Sorry, Paul, Boehner, other congressmen, Senators, and any and all press who believe this is some kind of good idea, and that those being subjected to it can "afford it." Your are completely wrong-headed and out of touch on this.
Anyone who thinks it is somehow okay to reduce the cost of living adjustments for working age military retirees, does not understand who we are talking about. Or if they do, as I said, the are completely wrong-headed and out of touch.
For those suggesting such a travesty, I suggest that they just try the following simple experiment to help them understand exactly what they are doing.
Experiment for all supporters of the idea to cut military retirees cost of living:
Each of person who believes working age military retirees should have their cost of living adjustments be cut should voluntarily sign up with the US Army, US Marines, or some other branch of US military service. They should then voluntarily go into harm's way fighting the enemies of this nation, particularly those who would have no qualms in slaughtering you by hacking your head off in front of a live camera.
Then, while so engaged in that fight, step on, or drive over an IED device that literally blows your arms and/or legs off. Survive that horrific experience, and then come home to live the rest of your life with those disabilities...in a veteran's administration that looks for every way possible to deny you care and rehabilitation over the long term.
Then have some pencil necked geeks in Washington DC tell them that they somehow "owe" it to the country to give up their cost of living adjustments to...while those same geeks earn $150,000+ dollars a year coming up with such ideas.
Only then will you be qualified to make such a suggestion...but then, having lived through that, they never would make such a suggestion in the first place on the backs of those who have already given so much.
Then, while so engaged in that fight, step on, or drive over an IED device that literally blows your arms and/or legs off. Survive that horrific experience, and then come home to live the rest of your life with those disabilities...in a veteran's administration that looks for every way possible to deny you care and rehabilitation over the long term.
“Then have some pencil necked geeks in Washington DC tell them that they somehow “owe” it to the country to give up their cost of living adjustments to...while those same geeks earn $150,000+ dollars a year coming up with such ideas.
Only then will you be qualified to make such a suggestion...but then, having lived through that, they never would make such a suggestion in the first place on the backs of those who have already given so much.”
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Absolutely Correct and this has been going on for a long time. I turned 17 in basic training in 1960 and can remember being eligible for welfare at least once. I was told by some newly Ensign that if the Navy wanted me to have a wife and daughter they would have issued them to me. Staying in for 23 years was really tough.
It should simply be illegal to change the conditions of support and pension to something other than what was agreed to at the time of signing the contract. And if conditions change, the take effect after that contract is fulfilled, and the previous conditions are effective for that period of employment.
You know, just like everyone else.