Sanders: 'Very easy to raise the flag,' hard to support veterans benefits

The Washington Examiner ^ | July 18, 2015 | Ariel Cohen

[2ndDivisionVet]

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Bernie Sanders told veterans in Iowa Friday that unlike some other politicians, he doesn't pay lip service to their concerns.

"It is very easy to raise the flag at a troop deployment, it is very easy for a politician to give a moving speech on Veterans Day," Sanders said. "But it is very hard to go down that long road with the men and women who served and make sure that they continue to get all the benefits, all the healthcare, that they are entitled to for the rest of their lives."

The Vermont senator told the crowds that he was "more than aware" of the Veteran Affairs budget problems and the national debt we have now, but he explained that we have a "deeper debt" to our veterans, and that standing by them is this country's primary moral obligation.

Sanders served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs from 2013-15, during which he introduced the Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act to increase disability compensation rates for veterans and their families. In 2014, Sanders and Republican Sen. John McCain co-wrote the Veterans Access to Care Through Accountability and Transparency Act to reform the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill was in response to the VA scandal.

"I've heard Bernie Sanders' stance so far, I'm still waiting to hear something from Hillary," said Joe Stutler, communications officer for the Iowa Democratic Party's Veteran Caucus. "But I'm glad to hear a campaign finally starting to talk to veterans."

"He's done well with veterans," Stutler added. "He got that award from the national veterans association. He's getting recognized for doing that service so that tells me a lot."

[Greg123456]

Oooh now he’s slamming Zerobama.

[Fai Mao]

I think ol’ Bernie may do better in the primaries than many of the mainstream demonrats think he will. This was actually a good speech and he raises a valid point. His answers are wrong but at least he gets the question right and that is more than can be said for Satan’s Prom Queen.

[kingu]

I’d be impressed if it wasn’t for the fact that he wants everyone to have healthcare from cradle to grave and benefits for pretty much everyone (with a means testing to ensure anyone who isn’t in poverty is placed there to pay for it.)

Oooh, ahh, what a shocker. Just happens to be a broken watch who is correct twice a day.

[griswold3]

‘Progressives’ are disappointed with Zerobama. He hasn’t fulfilled all their collective demands.

[Terry L Smith]

“”I’ve heard Bernie Sanders’ stance so far, I’m still waiting to hear something from Hillary,” said Joe Stutler”

Dear Joe,

As one that remembers that Hillary would throw full ashtrays at the various military members working the White House, i think the hiss from a timber rattler will be more deafening, than the silence of that witch.

[GreyHoundSailor]

This POS Sanders regularly attends his State’s American Legion winter meeting, gives his talking points, allows no questions, and leaves. I have no use for this SOB - he’s hoodwinked many vets into believing he gives a rat’s ass about them. News flash: He doesn’t.

[sgtyork]

Its Easy - ask Tammy Baldwin (D) Wisconsin

Sen. Tammy Baldwin Lawyers Up After Three Deaths Are Linked To A VA Report She Sat On For Months

http://townhall.com/tipsheet/mattvespa/2015/02/22/sen-tammy-baldwin-lawyers-up-after-three-deaths-are-linked-to-a-va-report-she-sat-on-for-months-n1960467

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks 2ndDivisionVet.

"It is very easy to raise the flag at a troop deployment, it is very easy for a politician to give a moving speech on Veterans Day," Sanders said. "But it is very hard to go down that long road with the men and women who served and make sure that they continue to get all the benefits, all the healthcare, that they are entitled to for the rest of their lives." The Vermont senator told the crowds that he was "more than aware" of the Veteran Affairs budget problems and the national debt we have now, but he explained that we have a "deeper debt" to our veterans, and that standing by them is this country's primary moral obligation.

[ex-snook]

Also rans put forth the issues that should be discussed. Immigration, veteran’s ‘benefits’ [rather call it veteran’s obligations], and keep eyes open to their speeches.