Obama administration ditches soak-wounded-vets policy
posted at 5:05 pm on March 18, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Give Barack Obama his due. He said he wanted to bring unity and bipartisanship to Washington DC … and he succeeded beyond his wild dreams with a hare-brained scheme to charge wounded vets for their service-related injuries. After taking fire from all sides, the Obama administration finally hit full retreat:
The White House on Wednesday backed off a controversial plan that would have dramatically altered the way the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) handles insurance claims, after veterans groups staged an all-out fight against such a proposal.
President Obama will not pursue a proposal that would have allowed the VA to charge private insurance companies for the treatment of veterans with service- and war-related injuries. The proposal raised the ire of prominent Democrats on the House and Senate Veterans Affairs panels. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) was the first to publicly announce Wednesday afternoon that the president won’t pursue such proposal.
For a second time in a week, representatives from prominent veterans’ organization went to the White House on Wednesday to meet with the White House chief-of-staff on VA budget issues. On Monday, they met with the president, but that meeting led to a public outcry over what veterans perceived as a move by the president to still consider the proposal despite opposition.
I guess no one at the White House could answer Jon Stewart’s question of “What the %^&* were you guys thinking?” The correct answer was, “We weren’t,” but that’s apparently the same answer they’re using on the AIG bailout and couldn’t risk overdoing it. Instead, they’ll flush it down the memory hole.
Jim Geraghty and I discussed this on today’s show, and Jim made a good point. Certainly we know we’ll disagree on policy with a Democratic President and a Democratic Congress, but that comes from having differing philosophies on governance, economics, and freedom. We can differ on that without assigning malicious motives to political opponents. However, the idea of raising revenues by reneging on our commitment to wounded veterans goes beyond that to a point where you have to question how the person who proposes this can sleep at night. And the truth of that can be seen by the unanimous, loud, and angry criticism directed to Obama, Rahm Emanuel, and General Eric Shinseki from just about everyone who heard about the proposal.
So yes, they’ve pulled the proposal, but it took two meetings at the White House with veterans groups to get the point to sink in. Either this administration has a problem with its intelligence or with its soul.
Update: Nancy Pelosi’s spinning like a top:
“President Obama listened to the genuine concerns expressed by the veteran service organizations regarding the option of billing service-connected injuries to veterans’ insurance companies,” said Pelosi. “Based on the respect President Obama has for veterans and the principle concerns of our veteran leaders, the president made the decision that combat wounds should not be billed through their insurance policies.”
If he respected veterans, he wouldn’t have proposed it in the first place. All this shows is that Obama “respects” the potential for fumbling away any hope of re-election.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3 Next »
INC on March 18, 2009 at 5:46 PM
Yeah. We have a better chance with him than Capitulus, the Wall, Drywall, Sethstorm, and Getaclue.
kingsjester on March 18, 2009 at 5:47 PM
I have no loyalty to a branch of service, but I will tell you that I serve for my own reasons, and will stay in or get out based on my own conscience.
Because I am beginning to feel abandoned by those who apparently don’t appreciate my sacrifices.
Otis B on March 18, 2009 at 5:47 PM
It might not rhyme, but “Danke” would be more appropriate.
For Barack Obama, serving your country might cost you an arm and a leg. Twice.
Steve Z on March 18, 2009 at 5:48 PM
The fact that Obama and his merry band of lunatics would even consider such a move is frightening and despicable.
rplat on March 18, 2009 at 5:49 PM
*Spits iced tea on monitor*
Then, she blurts out: Enforcing immigration law is unAmerican……clean up behind Plastic Pelosi Please.
HornetSting on March 18, 2009 at 5:49 PM
HornetSting on March 18, 2009 at 5:47 PM
Thanks HS. I agree.
Otis B on March 18, 2009 at 5:49 PM
Maybe a knuckle sandwich while he’s eating his waffle?
Steve Z on March 18, 2009 at 5:49 PM
Agreed.
INC on March 18, 2009 at 5:50 PM
The PrOmpter just certified his “joke” status.
Unfit to be Commander in Chief.
Saltyron on March 18, 2009 at 5:51 PM
Heh. I’ll believe DTMH isn’t shilling for Obama when I see it. But man, if Obama can’t keep DTMH–he is cratering.
