Posted on Sep 22, 2015
Why Are Veterans Not An Issue in the Debates?
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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
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs Because we're not a large enough percentage of the total population. In addition I've watched both debates and I have not seen them really address any issue. They are too busy promoting themselves as "I'm the first to ...", "I'm the only one who", to busy talking about each other's records and taking snipes at each other, and cutting down POTUS to even get close to talking about a real issue concerning anything/one.
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Maj John D Benedict
My thoughts exactly. Veterans are about 1% of the population. Not saying I like it, but they aren't going to sink a lot of time into such a small quantity. Veterans healthcare seems to be something they both agree on, so even less reason to see it as a topic...
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SSG Angela Harris
Sir it's a lot of things bother me about this election. No ever talks about God anymore in politics. Veterans and soldiers always come last to any type news in the world. I just pray we can all get it together. To God be the Glory
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we do not matter after we serve our purpose and as CPT (Join to see) stated "not a large enough percentage of the total population" for them to worry about our votes.
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MSG Brad Sand
SSgt Terry P.
Need to make one correction to your comment, you DO matter. They may not think so or they may not act like it BUT you, and all of our veterans, ABSOLUTELY DO matter.
Need to make one correction to your comment, you DO matter. They may not think so or they may not act like it BUT you, and all of our veterans, ABSOLUTELY DO matter.
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SSgt Terry P.
MSG Brad Sand - The comment was sarcastic in it's nature,as a Veteran of Vietnam,the political attitude has changed for the better.
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We are "expendable" assets to our civilian masters. Veterans conversation only surfaces when there is an end to the means with large amounts of money are involved. 100% can be traced back to funds somewhere. Bases closing, government contracts to constituents from that Congressman or Senators. Back door deals, whatever... They are ALL dirty on both sides of the isle. A quick way to measure who is a true statesman and who is in politics for the money? take their incentives away (lifetime medical, lifetime full salary, contributions, donations, lobbyist etc...) and see who decides to stick around to make laws and govern our nation.
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PFC Don Palumbo
I agree with you sir. All the more reason to vote for Trump. We sorely need to rid ourselves from the criminals we have in office right now.
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LTC Thomas Rumsey
I'm sorry Jerry but I couldn't disagree with your statement more. No one forced any of us to serve, no one promised us a life of riches or entitlement. Your example of asking them to work for free could easily be applied to us...how many of us would go to Iraq for nothing or have joined if it was simply for the experience? I'd go now with the guys I was deployed with for nothing, but that's due to my loyalty and love for them, not some higher calling to go suck sand and watch camel spider fights again. You put two soldiers in the middle of the desert and they can fight their way through anything...that attitude doesn't need to stay in the desert when the soldier comes home. Does the VA need to be fixed, of course it does...but that isn't going to happen overnight so take a knee, drink some water and then move out...just make sure your brothers are doing the same...we need to take care of each other back home like we did over there...
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Suspended Profile
As I've stated before, our "So called leaders" care about getting us into wars, not dealing with what happens after the fact. None of the GOP candidates so far seem to be TRUE leaders, so they all get lumped in, imho...
Sgt Truman Cunnish
LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow -Good take some libs with you and of course you don't have to wait until election . Not that their is going to be one.
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Suspended Profile
What in the world do you mean that there won't be an election, Sgt Truman Cunnish ? That is one of the strangest things I've heard yet about this 2 year circus...
PFC Don Palumbo
LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow - You better start packing now. Trump will be our president. If he doesn't make it for sure you will want to leave the country.
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Suspended Profile
You can believe what you wish...
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$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. Until Veterans groups spend millions of Dollars in Super Pacs will we be an issue. Money talks and everything else is...
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SSG (Join to see)
Agreed. I find it amazing that with all of the money that is being cut from the budget, it seems that a tiny portion if any at all is being re routed to overhaul and create a VA program that can take care of those that were told you are everything to this country yet are now deemed expendable and place on the back burner.
