Sanders: 'Very easy to raise the flag,' hard to support veterans benefits

[n2doc]

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Bernie Sanders told veterans in Iowa Friday that unlike some other politicians, he doesn't pay lip service to their concerns.

"It is very easy to raise the flag at a troop deployment, it is very easy for a politician to give a moving speech on Veterans Day," Sanders said. "But it is very hard to go down that long road with the men and women who served and make sure that they continue to get all the benefits, all the healthcare, that they are entitled to for the rest of their lives."

The Vermont senator told the crowds that he was "more than aware" of the Veteran Affairs budget problems and the national debt we have now, but he explained that we have a "deeper debt" to our veterans, and that standing by them is this country's primary moral obligation.

Sanders served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs from 2013-15, during which he introduced the Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act to increase disability compensation rates for veterans and their families. In 2014, Sanders and Republican Sen. John McCain co-wrote the Veterans Access to Care Through Accountability and Transparency Act to reform the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill was in response to the VA scandal.

"I've heard Bernie Sanders' stance so far, I'm still waiting to hear something from Hillary," said Joe Stutler, communications officer for the Iowa Democratic Party's Veteran Caucus. "But I'm glad to hear a campaign finally starting to talk to veterans."

more
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/sanders-very-easy-to-raise-the-flag-hard-to-support-vets-benefits/article/2568513

[democrank]

1. All our vets deserve every bit of support we can possibly give them.

They earned it.

[kenfrequed]

2. Bernie has been on the side of Veterans for decades

While the republicans have just been on the side of the wars.

[Enthusiast]

3. We must have additional revenue.

Grover Norquist must lose and lose badly. Grover Norquist must haz a sad.

[n2doc]

4. Or stop buying more boondoggles like the F 35

And stop making more combat vets. The money is there but the will is not.

[Enthusiast]

5. All of the above.

[TNNurse]

6. What does Grover have on all those people?

Who the Hell is he to be influencing elected officials?? I am serious, what is democratic about having him tell people how to vote??

[Enthusiast]

7. I don't know. But all Republicans and many Democrats will not mention raising taxes.

It's as if everyone has decided supply side will rule us now and for the foreseeable future. This is a pathway to Greece.