Couldn’t be soon enough!
If we only had a competent republican party to point this stuff out….. *sigh*
What disturbs me the most is that the American Legion of all groups pretty much pushed this, and destroyed Obama in what, less than three days? Why can’t my party do this? They are supposed to be the ones with political expertise!
Vanceone on March 18, 2009 at 5:51 PM
Dude, you are brainless.
First, right now it’s the man/woman’s choice to serve and to NOT serve.
Second, why stay in, be a tool of The One’s march to madness (note: not the same as March Madness)? Might serve better to be on the line opposing the next American Stalin.
Third, I was in the Army many moons again, wasn’t there loyal to the Army, I was loyal to my country. And if I thought my country was betraying that dedication, then I too would have gotten out. Almost did. I served under Carter, planned on getting out, then Reagan came in – the change in moral can’t be measured.
You know, I’d like to see Gush Boombaugh and Glen Peckerhead put up the money for one of those USA TODAY ads with current troops voicing their intent to leave the service ’cause of The One (Dweeb). Send this pathetic “commander in chief” a clear message.
klickink.wordpress.com on March 18, 2009 at 5:51 PM
Don’t veterans get full medical benefits, even for stuff not combat related?
Sue on March 18, 2009 at 5:51 PM
Yep. Sorry Barry, a little too late to back away from this now, the damage has been done and we now know exactly how your socialistic pea brain works
Knucklehead on March 18, 2009 at 5:54 PM
Otis, don’t feel abandoned because that no account sack of sh*t is now your commander in chief. I support our troops and I know I am not alone.
My dad was drafted in Vietnam. He skipped summer school to pay for his next semester of college and got drafted. He went and fought as a medic.
Now, he is being cared for by the VA. He has diabetes from Agent Orange, neorapathy in his feet.
I don’t want to see the draft come back. My dad served his country. You are serving our country.
You stand among giants.
HornetSting on March 18, 2009 at 5:54 PM
While in service. For a limited time, 90 days(?), upon dismissal.
War veterans, injured or not used to get a pass if they had no medical insurance, notably the WW II guys.
Right now things are tight in the VA: one’s disability has to have a high rating to qualify.
klickink.wordpress.com on March 18, 2009 at 5:54 PM
As they well should! We give ILLEGAL ALIENS MEDICAL BENEFITS>>>>>>>>NOW LET’S GET MAD ABOUT THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HornetSting on March 18, 2009 at 5:55 PM
Because I am beginning to feel abandoned by those who apparently don’t appreciate my sacrifices.
Otis B on March 18, 2009 at 5:47 PM
Who? Your commanding officers? Your Sec. Def.? Your Veterans Affairs Sec.?
48% of the American Public that refused to succumb to the power of The One?
What a bunch of crap. Bed wetting, disloyalty.
I’m sure your patriotism isn’t defined by who the people voted for. That would make you no better than the seditious moonbats who did everything possible to undermine the strength and resolve of our brave fighting men and women.
You aren’t a traitorous moonbat are you?
barkolounger on March 18, 2009 at 5:55 PM
Agreed.
Sue on March 18, 2009 at 5:56 PM
My husband just said that as Obama peddles these Leftist ideas, Obama is like a burglar going down the hall of a hotel trying doors to see which ones are unlocked.
INC on March 18, 2009 at 5:57 PM
DAMN STRIAGHT.
I have never been so mad at any president.
sonofdy on March 18, 2009 at 5:58 PM
Sue on March 18, 2009 at 5:51 PM
No we do not. Only if you can prove you medical problem is “service-connected” will the VA cover you once you are no longer active duty. Of course, while you are active, you do get full coverage, but if you hurt yourself doing things that are not duty-related (such as not wearing your seatbelt and getting in a car wreck while off-duty) the military will not cover your medical expenses and can even punish you for damaging government property.
Mord on March 18, 2009 at 5:58 PM
That they would even think of doing this makes my blood boil. So just because they ditched the idea does not mean we are done with them, now we need to rub thier face in it, esp. Nancy girl!!
The sacrifices of our wounded only begin in the war zone.
The battle for recovery continues on the home front – a tough, gritty battle that lasts the rest of a warrior’s life.
