Posted on Sep 14, 2015
Why aren't the Presidential Candidates talking about vital Veterans issues?
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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
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
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Politics
Elections
Election 2016
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 16
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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 (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 (Join to see)
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 (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 (Join to see)
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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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 (Join to see)
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
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
It is all about votes. We are the 1% do you understand now? ( rhetorical question)
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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
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
Remember Ben Carson's comment on closing the VA? Would you believe he just doubled down? |...
"Carson: Shutter VA healthcare system" Think it is a re-post? This is from Mr. Carson's Monday comment! ---------------------------------------------------------------- GOP presidential candidate Ben Carson said on Monday that military veteran care requires such a drastic overhaul, he’ll end the Veterans Health Administration if he wins the White House. “When it comes to veterans’ care, Americans are rightfully outraged, and can no longer be...
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SGT (Join to see)
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
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."
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 (Join to see)
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
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.
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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