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In my opinion, I think it involves a political calculation on both sides. The active and reserve military is such a small component of the overall vote (less than 1%), and it is diffused across so many voting districts. As a result, they don't get much attention as a voting bloc because they are so small and diffused (the only exception would be in the handful of districts where the military has a big footprint). Regarding the veterans, they are a larger group, so they could stand to get some attention. However, the GOP thinks they have the veteran vote, and don't need to fight for it. Meanwhile, the Democrats think they have lost the veteran vote, so they don't think it's worthwhile to fight for it. One side has taken us for granted, and another side has conceded our vote. Both sides don't see the active and veteran votes as tipping the balance, hence the absence of an emphasis on issues that impact us. When we become more "up for grabs", the politicians will pay attention to us. Politics is really simple...they follow the issues and voting blocs that can swing elections.
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SPC David Hannaman
I think it also bears mentioning that to say that we're united on all fronts and opinions is a generalizations that isn't always true.
It would be like saying "Minorities are always Democrats" or "Business owners are always Republicans"... it simply isn't the case.
I for instance lean toward the conservative side of being Libertarian... in all honesty that puts me agreeing with the Republican party most often, but my vote is really up for grabs if a candidate comes along that says "I don't think that's an issue that can or should be decided at the Federal level." and actually means it.
Typically though I end up voting for a third party where available and barring that I vote against the incumbent unless I've seen them do something that makes me believe they are putting the interests of the country as a whole above popularity, special interests, party, or a "squeaky wheel" minority... unfortunately the ballot has many more positions up for election than just POTIS, Senator, Representative, and Governor... and I rarely know anything about the others.
It would be like saying "Minorities are always Democrats" or "Business owners are always Republicans"... it simply isn't the case.
I for instance lean toward the conservative side of being Libertarian... in all honesty that puts me agreeing with the Republican party most often, but my vote is really up for grabs if a candidate comes along that says "I don't think that's an issue that can or should be decided at the Federal level." and actually means it.
Typically though I end up voting for a third party where available and barring that I vote against the incumbent unless I've seen them do something that makes me believe they are putting the interests of the country as a whole above popularity, special interests, party, or a "squeaky wheel" minority... unfortunately the ballot has many more positions up for election than just POTIS, Senator, Representative, and Governor... and I rarely know anything about the others.
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I guess I am weird that I really don't need or want much from the VA. I was happy with the GI Bill, and my home loan certificate. I don't use the VA health care system as I have private insurance. For those who need the VA health care system, it needs to be at least good enough to address the vets' health needs both mentally and physically. I just don't know what else would matter really.
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MSG Brad Sand
SGT David T.
I get it...but we have not seen how bad the insurance system has been broken yet. Glad you have a great plan but keep in the back of your mind what could be.
I get it...but we have not seen how bad the insurance system has been broken yet. Glad you have a great plan but keep in the back of your mind what could be.
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SGT David T.
MSG Brad Sand - Actually my plan is the lowest one offered. It's not bad all in all but is above the level of care (or lack thereof) that the VA gave me.
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SSG (Join to see)
Funny you bring that up, I wonder how many VETS were able to get home loans through the VA but could not get a timely appointment to see a healthcare provider for injuries sustained while serving in the military. I am by no means a man that is all for free this and free that. But when you volunteer to serve your country, especially in a time of war, there are benefits that I feel are owed and are non negotiable when it comes to taking care of our nations Soldiers.
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PFC Don Palumbo
I am 100% VA rated, so I get the whole deal. I have been using them for years, and have seen many improvements over those years. The biggest problem is that most veterans don't know how to get into the system. The best way to do that is by using the DAV as your Rep. For benefits you will never get much help from the VA to get a claim going. The DAV acts as your attorney and you pay nothing for their service. Don't listen to the politicians. We all know they are all lying criminals. The VA does not need fixing. that's all a bunch of crap put out by politicians. They passed a law so that you can hire a private lawyer now for your claim. BAD IDEA. We don't need more blood suckers taking money from our blood.. You have the DAV, VFW, and many other Veteran groups that will handle everything for free. Most of these people are Veterans, not some political hack. The hospital system has a hell of a lot more to offer than most of you don't know about. They are a hospital and mistakes are made at all hospitals. They are the largest hospital system in the world. Don't listen to people that know nothing about it. I have helped many, many Vets get their claims passed through and will continue to do it as long as I can. Try it you will be surprised and very pleased.