MooreMom on March 18, 2009 at 5:58 PM
This pretty much defines the Obama administration – they will do ANYTHING, just as long as they don’t get caught at it. No morals at work there.
commenter on March 18, 2009 at 5:58 PM
TOTUS got smacked so hard over this insult, he’ll say each line twice!
Christien on March 18, 2009 at 6:00 PM
This is how it begins: By making it ill advisable to join the armed forces, there will be a net reduction in costs associated.
Only a true ultra-liberal leftist would consider this a good idea. Wait, what am I saying?
TinMan13 on March 18, 2009 at 6:01 PM
If I don’t believe my Commander in Chief supports me and I have doubts about his loyalty to the Constitution, I cannot in good conscience serve under him. And I certainly don’t feel like putting up with being called a “murderer” like it gets tossed about here.
Calm yourself with the “sedition” comments. We’re talking about the cessation of voluntary service.
What is seditious about that, pray tell?
Otis B on March 18, 2009 at 6:03 PM
You know, I’d like to see Gush Boombaugh and Glen Peckerhead put up the money for one of those USA TODAY ads with current troops voicing their intent to leave the service ’cause of The One (Dweeb). Send this pathetic “commander in chief” a clear message.
klickink.wordpress.com on March 18, 2009 at 5:51 PM
Riiiiiight.
You are so patriotic, soooooo loyal to your country that at the very moment you claim the CiC is putting our country at risk from foreigners looking to do us harm…..You are saying that’s the best time to leave the military.
The best time to leave this great country’s defense to obot droids that remain in the military.
The same people you call traitorous cowards.
Yup….you are a super patriot.
barkolounger on March 18, 2009 at 6:03 PM
I understand that sentiment so let me explain from my personal point of view.
Serving under someone you consider honorable, someone who supports you and appreciates you is a rally for the troops especially when you come home to idiots who spit in your face and call you babykillers.
Serving under someone who marched alongside those who spit in your face and called you babykiller,someone who said you were bombing villages killing civilians, someone who takes his first 100 days in office to personally see to it that our wounded vets healthcare is put in jeopardy,but still pays Hamas in Gaza to rebuild– makes the line between serving and getting out even thinner.
If you dont get this, then what can I say.
canditaylor68 on March 18, 2009 at 6:05 PM
say, barkolounger–you wanted this bill by Obama, didn’t you? And now that Obama’s backed down, you are accusing anyone who isn’t pulling for Obama’s Brave New World a traitor, right?
Vanceone on March 18, 2009 at 6:05 PM
That’s enough.
HornetSting on March 18, 2009 at 6:05 PM
Bullwinkle Obama will try another way to screw us Veterans, just watch.
He got caught this time, he will be sneakier next time.
I would like to take this time to thank all the Stupid A$$holes that voted for this pile of ________(fill in the blank). He and his Idiot/Communists friends will run this country into the ground. Hell, it’s only been 60 days and so far they is doing a great job of it. I hope you all are happy.
Old Hippie Vet
3/5 Cav
Quang Tri, Vietnam
Old Hippie Vet on March 18, 2009 at 6:06 PM
Bluntly, it’s time for veterans to rise up and become a unified political force. And they are welcome to take over the GOP for that purpose; I’ll trade a Steele for a Petraeus-type any day.
michaelo on March 18, 2009 at 6:06 PM
Pelosi, once again, shows how dumb she is.
Does she think her bs “reasoning” and posturing will resonate with Veterans????
They aren’t the Hopey/Dopey sheep looking for talking points – nor do they forget very easily.
IN OVER THEIR HEADS
Odie1941 on March 18, 2009 at 6:07 PM
canditaylor68 on March 18, 2009 at 6:05 PM
You’ve hit very closely to the heart of the matter.
Otis B on March 18, 2009 at 6:08 PM
May I please ask to you to stop quoting the Bill Mahers, Jon Stewarts, Phil Donahues of the world… they are ignorant pieces of garbage. I know that those who control these threads want people to respond to their comments for rating purposes. But, some of us are smarter and not the victims of television, as it now exists. I have no respect or caring of people who use television to construct their thought processes, they are my enemy… since we already know that the media , in toto, is based on leftist profit, not truth
MNDavenotPC on March 18, 2009 at 6:10 PM
What a perfect analogy!
scalleywag on March 18, 2009 at 6:10 PM
I just realized you have no idea what you are talking about.
