Obama to visit Phoenix VA hospital that sparked scandal

[Omaha Steve]

http://apnews.excite.com/article/20150310/us--obama-veterans-d4ab9e55e4.html

By JIM KUHNHENN

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama will visit the Arizona veterans' hospital that prompted an overhaul of veterans' health care and led to the resignation of the VA secretary, his first visit since reports of mismanagement surfaced nearly a year ago.

The White House said Obama will travel to Phoenix on Friday to discuss veterans' issues. He will be joined by VA Secretary Robert McDonald, who filled the post following the ouster of Eric Shinseki.

The VA came under scrutiny last year following reports that dozens of veterans died awaiting treatment at the Phoenix Veterans Affairs Medical Center and that records were manipulated to hide delays.

A series of government reports said workers throughout the country falsified wait lists while supervisors looked the other way. While veterans encountered chronic delays, the reports found managers who falsely appeared to meet on-time goals received bonuses.

FULL story at link.

[frazzled]

1. He doesn't forget about this stuff, even when the media and pubic do

I applaud the president for following through on this issue despite the lack of current newsworthiness (and the potential to stir up new hornets' nests among the media). I can only imagine we will hear an honest report of improvements that have been made, and an assessment of distances that still needed to be traveled in delivering top health care to veterans.

The thing that impresses me about Obama is his consistency and his determination to follow through on obligations, where possible. You may not always like his promises, and he may not always be able to fully deliver on them. But he stays on track.