, the huge influx of God knows who along our southern border, the lawlessness of our chief executive and the criminal activity of the primary Democratic candidate - I would much rather hear candidates ta;k about making the country solvent again, securing our borders, enforcing the law of the land and getting rid of activist federal judges who are legislating from the bench. God forbid that we elect either Hillary or Bernie. Cruz or Trump would be better, but we have to get some semblance of a Constitutional Republic back in order for the nation to have a snow balls chance in hell of surviving as currently constituted.
(2)
(0)
PFC Don Palumbo
Good comment Jim , I personally believe Trump is our only chance to turn the country around. He is the guy that brought up all the important issues we face. All of the others just jumped on his band wagon and are parroting his issues. They had no good ideas until he stepped in.. They are nothing but a bunch of phony lying losers.
(0)
(0)
2
2
0
I believe the VA is similar to the Military problem. The solution or COAs are so hidden, they can't be found.
(2)
(0)
MAJ David Vermillion
I believe serving your country honorably and receiving VA benefits should always be a top issue of concern.
(2)
(0)
MAJ Ken Landgren
I concur 100%, however, I believe the general public gives veterans a cursory respect and sympathy. The passion for fair treatment is with the veterans and their families, not the public.
(2)
(0)
PFC Don Palumbo
The VA is a lot better than most of you guys think. If you are having problems all VA hospitals have a staff that will help you get good results. I also recommend that any Vet that has a problem to call the DAV. Also you would be very foolish to use any other organization. Also, they are the best to handle a compensation claim. Don't ever sign up with a civilian lawyer. They take a good portion of your Award. The DAV takes nothing and they know a hell of a lot more than any lawyer.
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google