Carry on.
Otis B on March 18, 2009 at 6:11 PM
MooreMom on March 18, 2009 at 5:58 PM
So let me get this straight, you think that currently our Vets are treated well?
You think that 55 days in Obama has created the horror show that is the VA system?
Where was all the angst and fury over how our brave soldiers have been treated for the last decade?
Do you not agree that ‘reform’ is required?
Do the troops not deserve better than they have been given up to now?
Have you read these threads? To claim there isn’t seditious ranting on them is absurd. Pretending our brave men and women in uniform should stop protecting us because you don’t ‘trust’ the cic is pathetic if not seditious.
barkolounger on March 18, 2009 at 6:11 PM
Guess we know who is behind the teleprompter: Jon Stewart!
Christian Conservative on March 18, 2009 at 6:11 PM
The fact that this was even considered tells me all I need to know about the assholes running this show’s mentality.
gsherin on March 18, 2009 at 6:12 PM
My soldier leaves for his 5th tour to Iraq next month.Keep them in your prayers. Twenty three years of service to his country, he has never left a soldier behind. First to go and last to leave.
Initial success or total failure–hoo ah.
canditaylor68 on March 18, 2009 at 6:12 PM
Prayers for his safe return. Prayers for all of our service men and women.
HornetSting on March 18, 2009 at 6:14 PM
canditaylor68 on March 18, 2009 at 6:12 PM
Thank him for his service. May God Bless you and yours and all the families of our brave fighting men and women.
May this stupid little fishing expedition by Mr. President never be forgotten.
kingsjester on March 18, 2009 at 6:15 PM
I’m simply giving my own individual thoughts on the matter.
I can get out of the military for whatever reason I choose, when my term is complete. For whatever reason I choose.
You can call it sedition if you like, but I like to call it freedom.
Have you ever served in the military?
Otis B on March 18, 2009 at 6:15 PM
canditaylor68 on March 18, 2009 at 6:12 PM
God bless you and your family.
Otis B on March 18, 2009 at 6:16 PM
Obama reminds me of many a young second lieutenant I’ve encountered over the years…each one freshly minted, and each one convinced they were the re-incarnation of Patton.
The arrogance, the cockiness, and lack of experience, was obvious and palpable. When faced with the stark problem that they were not born-leaders, many would react saying that it wasn’t a problem of their leadership, it was merely that the troops under them were not good followers.
Leadership is a lot more than coming up with ideas, giving a good speech, or playing the part, pretending, or believing, that one is a leader.
I’ve had the honor of working under, alongside and with some great leaders…Obama is not a leader. He just thinks he is.
Guess those fools who voted for Obama were excellent followers…lemmings is more like it.
coldwarrior on March 18, 2009 at 6:17 PM
All the time and everyday. I Pray until they ALL COME HOME IN VICTORY.
I am making it my personal duty to the soldiers to make sure of this.
canditaylor68 on March 18, 2009 at 6:20 PM
Let me ask you. Without a single Vet issue having been enacted under the current Administration, do you think our Vets have been treated properly for the past decade?
Umm, No. Since this hasn’t even gotten past a policy proposal among many competing proposals yet, and in no way ever looked like a bill, you can be assured I was never ‘for’ any such thing.
Sweet, another keyboard Rambo unable to deal with a competing point of view that demands intellectual honesty. More examples of the cancer taking hold of our party that I rail against.
barkolounger on March 18, 2009 at 6:20 PM
barkolounger on March 18, 2009 at 6:11 PM
You seem to be of the opinion that anyone who doesn’t want to serve with Obama as CiC is seditious. You forget that our military is all volunteer and can choose not to re-enlist when their terms of service are complete without giving an excuse or a reason why. Otis B did not call for people to get out, he just said he was thinking about not re-upping because of Obama. That is 100% his(or her) choice and there isn’t a damn thing you can do about it.
