Michelle Bachmann vs. Veterans Groups

Gladys, I think this proposal is unconscionable whether we are at war or not. Our veterans deserve the best we have to offer because they all were willing to pay with their very lives in service to this country. Did you know that millions of Viet Nam veterans have developed coronary artery disease, which has been scientifically proven to be the result of exposure to Agent Orange while in country? My husband had a heart attack, followed by triple bypass surgery at 56 years of age with no history of heart disease in his family. He did two tours in Nam. Should the government turn it's back on him and the millions of other vets who were MADE sick by the chemicals they were exposed to against their will? My thoughts are this. Anyone who chooses to serve his/her country...who willingly puts themselves in harm's way in the line of duty...deserves to be cared for to the best of our ability afterwards if/when they need help.

If you ask me, a great way to honor the vets of the US is to do away with the dismal VA medical program completely. It is a travesty what is inflicted on us in the name of "treatment" and "honoring" us. Let us see our own doctors and go to local hospitals for treatment. There are reasons almost every vet who can afford to, stays far away from the meat grinders known as VA medical centers.

First let me preface my response with I do not support cutting benefits for Veterans. If ANYBODY deserves assistance from tax payers, it is veterans. From the article you cited, http://www.armytimes.com/news/2011/01/military-michele-bachmann-veterans-budget-cuts-012811w/ you left out something, in a statement, Bachmann said her plan is intended for discussion purposes as an example of ways to cut federal spending Further digging showed The plan projected huge savings from drastic measures like abolishing the Department of Education, overhauling farm subsidies and eliminating a host of Justice Department grants and programs. Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/01/29/bachmann-takes-heat-veterans-group-proposing-benefits-cuts/#ixzz1D0PAs3gD I agree with these. She was simply offering suggestions. She did NOT propose these cuts in a bill. She did not say this is what SHOULD be done, she simply said it COULD be done. Atleast she is offering suggestions to reduce spending instead of pushing for more spending energy infrastructure blah blah blah

I have been unfortunate enough to go to a VA hospital two times in my life and I have to agree with Ted on this one, VA hospitals are already a butcher shop. I can't imagine how much worse they would be with even more budget cuts. I can't speak for all of them but I have been to one in Illinois and Michigan and both looked as if I had just stepped back in time to the 1950's. If they were serious about taking care of veterans and cutting the budget they should do away with most of the VA hospitals or give vets the choice of going to a regular doctor or hospital. Lets see some of that free market in action with good ole' fashioned competition. I am not surprised this came from Michelle Bachmann either.

I don't think it is right for people to double dip. That takes away from the Vets who have no place else to turn. Something does need to be done about the quality of care being given to the Vets. It is very sad. Unless you live near a good VA hospital your care is sorry. If you are on the VA stipend it is usless.