Replies to post #16347 on Zeev's Turnips Talk Politics (ZTTP)

[mlsoft]

ergo sum...

Thanks for the correct figure.

As for you characterization of the problem, the vet in question has no military related issue at all, so why should he/she get lifetime medical care for free?? I don't, and pay co-pays in addition to the $400 per month (not a $250 ANNUAL fee being asked by the government). In many cases this is for just a couple years of service with not a hint of combat.

As I say, I have zero problem with the new regulations. What exactly do you think is unfair about it????

mlsoft

[sarai]

ergo, Why bother?... He will argue ad nauseum and in typical all knowing fashion,
regardless of the veracity of "facts" he presents... So why bother??...

He's the greatest defender of our born again, formerly AWOL Commander in Chief,
yet he would seem to disagree completely with Bush's economic policy of fiscal irresponsibility.
Why play into his hypocracy??..

[jdaasoc]

It is prescription drug benefit which is drawing non service connected vets to VA.
http://www.va.gov/visns/visn03/newsletter/pr100702.asp

Pharmacy Benefit and Aging Veteran Population: Excellent pharmaceutical benefits that are needed by an aging veteran population - 37 percent of the nation's veterans are above the age of 65, compared to 13 percent of general population. In 1990, VA furnished $715 million worth of pharmaceuticals to veterans. In FY 2001, the total was $2.5 billion. In 2002, VA expects that figure to be more than $3 billion.


The VA is a government agency losing its mission quickly. All remaining WWII vets will all be gone within 10 years. Vietnam vets, with much higher rates of minorities then previous wars have high rates of minimal retirement savings and outright homelessness are going to require large amounts of domiciliary services not previously seen before since Civil War IMO. Bush is not one to cater to their economic needs and will promise money to VA but cut its funding greatly. He will probably go to the private faith based way if he gets his way. This Principe guy does not inspire mandate to provide services to vets like Clinton's VA chiefs especially Jessie Brown.

It is one thing to be pro military and another to be pro veteran.