“Shame on this country. Those who actually earned any benefits are thrown on the trash heap. Those who strolled along and collected them for breathing are walking away unscathed.”
You said it. Bait and switch.
Risking life and limb (not to mention the opportunity costs of putting the “needs of the navy” first, living like a gypsy and taking the financial hits in real estate, spouse’s employment, etc. that ensue from the military lifestyle, having to pull the kids out of school every other year to move on to the next duty station, long family separations...).
People give up a lot more than meets the eye to serve their country. And now pay and benefits are counted as collateral for the “tranche” in the debt ceiling bill.
Full faith and credit? Nothing but hot air.
I love and respect our military personnel as much as anyone, but it strikes me that what is being said here is that military pensions and benefits should be sacrosanct and not be subject to any alterations while this country deals with a massive over spending problem. We owe our combat veterans complete medical care and a pension, particularly if they have sustained injuries as a consequence of military action. At the same time, we also have tens of thousands of “retired” military personnel who put in their “20” and retired without firing a shot. A military career was their choice. they accepted what goes with following that career path with all the “hits.” To my mind, they are just another classification of “government employee,” and need to be brought into the solution process along with the rest of those in government service. Now, let the rock throwing begin!
Damn straight!
This retired Navy family has paid the price of service: re-location, family disruption, socialized medicine, lousy schools, etc...and were proud to do it for the good things: job satisfaction, great fellow warriors, support of country, etc.
Now don’t stick the knife in, twist it and keep smiling in my face, telling me you love me...
It’s the first time I saw it phrased that way, “living like a gypsy”; very well put and accurate as well. For me, that was the largest drawback of military service I think. I think the costs of scores of moves over twenty plus years is underrated. Of course, for those that enjoy the travel, it is an advantage I suppose.