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I just couldn't resist this... it's because no one cares. Homelessness has stigmas attached, Republicans don't believe in helping the socially needy, especially unemployed males between the ages of 18 -60, no matter what the excuse, and homeless people don't have PR campaigns because they don't make good add copy- not photogenic at all. Sorry for being cynical, but I fund-raise all year long for a 501 c3, state-registered, IRS-recognized, Vietnam-vet Era run, true charity organization, and 99.9 % of my responses to my invitation to help our former heroes who are now homeless veterans with a simple tax-deductible donation of any amount, are always NO. Dogs, cats, whales, sick kids, foreign disaster relief, cancer research, abused gold-fish, or whatever. Yeah we support anybody in America. Accept Vets at risk or in need. BTW: I only call businesses, and this charity is in the front lines every day, all year, and at Stand down as as well, and with 25 years of sales and marketing experience, I am completely bewildered. I collected thousands of dollars for years, for The Shriners, Law Enforcement, etc, etc, but NEVER have I been so completely and almost totally shut done.. its probably time to pas the buck like everybody else and go apply for my well-earned social security. I was practically saved by VIETNAM VETERANS of SAN DIEGO's programs for homeless,addicted, mentally ill, and diagnosed PTSD. (It's called triple-threat, and many will never have that chance. I went from homeless indigent to now twenty years sober from Alcohol... thanks to having resources... That's why I fund-raise for vets.
See my profile for info crowdfunding for vets in need, if you want to help- or write a check to the charity. I'd be grateful, and its seems its' all vets helping vets anyway. sorry to digress, but that is my story.
PS: A hand UP is NOT a hand out. (I'm living proof.)
See my profile for info crowdfunding for vets in need, if you want to help- or write a check to the charity. I'd be grateful, and its seems its' all vets helping vets anyway. sorry to digress, but that is my story.
PS: A hand UP is NOT a hand out. (I'm living proof.)
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PO2 Gerry Roberson Sr.
NEVER, EVER say you're digressing when you tell us this!! THIS is most needed! It would scare the living hell out "them" should we voice and move as though marching in ranks! The cadence footfalls would rattle their bones!
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PFC Don Palumbo
I hate to disagree with your thoughts as it seems you do a lot for veterans. But this homeless veteran stuff drives me nuts as their is much help for them. You should get in touch with the many Vet Centers that are run by the VA. You will learn much on how to help homeless veterans get a hell of a lot more than you could believe. There are many new programs out there. We are not forgotten like yesterdays news. You can get all the contacts you need on the net or in a phone book. Just look up Vet Centers. Good luck to you and I thank you for all you do. You sir, are a true American hero.
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Sgt Truman Cunnish
PFC Don Palumbo - Don't ever judge a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes.
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PFC Don Palumbo
Sgt Truman Cunnish - Can you tell me what man you are talking about.???? I walk in my own shoes, and at my age I've walked many miles.
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Simple, everyone (especially the politicians) love the freedom we provide, yet. They act as if we are suppose to. Understand this. Every man and woman that served this country had a choice. And decided to out others (this great country of ours) before their own needs! So to answer ur question. Politicians don't care as long as they are safe and hapoy from danger!
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PO2 Gerry Roberson Sr.
Maybe we should round them all up and put THEM in danger? Maybe they'll actually try to appreciate it more?
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PFC Don Palumbo
I wouldn't serve with any one of them. If I had to there would be more casualty's on our side. If you get my drift.
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Sgt Truman Cunnish
Sgt. Mack you are so right. the ungrateful bastards will tolerate us for the very reasons you stated. But once we hit vet status we become " useless feeders" and are of no more value to them.
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Because the War on Terror is no longer front-page news, veterans' issues have, similarly, slipped to page-2... maybe -3. Beyond the veterans themselves, there is no issue. We'll simply drift back into the landscape --until we're needed again.
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MSG Brad Sand
Capt Mark Strobl
This is true, if WE allow it. If we do allow it, shame on those of us that came out of our service in pretty good shape.
This is true, if WE allow it. If we do allow it, shame on those of us that came out of our service in pretty good shape.
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PFC Don Palumbo
We are fighters. Don't ever give up. We weren't trained to do that. I was trained in the old days. One shot one kill. Don't waste your ammo. Make every shot count. The news media is our enemy. Don't pay much attention to their crap. The General Public loves us, and always will. Most of them are scared as hell to serve, but they appreciate what we have done for them. If I am wearing a patch or other item that shows That I served I always get a thank you for serving and a nice hand shake. That tells me a lot.
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