General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region Forumshack89
(39,171 posts)Considering I am a veteran. I consider my self good while being alive certainly has its advantages.
Katashi_itto
(10,175 posts)hootinholler
(26,449 posts)The USA has never taken care of its veterans, with one brief exception: WWII. Ok, maybe the Civil War veterans were cared for also, but by the states, not the Fed. Taking care of them then ushered in a great period of shared prosperity.
One might think we would learn, but no, we haven't.
Jackpine Radical
(45,274 posts)As of Vietnam, they learned how to avoid sharing the prosperity.
It is just so much more delicious to be a rich person surrounded by people in abject need than it is to be an even richer person who has to give up some wealth to be shared with others.
coldbeer
(306 posts)Got a job with decent pay. Thought I would join the
Legion and the vets. Problem was that I had to sign
a form that said I believed in GOD (in a round about
way). When I was drafted I do not recall signing a form
with the same wording. I feel that if you sign such a
paper you really do not believe and, likewise, if you
pledge to a GOD you are worshipping an idol.
Then Nixon froze my wages at the bottom of my
classification. Those at the top were not veterans and
made twice what I did for the same work!
I now am on Social Security and Medicare and am
cared for by the VA. Love it! I am fortunate.
And I love that
coldbeer
Sarah Ibarruri
(21,043 posts)And that tells me they're falling through huge cracks. Obviously, these people are not receiving care that they need.
SQUEE
(1,315 posts)Tommy
I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer,
The publican 'e up an' sez, "We serve no red-coats here."
The girls be'ind the bar they laughed an' giggled fit to die,
I outs into the street again an' to myself sez I:
O it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, go away";
But it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play,
The band begins to play, my boys, the band begins to play,
O it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play.
I went into a theatre as sober as could be,
They gave a drunk civilian room, but 'adn't none for me;
They sent me to the gallery or round the music-'alls,
But when it comes to fightin', Lord! they'll shove me in the stalls!
For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, wait outside";
But it's "Special train for Atkins" when the trooper's on the tide,
The troopship's on the tide, my boys, the troopship's on the tide,
O it's "Special train for Atkins" when the trooper's on the tide.
Yes, makin' mock o' uniforms that guard you while you sleep
Is cheaper than them uniforms, an' they're starvation cheap;
An' hustlin' drunken soldiers when they're goin' large a bit
Is five times better business than paradin' in full kit.
Then it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, 'ow's yer soul?"
But it's "Thin red line of 'eroes" when the drums begin to roll,
The drums begin to roll, my boys, the drums begin to roll,
O it's "Thin red line of 'eroes" when the drums begin to roll.
We aren't no thin red 'eroes, nor we aren't no blackguards too,
But single men in barricks, most remarkable like you;
An' if sometimes our conduck isn't all your fancy paints,
Why, single men in barricks don't grow into plaster saints;
While it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, fall be'ind",
But it's "Please to walk in front, sir", when there's trouble in the wind,
There's trouble in the wind, my boys, there's trouble in the wind,
O it's "Please to walk in front, sir", when there's trouble in the wind.
You talk o' better food for us, an' schools, an' fires, an' all:
We'll wait for extry rations if you treat us rational.
Don't mess about the cook-room slops, but prove it to our face
The Widow's Uniform is not the soldier-man's disgrace.
For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Chuck him out, the brute!"
But it's "Saviour of 'is country" when the guns begin to shoot;
An' it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' anything you please;
An' Tommy ain't a bloomin' fool -- you bet that Tommy sees!
Jackpine Radical
(45,274 posts)despite his White Man's Burden bullshit.
chknltl
(10,558 posts)First off I will not dispute that we can do much better. I am considered a disabled vet. I get a pension for my disability. I also get all my medical needs provided for by the VA. To each and every American who reads my post: Thank you for this.
snort
(2,334 posts)and the VA has been all around excellent. They also provided a top notch CLC (hospice) for my Dad at the end of his life. Great care by a great staff.
