Don't blame General Franks. He's a soldier - not a Congressman. He can't change any laws or statutes. He can't even speak up about it in public.
Congress, on the other hand, can be blamed for it. They allow themselves automatic payraises, give themselves excellent medical care, great retirement packages, and all the perks. If anyone is to blame, it's them.
Let's not forget the state legislatures,either. When I got out of the army in 1970,all I had was a 10% service-connected disability. Agent Orange illnesses weren't recogonized then. Anyway,this 10% only amounted to $47 per month,and this TOTALLY cut me off from receiving ANY state money,including the $90 per week in unemployment benefits I WOULD have been able to have received if I had not put in for the VA disability. Keep in mind that I didn't even get the $47 per month for the first 6 months as it took that long for my case to be processed. None the less,since I had put in for it,the state of NC refused to even allow me to draw unemployment compensation.The have a law that says they don't pay out unemployment benefits to anyone receiving any type of disability pay,regardless of the source or the amount.None the less,they have never been hesitant to take taxes out of my pay for unemployment benefits I will never receive.
I had joined the army on my 17th birthday,and 7 years later I was out on the street with no civilian job skills and no income.I couldn't even get back in the army because I couldn't pass the physical. I lost everything I owned. As far as I know,this laws STILL applies to any young military members who will be getting discharged with illnesses and/or injuries related to the current conflict. Despite all the flag-waving and speeches. This needs to be changed.