Study:  Vets not getting enough help, Associated Press Health Briefs Article buried on page 5 of local newspaper in military community.

When is the BS going to stop!  When are the silent majority going to say they finally had enough and shut down the extreme elements of both parties that are exploiting the system, fighting over issues that are more self serving than public serving…When are we really going to start taking care of those that are willing to serve and sacrifice for this country….ENOUGH of the BS! 

We need to stop passing the buck on veterans issues.  It is becoming more and more evident that those in public service or elected to public office do very little for those they are suppose to represent and especially veterans.  Public service has turned into self service that fosters a patronizing environment.  Lip service and grandstanding is all you see when it really comes to taking care of Vets.  Veteran's preference, if they even know what it is, is ignore.  You read and hear things like, "The best gesture Americans can make is to hire a veteran”.  But while U.S. unemployment is about 4.7%, vets still have a 15.6% jobless rate.  Why??   The federal government talks a good game, but they don’t put any teeth in the enforcement.  Statements like this are routine and little is being done to help alleviate the situation. 

Our population is made up of only 10% veterans and even less, 5%, of the population is currently off protecting us today.  The vast majority of Americans have not nor do they want to serve in the military.   90% of Americans, never serve, refused to serve or lack the courage to serve!  BUT, they benefited, and in many cases, significantly from the sacrifices of the few that did serve and are serving today.  To too many of Americans, the meaning of sacrifice is getting up late and not having enough time to stop at the Starbucks on the way to the office.  They don’t understand the real meaning of patriotism and sacrifice.  These are some of the same folks that are turning their backs on vets that need help or employment.  “Some employers have illegally fired returning National Guard and Reserve troops, while others are afraid to hire combat vets who may suffer from post-traumatic stress".  The best they can usually conger up is the typical and commonly used cliché of "thank you for your service".  Well, if you all were so damn grateful, why not start trying to figure out how to help vets and turn that thank you into actions! 

Federal, state and local agencies are just as guilty.  They have been known to turned down decorated vets with extensive management, leadership, ETHICS, values and high skill training with statements like "not qualified" for positions were the skill level is significantly below what these vets where responsible for in their military roles.  Vets seem to be “not qualified” on a regular basis, vet preference is ignored, yet the same positions are filled with individuals that are not veterans and usually have less experience.  You see it all over in every place and clime in the country.   The vet is never qualified, those who should know and understand vet preference don’t and ignore it, and military experience is overlooked because they don’t know or understand what a vet did or could care.  But these same agencies and folks will hire a non vet with even less or no experience.

There is a recent example on a local level where a Housing Commission Position in a community that is having serious problems with affordable housing for middle class and low income wage earners was given to an individual who has the experience of working for a cellular phone company, NO housing experience of any kind, but was on one of the elected officials campaign committees…patronage at it’s best?  To the victor belong the spoils?  The hypocrisy has to stop! 

Maybe this individual, despite no experience or background in the area can do that job.  But, I submit to anyone looking at filling any position, a vet can do the same thing and probably has a lot more experience in management, leadership, ETHICS and whatever it is you need to have done, if you just give them the opportunity. We have to start giving vets the same chances we are giving all those that DID NOT serve or would not serve.   To all those that lack the guts to serve and want the 10% that do to continue to protect them, start taking care of them. 

I am tired of continually seeing articles in the newspapers, buried on inside pages concerning vets not getting enough help.  This needs to change!  "A man who is good enough to shed his blood for the country is good enough to be given a square deal afterwards". Teddy Roosevelt

A square deal!  Is that too much to ask for?

Candidate Webb calls for veterans’ tax break….Army Times

Military veterans should receive a 5-percent, across-the-board federal tax break, Senate candidate and former Marine Jim Webb told reporters Wednesday.

Webb, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for the seat now held by Sen. George Allen, R-Va., outlined the proposal as he received endorsements from three former Marine generals and Rep. Jack Murtha, D-Pa.

“It’s my belief that the frequent hardships of military service deserve a lifetime reward,” Webb said.

  At least this is a start!