Posted on Sep 14, 2015
SGT Infantryman (Airborne)
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The presidential campaign that latches onto veterans in the 2016 election will have the advantage.
With the media saturated with stories about the 2016 presidential election, it’s hard to believe it’s still 16 months away until we choose the next leader of this free nation. Candidates are scrambling to assemble their teams, create their messaging, and build their platforms — all out of key issues that are close to the hearts of the American people. So far, there have been myriad issues raised — from women’s rights, to Iran, to the economy. Veterans and their families, however; the backbone, strength and protection of this nation, have taken a back burner in the national discussion.

There are no shortage of issues to be discussed — there are 22 veterans a day who commit suicide, homeless veterans without food or shelter, a Department of Veterans affairs that needs to become more accountable and effective, fraught wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and numerous veterans seeking employment after courageously serving.


http://taskandpurpose.com/the-presidential-candidates-arent-talking-about-vital-veterans-issues/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=tp-today
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Responses: 15
SGT Jeremiah B.
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We are a tiny piece of the population. Veterans issues won't win the election.
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SGT Jeremiah B.
SGT Jeremiah B.
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SGT (Join to see) - I don't think it's irrelevant, but I disagree that it's a game changer. We'll see more talk about it when things get tight, but veterans issues just aren't a top priority in the average American's mind unless you're close to someone...which most people aren't.
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SGT Infantryman (Airborne)
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SGT Jeremiah B., Not being a smart ass but, I don't care if any American citizens think about us. All I care about is the our government thinking about us. It's time for mucho change the way we are treated.
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SGT Jeremiah B.
SGT Jeremiah B.
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SGT (Join to see) - Yeah, I know. We're talking elections though. Americans have been way too shielded from the price of war and ultimately that hurts veterans.
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SGT Infantryman (Airborne)
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SGT Jeremiah B., That's so true. I think the reason for that is because during Vietnam and the 30 minute Iraqi war, the public was shown too much blood and guts. Now, they've gone too far without showing what the vets are doing in Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan. It doesn't have to be blood and guts all the time. There are human relief story's which could be shown. I think what needs to be up front and personal is all of the ongoing problems vets are enduring with suicide, jobs, the VA, and lack of interest.
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SSG Warren Swan
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If you can show me a billionaire Vet, and I'll show you a million politicians who are going to jump through hoops to "support" our causes.
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SGT Infantryman (Airborne)
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SSG Warren Swan, I don't know any billionaire vets, but I know a couple of millionaire vets.
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SSG Warren Swan
SSG Warren Swan
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SGT (Join to see) - Then I guess we might have our own advocate. What I can't stand is the fact that money not morals is the only way to get something like this done.
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LTC Christopher Sands
LTC Christopher Sands
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It is all about votes. We are the 1% do you understand now? ( rhetorical question)
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PO3 Steven Sherrill
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SGT (Join to see) veterans are important to talk about because they strike a patriotic vein in Americans. They are not important because, as SGT Jeremiah B. states, the veteran population is not going to win a person an election. What a candidate is going to want is a decorated veteran that they can parade around to show the American People that they support veterans without committing to doing anything real.

There is another thread on RP regarding Dr. Ben Carson's comments on the VA. He has made comments to the effect of the VA needs to be gutted (something that is not a secret) without going into details of how it will be done. This is what most candidates are going to do with most issues: explain why they think it is important, don't commit to resolving the issue.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/remember-ben-carson-s-comment-on-closing-the-va-would-you-believe-he-just-doubled-down?urlhash=966628
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SGT Infantryman (Airborne)
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PO3 Steven Sherrill, instead of a highly decorated veteran, I think they should use regular vets, or who are now serving, and allow them to tell their side of the story and the reasons they have to use food stamps, how difficult it is to work with the VA, and how they are afraid to admit they have any kind of mental health issues for fear they will be thrown out of the military with a less than honorable discharge. Maybe the civilians will actually be able to understand what they go through, and then pull for the candidate that wants to do something besides a lot of lip service.
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PO3 Steven Sherrill
PO3 Steven Sherrill
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SGT (Join to see) - I would fully agree with you. Those are the vets that NEED to be heard and taken care of. I would love to hear a candidate come out and discuss the horrid number of 22 suicides daily. Not just discuss it, but actually lay out a feasible plan for combating it. I would love for a candidate to really believe that the way the VA treats veterans would not be an acceptable way to treat a POW nevermind one who has served their nation's defense. I would love for a candidate to believe the stigma attached to mental health related problems ends now. I would love for a candidate to lay out a plan to cut spending on frivolous new technology (F-35) and turn it into an investment in our soldiers.