Mord on March 18, 2009 at 6:21 PM
Thank you and for yours also. It is sometimes hard to admit when dealing with people(certain commentors) whos philosophy doesnt match our own-that you dont like what they have to say-but you will defend to the death their right to say it.
canditaylor68 on March 18, 2009 at 6:23 PM
One thing I’m certain of is this is about as close to combat as you’ve ever come.
So right back at ya, skippy.
Otis B on March 18, 2009 at 6:24 PM
canditaylor68 on March 18, 2009 at 6:12 PM
I hope he stays safe and comes home quickly.
Mord on March 18, 2009 at 6:25 PM
NO WAY. Grow up.
Wade on March 18, 2009 at 6:26 PM
canditaylor68 on March 18, 2009 at 6:23 PM
That’s what it’s all about, to be sure.
Otis B on March 18, 2009 at 6:27 PM
Nothing. I thank you for your service and I am sorry you have felt betrayed by the big O, though I agree. Please feel free and honored to come to one of the Tea Parties forming around the country.
GunRunner on March 18, 2009 at 6:28 PM
Who is saying you can’t leave? I’m not stop lossing you.
Ooops ‘stop loss’ was wonderful and our troops loved it.
There was no need to doubt our CiC had our troops’ best at heart then, and while we had complete control of congress we corrected the horror show inflicted upon our brave soldiers returning from duty. Sorry I missed that.
No, I’m challenging your opinion that says now, when our country is in such peril from enemies foreign and domestic, YOU claim that is an appropriate time to leave the military.
And you have the nerve to ask if I have ever served. What do you think, and why?
barkolounger on March 18, 2009 at 6:30 PM
I think it is an appropriate time for me to leave the military, following the dictates of my conscience.
I’m not trying to convince anyone else.
Well, did you?
Otis B on March 18, 2009 at 6:34 PM
Excellent followers = lemmings = useful idiots (emotional retards) who are compelled by pressure from their peers to blindly obey in order to feel better about themselves and to feel as if they are making a “contritibution” to the world. PUKE
kooziegirl on March 18, 2009 at 6:35 PM
I had a hard time with stop loss as well, by the way. But I didn’t have the same doubts about Bush as I do Obama, see?
Otis B on March 18, 2009 at 6:36 PM
Pelosi is truly a repugnant little twit and her pathetic attempt at spin would probably only fool the morons who voted for her in the first place.
Grayson on March 18, 2009 at 6:36 PM
My son is in Iraq as I type. I am a wounded combat veteran of Vietnam with the USMC …. I will not honor Barry Soetoro with a salute, as my son will not. Don’t like it?… Read your Constitution and learn where fealty lies… not with a false leader but the Constitution. When I served, you’re government promised me a few things. Now, Pelosi wishes to protect illegals and such… Piss people like me and my son off, I dare you!
MNDavenotPC on March 18, 2009 at 6:39 PM
barkolounger: you reek of troll. I’m sorry, but I’ve never seen you here before. Now you come in and instead of bashing this idiotic and nigh treasonous proposal, the only thing you are doing is shouting to the wind about how any soldier who thinks that Obama isn’t a great CIC is seditious and traitorous. While at the same time working in a chance to bash Bush for being horrible.
Smacks of classic liberal trollness to me. I doubt you have ever served. Why? Because the vast, vast majority of veterans never doubted that Bush cared for them–only the lunatics that write fake columns for liberal magazine and their ilk disagree. Could Bush have done more? Sure. Did he, in an orgy of spending, come up with the one cut being on the backs of wounded veterans? That’s Obama!
I note that you copped out of my question about whether you supported this idea by saying it was never introduced. No duh, skippy. I’ll ask you again: Do you or do you not support the idea of making wounded veterans pay for their combat related care either out of their own pockets or by the higher insurance premiums, as this idea by Obama promoted? And don’t forget here: Obama HIMSELF pitched this idea to veterans organizations in the oval office. This wasn’t just a brainstorming session–he called them in to pitch this for their approval and got destroyed. This was a policy that was going to be implemented, had the American Legion not done a very effective job at raising awareness.
Answer, please.
Vanceone on March 18, 2009 at 6:39 PM
barkolounger seriously, take a deep breath and realize that we have an ALL VOLUNTEER military. If the troops loose confidence that the people heading the military have their best interests at heart they can and will leave. Nothing traitorous or seditious about it. It is simply exercising the freewill guaranteed by constitution those serving have sworn to uphold. One of the reasons the government doesn’t usually try to screw over servicemen this badly is that exact knowledge.
darcee on March 18, 2009 at 6:39 PM
Wha-
NO GUN AND AMMO PARTY?