So it seems the problem comes down to inconsistency in the system, with some receiving the care they need while others do not.
chknltl
(10,558 posts)My viewpoint may be jaded due to only having experience with the Veterans Administration and their policies here in Washington State. I received a pretty good education here thanks to the VA as well too. My sincere gratitude for all of this is not aimed at the VA though, it is aimed directly at the American citizenry. The Veterans Administration is a program of our government, a program OF, BY and FOR: WE THE PEOPLE. Thank You citizens of this country, Thank You Very Much.
When it comes to Vets falling through the cracks, we can and must do better! Homelessness among Vets is a serious issue that needs addressing by us. The citizens of this nation are not that heartless imo, should this plight be brought fully before the American people I do believe we will bring about a change here.
My personal bugaboo that needs fixing is dental. Currently a Vet has to be 100% disabled in order to qualify for full dental. IMO dental issues ARE medical issues and can become quite deadly when left unattended. Recently there was legislation passed granting us Vets a form of dental insurance. I do not know the details of it but it is at the very least a step in the right direction.
snort
(2,334 posts)Looks like the Dental is going to be serviced by 2 insurers. Private insurers. Take your pick of rates. It is definitely a step but I am not sure that it is in the right direction. I will check it out.
chknltl
(10,558 posts)I have not looked at the details but I see no reason for a private insurer to be sticking their nose in this matter-well no reason other than $$! If you do check further into this program could you get back to me on it? I would very much like to know what you make of it. (On edit, looks like pinboy3niner has the details below.)
pinboy3niner
(53,339 posts)Department of Veterans Affairs news release:
November 15, 2013
WASHINGTON VA is partnering with Delta Dental and MetLife to allow eligible Veterans, plus family members receiving care under the Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA), to purchase affordable dental insurance beginning Nov. 15, VA officials announced today.
VA continues to explore innovative ways to help Veterans get access to the care and services they have earned and deserve, said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. This new dental program is another example of VA creating partnerships with the private sector to deliver a range of high-quality care at an affordable cost, for our Nations Veterans.
More than 8 million Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care can choose to purchase one of the offered dental plans. This three-year pilot has been designed for Veterans with no dental coverage, or those eligible for VA dental care who would like to purchase additional coverage. Participation will not affect entitlement to VA dental services and treatment.
There are no eligibility limitations based on service-connected disability rating or enrollment priority assignment. People interested in participating may complete an application online through either Delta Dental, www.deltadentalvadip.org, or MetLife, www.metlife.com/vadip beginning Nov. 15. Coverage for this new dental insurance will begin Jan. 1, 2014, and will be available throughout the United States and its territories.
Also eligible for the new benefits are nearly 400,000 spouses and dependent children who are reimbursed for most medical expenses under VAs CHAMPVA program. Generally, CHAMPVA participants are spouses, survivors or dependent children of Veterans officially rated as permanently and totally disabled by a service-connected condition.
Dental services under the new program vary by plan and include diagnostic, preventive, surgical, emergency and endodontic/restorative treatment. Enrollment in the VA Dental Insurance Plan (VADIP) is voluntary. Participants are responsible for all premiums, which range from $8.65 to $52.90 per month for individual plans. Copayments and other charges may apply.
Historically VAs free dental services have gone to Veterans with dental problems connected to a medical condition thats officially certified as service connected. Free dental services will continue for those Veterans.
For more information on VADIP, visit www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vadip, or contact Delta Dental at 1-855-370-3303 or MetLife at 1-888-310-1681.
Veterans who are not enrolled in the VA health care system can apply at any time by visiting www.va.gov/healthbenefits/enroll, calling 1-877-222-VETS (8387) or visiting their local VA health care facility.
http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2495
chknltl
(10,558 posts)I am losing teeth rapidly and am considering dentures as a remedy I can almost afford. This seems like a way for me to better afford those dentures. That said, I wonder if one could unscrupulously abuse the insurer by paying the highest premium, get mouthful of VERY EXPENSIVE implants and then stop all payments to the insurer after the work is done!?!
Cha
(297,285 posts)need to be paid their benefits they're due or have a Jobs Bill passed for VETS.