Am in RANT MODE today, so will make myself feel TWICE AS GOOD and post here today's topic...:)))
Be kind and bear with me while I vent??
Bringing to our attention the kinds of hardships military men and women everywhere face is both sobering and timely.
Tennessee_Bob and lodwick and Tonk, thank you for the reminder we need to focus, too, on those who are our VERY OWN.
Going to the VA Medical Center in Augusta for treatment as I do, there are a hundred stories told by the faces there on each visit, and it is haunting to see old timers trying to maintain an erect posture in wheelchairs or as they are bent over hauling oxygen tanks or leaning on canes and walkers.
Many others have despairing countenances, though, and are hungry for contact and appreciation.
I make a point to sit next to the latter and accord them the recognition and dignity they deserve.
If you've never experienced this, GO to a VA facility, and then do something about what you see.
HAUNT YOUR CONGRESSIONAL MEMBERS, ordering them by mail or a personal visit to do something about their plight before their lives are over - not "SOMEDAY."
Dear Tonk, your experience and mention of the funding reminds me that the facility where I go had 250 beds - but reductions in monies by Congress NOW has only 83 beds open for veterans, despite the steady increase of those needing them!!
There has been reduction of manning in all areas - lab - X-ray, etc.
CONSIDER THIS PICTURE, everyone - HASN'T IT OCCURRED TO YOU THAT WITH EVERY WONDERFUL, DESERVED PAY RAISE FOR THE MILITARY, THERE IS AN EQUAL STEALING OF VETERAN FUNDS TO BALANCE THAT???????!!
Folks, they are merely robbing Peter to pay Paul - a mere sleight of hand to highlight they are being SO wonderful to the military.
I want to SCREAM over this insulting picture after seeing all the bleak and hopeless faces that I do.
There is no guarantee these men can get into a nursing home many need, their resources exhausted and no one to help them.
Many VA nursing homes have long waiting lists, and some even limit to six months time in one.
THEN WHAT?? KICK THEM TO THE CURB and look the other way???
Okay - you have two choices.
Look the other way, or besiege your Representatives and Senators to CHANGE THINGS.
Their kind of action - and inaction - is despicable.
They will underwrite grants for social issues and fund abortions in miitary facilities and for endangered species studies and protections - BUT VETERANS ARE THE ENDANGERED SPECIES!!!