*pout*
ProudPalinFan on March 18, 2009 at 6:40 PM
Actually yes he did. But a minor quibble compared to the others.
I’m shocked to see a board full of patriots are having a hard time understanding why it is appalling to claim your reason for abandoning the military is because of Obama.
It’s the same people claiming Obama is putting our country at risk (some say willfully) from enemies foreign and domestic.
Who the hell do you suppose will be left to a) protect all of us patriots who didn’t vote for Obama, and b) protect those soldiers without the luxury of being able to drop out?
Sadly many of those rushing to answer the first question with ‘me and my .45 will protect ourselves’ are the first people to claim the federal government’s sole role is to protect the citizenry.
You all want it both ways and as long as you add ‘screw Obama’ the intellectual vapidity of the argument gets ignored.
Well not by everyone.
barkolounger on March 18, 2009 at 6:40 PM
That’s exactly what I’d say. If you don’t take care of those who protect you, then protect yourself – I know I can protect myself. Can you?
And, for the record, I did not nor am I calling for others to leave the military, I am merely stating my reasons for wanting to get out at this time.
Otis B on March 18, 2009 at 6:45 PM
As far as Im concerned ONLY THOSE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE SERVED IN THE MILITARY SHOULD BE ABLE TO VOTE IN US ELECTIONS.
Though Ive never served (and wouldnt be allowed to vote under the above system) as an American I am proud of our military men and women and humbled by your service to our precious country. We owe you our lives.
To Mords post: Exactly right. How can it be considered seditious to CHOOSE not to re-enlist and serve under a Marxist especially (or anyone else for that matter). Thank God there’s nothing barko can do about it.
kooziegirl on March 18, 2009 at 6:48 PM
This wouldn’t be the first time where honorable and honest men and women have been asked to make a choice about where their loyalties lie. To their home state or the united states was one question; to the president or the constitution might be the next. Frightening thought on many levels, but sadly not entirely beyond the imagining at the moment.
Now it could be that Obama hopes to slowly purge the military of all those who might question him, starting by little measures like this insurance thing to weed out those most likely to stand on principle. Who knows, is he smart enough and patient enough for that? Or is he just a bumbling fool who can get his cabinet assembled without flubbing it?
darcee on March 18, 2009 at 6:48 PM
Service guarantees citizenship?
darcee on March 18, 2009 at 6:49 PM
Do you really want to play games about which side of the aisle gives vent to more seditious sentiment? Please tell me you’re self-aware enough to acknowledge that’s not a Dem strong point. Or need I start linking Kos/HuffPo/DU archives and pictures from Zombietime? God what a joke.
Not re-upping is abandoning the military now? Fascinating. Tell me more. Is that like refusing to increase someone’s budget as much they thought is giving them a “cut?”
Vapid.
TheUnrepentantGeek on March 18, 2009 at 6:50 PM
You need to just shut up now.
HornetSting on March 18, 2009 at 6:50 PM
barkolounger on March 18, 2009 at 6:40 PM
There is some kind of blockage in our intellectual exchange It’s not my problem, it’s not Otis’ problem to “a) protect all of us patriots who didn’t vote for Obama, and b) protect those soldiers without the luxury of being able to drop out?” My time is up, I served my country under both Clinton and Bush, I made my sacrafice the same way Otis is right now. If Obama’s policies prove to be so distasteful to those serving in the military that retention and enlistments suffer, he should change those policies. It is the responsibilty of the very people like you who so ardently crave protection in this dangerous world to vote people into office people who will make military service attractive enough that enough people will volunteer to keep the armed forces fully staffed. Accusing people of sedition because they don’t want to re-enlist is not the way to go about it.
Oh, and Obama sucks.
Mord on March 18, 2009 at 6:53 PM
Barkolounger: Answer me this: Was Erwin S. Rommel and Claus von Staffenburg evil people when they not only worked against their leader, but tried to kill him? I’m speaking of Adolf Hitler, of course.
