Why does the U.S. continue to fail military veterans?

I was disturbed reading a story today about the medical and financial crises being faced by increasing numbers of military veterans in America.

Oh, sure, we all remember the Walter Reed hospital debacle of a couple of years ago — but how aware are you of the sad stories of so many who serve their country in Iraq or Afghanistan — only to return home crippled and end up impoverished because of their service.
The story, if you read it, points out that battlefield medicine is better than ever, producing more survivors of battlefield injuries — and leaving a huge number of men and women demanding more continuing medical care and facing lifetimes of financial burdens.

What’s the answer? In my heart, and in your heart, we know the ultimate answer: Find ways of doing away with war. Until that day happens, we absolutely MUST give some government spending priorities to increased veterans’ care and increased veterans’ benefits.

You know, as I write these words, I find myself getting angry. I’m getting angry at a country mis run by a bunch of politicians who, from the White House up or White House down, spend most of their waking hours 1) enjoying the benefits of wealth, fame, and power, or, 2) ensuring funding and other priorities to remain in their positions of power.

May God help our veterans and may God help our country to resolve these horrible, tragic issues. And may God grant us more “real” people in positions of power who will do the right thing instead of just talking a good game.

Ah, well, what do I know? I’m just a guy who reads the papers.

[tags]battlefield medicine, political failures, politicians, veterans’ care and benefits, wounded veterans, just a guy who reads the papers[/tags]

September 27, 2007 | Filed Under Health News, National News, War News