Unfortunately what is needed and right has nothing to do with politics. From a campaigning perspective, the candidates are going to want to bring someone out who has a chest full of medals. It doesn't even matter if all it is are bottom tier medals (expert marksman, national defense, other fluff) it is all about imagery. When people see a person with a chest full of medals, it is the shiny effect. Something shiny equates to something good or important. So if campaigning on caring for veterans, the politician is going to want someone who has the right "look and feel." I just threw up a little reducing us to chattle, but that is what any veteran being touted by a politician is reduced to. As for the lip service, I am reminded of the adage "You know a politician is lying when their lips are moving."
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SGT Infantryman (Airborne)
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PO3 Steven Sherrill, Were in the same boat. I, like you, wish all of those things would happen. The shiny medals and awards do attract more attention. They should have some dismembered heroes on there with chests full of medals and badges. That would get my attention, but what do I know? I'm just an old grunt who loves the military.
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SGT John W Lugo
SGT John W Lugo
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Seems like the Hot political topic to sound as they truly care, The only person that I've heard during his speeches talking about Veterans is Donald Trump, and now Dr. Carson seems to have jumped the wagon for attention.
I heard it before during Obama's election and so many others, so for me when it happens, and I see less homeless Veterans then I'll believe it. It's sad that Illegals get better treatment then those who serve, but maybe I missed the point.
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Why aren't the Presidential Candidates talking about vital Veterans issues?
Sgt Tom Cunnally
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Didn't Trump talk about Veterans Issues?? He claims he has done a lot for Veterans and organized a march for Wounded Veterans in NYC. He also badmouthed John McCain for not doing anything for Veterans which got al lot in the senate's attention.
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PO2 Peter Klein
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Are any of them veterans? That may have something to do with it.
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SGT Infantryman (Airborne)
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They're political veterans, oh that's not what you meant. Lol
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Sgt Jay Jones
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Because they are being whipped into a frenzy over Trumps war on undocumented immigrants! ..Oh yeah and Megan Kelly.
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SGT Infantryman (Airborne)
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That's a good reason Sgt Jay Jones. He didn't mention the vets tonight at all when he spoke in Dallas. He talks so fast and repeats himself so much it starts getting me irritated. I don't know if he's full of bull or hot air, but he's full of himself for sure.
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LTC Christopher Sands
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Economy, economy, economy .....
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LTC Christopher Sands
LTC Christopher Sands
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Christie is my gov. I had great hopes for him, as he came in and really started going after waste and fraud. Then nothing. The dems have both houses in the NJ legislature, so I think he made a deal to get some of his stuff passed. Very disappointed in him.
I think it is good that Trump and Carly are saying how well they did, no one else will say a word for them. I know Trump used chapter 11 -Bankruptcy to get a few of his casino's built in NJ. I dislike him for that. He screwed the workers who built his empire. Personally I think thats pretty crappy. Watch me get rich,while I screw others. I think thats part of our problem here. My 2 cents.
I was out of work for over 2 years. I never thought I would ever have that happen to me. I also have had some medical issues, serviced connected, get really worse. If I did not get hired by the Federal Government I would have to be on Social Security disability. I am an Army Reservist, Retired, and will not get my Retired Pay for 2 more years.
With 10 of them there it is more like a circus. I have not watched any debates.
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SGT Infantryman (Airborne)
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LTC Christopher Sands, I'm very sorry to hear you were out of work for so long. I can understand what that does to a person because I wasn't making any money for a year before I got a disability rating from the VA. Thank you for your response. I'm disappointed to hear that about Christie. Do you think he was the one responsible for the traffic tie up at the overpass? Take care Sir. Thanks for your service. I really mean that.
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LTC Christopher Sands
LTC Christopher Sands
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SGT (Join to see) - Thank you!
Christie was trying to show that many towns that are usually Dem would vote for him. He did get 3 -6 Dem Mayors to endorse him, so suddenly having one who refused to get hit with this traffic tie up......I am not sure if he really knew or if a high level political person did it. There was collusion between his staff and the Port Authority of NY-NJ which runs the GW Bridge, which closed down the lanes.
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SGT Infantryman (Airborne)
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LTC Christopher Sands, Did he ever say yes or no, that he was or wasn't involved. Seems like I remember him not saying anything when asked.
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Cpl Glynis Sakowicz
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That's because they don't know what the issues are... See all those people up there last night? Name ONE that has military in their past.
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SGT Infantryman (Airborne)
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Cpl Glynis Sakowicz, None of them have any military background. Trump dodged the draft, Cruz had a high lottery number and was never called up, and there's one more who was close but no hand grenades. All of the rest were born after Vietnam. Trumps rant about loving the military and the military loves him is pure BS. It made me sick to hear him. Carly made mention about our problems. Carson wants to shutdown the VA system and let the DOD handle our problems. I have never heard such an absurd statement from any politician. Carson thinks our worlds problems can be handled with political correctness and not wars. He wishes. I wish, but it ain't gonna happen.
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SFC Keith Rumsey
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its a Taboo topic they are afraid to touch it, therefore we should force them to touch it, but that could back fire on us
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SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D
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Maybe the Democrats simply don't care about us and only themselves. The only one who ever talks about us, builds our Military Branches, expands our benefits and has compassion for those of us who returned disabled, is our President. Obama burried us, Trump reserrected us!
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