Now, Obama isn’t Hitler (that we know of)…. but when Obama wants to protect Hamas and demonize our allies, what exactly is our military fighting for? To protect America? What America are they protecting? It’s not a good thing to be fighting for something that is wrong.
And Obama is wrong, through and through. What he wants is the Soviet Union. And you cannot blame any American soldier, especially those still in service from the cold war, if they want out.
Vanceone on March 18, 2009 at 6:54 PM
Umm, since none of my arguments involve the ‘bill’ in question I’m not sure how it is important but here goes….
No, of course I wouldn’t want our troops to have to pay a single dime for combat injuries. I wouldn’t want a single dime increase in premiums for our troops when they enlist if they have existing coverage either.
But having said that, the head of the Legion hasn’t acted as an unbiased non partisan recently and I worry that in his eagerness to score points he has let himself be played.
I have said since this was first ‘floated’ that Rahm and O are far to Machiavellian to not have known this particular proposal would stir controversy and demand GOVERNMENT mandated heath care.
Sure it is for vets now, but you watch how fast they turn public support for UHC for Vets into support for UHC for ALL.
If socialized medicine is good enough for our bravest why isn’t it good enough for our weakest?
How the hell did Rahm get conservative patriots arguing for socialized medicine for our troops?
barkolounger on March 18, 2009 at 6:56 PM
Military Service offers a path to citizenship.
canditaylor68 on March 18, 2009 at 6:58 PM
Veteran incompetence.
Johan Klaus on March 18, 2009 at 6:59 PM
barkolounger on March 18, 2009 at 6:56 PM
HAHA someone beat you to it already buddy. They predicted that the left would use this exact same line of reasoning to push for universal healthcare on the very first thread concerning this issue yesterday. I could probably find the post but I’m too lazy and you sure aint worth the trouble.
I’m done with you.
Mord on March 18, 2009 at 7:02 PM
Barkolounger: You still don’t make any sense.
Tell you what: This conservative is quite happy to kill the VA hospital system, as long as we just write the check for all veterans anywhere. Oh, and install all that specialized care the VA hospital system has too. Is that socialist?
The VA system is not perfect, and it could use a lot of work. No question. But it does provide something regular hospitals cannot in many cases.
Vanceone on March 18, 2009 at 7:04 PM
Too little, too late Lil’ Berry.
3,000,000 wounded vets have a loonngg memory.
I’ll help them remember. I promise you.
Not Over.
1GooDDaDDy on March 18, 2009 at 7:05 PM
And people chastise me for calling the bastard a filthy liar. There are names for people like Obama- traitor.
highhopes on March 18, 2009 at 7:06 PM
I’m kind of interested in this question also.
Notice there’s still no answer.
Saying it’s ‘SEDITION’ to leave the military after your enlistment is up??
BigWyo on March 18, 2009 at 7:07 PM
I hope every U.S. military person on the planet has seen what has transpired on this over the last several days. The entire U.S. military and veterans need to realize they don’t have any friends in the White House and darned few in Congress.
Maxx on March 18, 2009 at 7:09 PM
Oh sweet merciful … say “hi” to Axlerod for me.
Look, I already explained why this is the furthest thing from agitating for “socialized medicine for our troops.” It’s an intellectually dishonest argument coming from anyone but an idiot.
But once again, for the thinking impaired:
Taking the position that a veteran’s medical care should be paid for by the taxpayer does not equal advocating socialized medicine.
1. The means of delivery need not necessarily equal the means of funding. If we paid them to go to private hospitals, that’d be fine (and probably better) – but they should go where they WANT to go.
2. Combat troops are not the same as accountants and used car salesmen. Bodily harm is a fact of combat, and thus the employer should cover the expense. It’s completely fair. Or should we charge them for their weapons too?
TheUnrepentantGeek on March 18, 2009 at 7:09 PM
I wore the uniform with PRIDE, yet when i see these young men and women serving today, i feel humbled.
That they should be treated so poorly,as was proposed by this administration is a betrayal of their service.
For those who are considering no longer serving, I’ll say this-do as your conscience dictates. But keep in mind the country you will no longer protect, but undoubtedly love.
