By Judi McLeod ——Bio and Archives--November 11, 2015
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Never is it more noticeable than it is on Veteran’s Day that talk is cheap. When President Barack Obama will lay the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington today, commemorating Veterans Day, 2015.
Thanks to the convenience of cyberspace, photos of the laying the wreath will be seen worldwide. But there are no pictures anywhere in cyberspace of the 307,000 veterans who died waiting for care that never came. Those felled by illness they brought back from the battlefield suffered in silence, breaking the hearts of all those who loved them. Others came back to a life of living on the streets and sleeping in farmers’ fields.“The Secretary of Veteran Affairs, Robert McDonald, told Congress that if they do not receive $2.6 billion more in funds, they will have to deny veterans the care they deserve. The VA has been known to delay doctor appointments, especially in the past 7 years. Robert McDonald has only been Secretary of Veteran Affairs for the past year, yet he has already made some horrific things. “What you’re seeing is a sea of change in the way VA operates. Historically, we’ve managed to a budget instead of managing to requirements based on veterans’ needs.” “After discussing the possibility of closing some of the VA hospitals, Congress passed an emergency spending bill worth $3.5 billion. Josh Earnest, White House spokesman, said that the United States has committed to spend $4.5 billion in order to help rebuild Syria while also addressing the refugee camps scattered throughout Europe. $419 million will be designated for humanitarian aid assisting with Syrian refugees. The money is coming from the United States Agency for International Development which means that Congress will not get the chance to deny the funding.”
“The United States military is the strongest, most capable fighting force the world has ever known. The brave men and women of our Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard demonstrate a resolute spirit and unmatched selflessness, and their service reminds us there are few things more American than giving of ourselves to make a difference in the lives of others. On Veterans Day, we reflect on the immeasurable burdens borne by so few in the name of so many, and we rededicate ourselves to supporting those who have worn America's uniform and the families who stand alongside them. “It’s true that the United States military was “the strongest, most capable fighting force the world has ever known” until Obama came into office and all but gutted it. More proclamation blather:
“Our true strength as a Nation is measured by how we take care of our veterans when they return home, and my Administration is committed to ensuring our heroes and their loved ones have every chance to share in the promise they risked their lives to defend. We have made it easier for veterans to convert their military skills to the civilian workforce, enabled more veterans and their family members to attain Federal education benefits, and expanded access to timely, quality health care for all veterans. Just as every veteran deserves the support and benefits they have earned, those who have given everything to defend our homeland deserve a place of their own to call home. To uphold this ideal, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden's Joining Forces initiative has forged partnerships with local leaders across America to uphold the dignity of every veteran and work to end veterans' homelessness. No one who fights for our country should have to fight for the care they deserve. Earlier this year, I was proud to sign the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, which fills critical gaps in mental health care by raising awareness and taking steps to improve access to care for those suffering from the invisible wounds of war. “Some 307,000 veterans who died waiting for care that never came are testimony against Obama’s claim that “Our true strength as a Nation is measured by how we take care of our veterans when they return home, and my Administration is committed to ensuring our heroes and their loved ones have every chance to share in the promise they risked their lives to defend.”
“Our veterans left everything they knew and loved and served with exemplary dedication and courage so we could all know a safer America and a more just world. They have been tested in ways the rest of us may never fully understand, and it is our duty to fulfill our sacred obligation to our veterans and their families. On Veterans Day, and every day, let us show them the extraordinary gratitude they so rightly deserve, and let us recommit to pledging our full support for them in all they do. “NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2015, as Veterans Day. I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through appropriate public ceremonies and private prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I call on all Americans, including civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, and communities to support this day with commemorative expressions and programs.”It is not the American people who do not recognize “the valor and sacrifice” of veterans, but I BARACK OBAMA, who doesn’t follow up his florid rhetoric with action. Talk is cheap and bling readily available to the wives of politicians: (White House, Nov. 9, 2015)
“As part of their Joining Forces initiative, the First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden will host a Veterans Day luncheon for military connected women at the Vice President’s Residence. Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden will pay tribute to the incredible contributions of the active duty service members, veterans, military spouses and caregivers attending the event, including two women that were featured in Lifetime’s Women of Honor. "Those who serve their country should be remembered not just on Veterans and Remembrance Day, but every day, because were it not for their sacrifice and courage none of us would be able to do what we do.
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