I would consider it an honor beyond measure to wear that uniform again with these people–Obama notwithstanding.
irongrampa on March 18, 2009 at 7:11 PM
A valid point, though I must note that this is not UHC for Vets nor is it socialized medicine. This is an attempt to gut the military’s version of Workmens’ Comp. And, your protestations notwithstanding, this proposal was already pencilled in to the VA budget as a new revenue stream. Hence the meeting between the President and the American Legion.
A Balrog of Morgoth on March 18, 2009 at 7:12 PM
What? You can protect yourself from a Russian missile strike?
ur do you, an American patriot, think a weak military will be viewed sympathetically by our enemies until we get a stronger, more patriotic CiC?
Who will protect the 19 yr old, 5th gen marine unable to leave if all that remain in the military are obot stormtroopers?
I see many here are trying to conflate the reupping and quiting with the notion of individual choice.
I never said choosing not to re-up was seditious. I said these threads contain seditious ranting by people claiming they are prepared to abandon the military to Obama loyalists.
Christ, there are people here advocating a military coup. A suspension of congress and an imposition of ‘ex-military’ overlords.
What a bunch of pussies. And not a patriot among them.
Huh? I clearly show equal disdain for moonbat cowardice, and treason.
I however realize that the Democrats locked up their moonbats before they regained the house. Remember ‘impeachment is off the table’?
We seem to be in love with our new found minority status because the more extreme the argument the louder the clapping from our side just now.
barkolounger on March 18, 2009 at 7:13 PM
My husband just said that as Obama peddles these Leftist ideas, Obama is like a burglar going down the hall of a hotel trying doors to see which ones are unlocked.
INC on March 18, 2009 at 5:57 PM
Interesting; I thought of the disarray and confusion of this administration as more of “government by committee” with no clear direction or leadership. Kind of like a room full of yammerheads and all of them can make policy.
mad scientist on March 18, 2009 at 7:15 PM
On second thought, not a valid point, since the poster is also arguing that refusal to serve under a particular CinC is some half-assed sort of sedition. Which is rather odd.
Barco, answer me this: To whom does a member of the armed forces swear his or her oath of allegiance?
A Balrog of Morgoth on March 18, 2009 at 7:16 PM
TheUnrepentantGeek on March 18, 2009 at 7:09 PM
They actually DO pay for troops to go to private hospitals in certain cases. After the VA fiasco that Bush had to face, they started a new program that lets you receive care in your hometown once the military hospitals have done what they can for you.
Are you the one who called it the other day that this issue would be a stepping stone to advocacy for universal healthcare I was talking about at 7:02 PM?
Mord on March 18, 2009 at 7:21 PM
Don’t mind Barkolounger, he’s just still pissed that his messiah didn’t get to screw over the vets. Just a typical troll saying anything to hinder conversation on blog he opposes.
Bark, Barkolounger, Bark.. but know this: Obama managed to look stupid, evil and ineffectual today. A public-rlations trifecta. The rest of us are enjoying good belly laugh at him and his shills.
Lean close to the monitor, Barkolunger: HA HA HA!
Consanescerion on March 18, 2009 at 7:23 PM
Would you support the military private insurance for vets that they could then get treatment where they want?
And I’m puzzled that you think the government can provide better specialized care than the private sector. Does this just extend to our wounded veterans or government programs in general?
If the private sector could compete to treat our wounded vets don’t you think the private sector would specialize with remarkable speed and quality?
And do what? Are you another advocating we abandon the strongest military the earth has ever seen to a bunch of unpatriotic, ignorant obots?
barkolounger on March 18, 2009 at 7:23 PM
Told everyone yesterday or the day before this wasn’t going anywhere. But it sure was fun watching the Obamatron go down in flames on the issue.
Hog Wild on March 18, 2009 at 7:27 PM
It is clear to me that the filthy liar’s people saw this as sticking this to insurance companies. The human equation of those who served this nation didn’t register. How could it? I’m willing to bet less than one percent of all those in the Obama White House have military service- let alone combat related injuries. Democrats don’t fight in uniform, they demean those that do. It really is that clear and simple and the reason why the military doesn’t trust bastards like Obama. They’ll obey (so far) but they will never trust rat bastard traitors like Obama.
highhopes on March 18, 2009 at 7:33 PM
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3 Next »