The other side of Veterans Day - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

**jwight** · 11-12-2009, 07:32 AM

Always great to hear the support from people around the country for our veterans on November 11th. For that one day you'd think we Americans couldn't do enough for all those who served. The other 364 days of the year...not so much.

Lack of health insurance: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp...xwptns_JOxRcMA

Homeless rate: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/11/op...wed4.html?_r=1

Unemployment: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009<b...yment_090409w/

If the Nation really wants to honor our veterans, we'd be doing something about these critical veterans issues.

BigWarpGuy · 11-12-2009, 08:01 AM

I would not mind paying a little extra in taxes if it meant helping our veterans. It would be for a good cause.

pdboilermaker · 11-12-2009, 08:09 AM

Yea, extra taxes. It will be the same old thing when they pass a bill for this, a noble cause.....however in the other 27,530 pages we will have to give money to study coyote dung, to find out if gasoline will burn hotter than water, find out why the tar in pine trees is stickey etc........

Then when someone dare say "This bill is a waste of money" others will say if you dont vote for this you hate veterans.

Govt in action.....Guess they have forgot they are our employees and our to serve the people, not just themselves. VOTE EM ALL OUT and go Constitution party

BigWarpGuy · 11-12-2009, 08:21 AM

I wonder how many bills and taxes started out with good intentions but ended up any thing but good.

**jwight** · 11-12-2009, 08:42 AM

And some veterans benefit bills never get off the ground, in spite of all the pro-veteran rhetoric: Wounded Times: Senator Tom Coburn blocks bill for veterans

Kermit · 11-12-2009, 08:42 AM

Good going jwight. A lot of this mirrors on my "nails in coffin" list I have going. Reasons why I will be retiring soon. So my POV is from a Active Duty person. Health care is #1. Just frustrated with it.

Since I live 45 miles away from base they decided to assign me a heath care provider close to my house. Close to my house means 17 miles in the opposite direction of base. I opted not to do it but it required me sending a fax - off to Kinkos I go. $30 out of my pocket for faxing and what do I get. They never got my paperwork despite a clear and concise cooversheet sent to the number they provided a fax to be sent to. $30 is because I did it more than once. Now I figured what the heck, if there is an appointment during a critical time when they need me, too bad. Next week will be one of those days. Have an appointment and they'll need me. Not gonna be there. Too bad.

I hope to stay away from being homeless which is why I started planning that some time ago - buy land and pay it off.

Unemployment - that is just one of those things I don't understand. Looking at my kid's work I hear about people constantly calling in sick - MINIMUM once a week EVERY week! Those same people then give my kid flak when in a few months she worked her way up to be their boss because she was always the one known to be reliable and the person that could be called to fill in despite still going to school (college) at the same time. A lot of unemployment is on individuals, I understand not all.

**jwight** · 11-12-2009, 08:56 AM

Everyone's situation is different; retirement is not the same as returning from a combat zone and mustering out at age 21 or so.

I can only speak for my experience with military health care - over 40 years and it's been superb. Cost me all of $57 a quarter under Tricare prime. Zero cost now with Tricare for Life (although I'm paying Medicare part B costs - $100 a month) Since you're approaching retirement, ask a private company what it would cost you for health insurance equivalent to Tricare.

Hard to pay for a place to live if you're unemployed; even harder if you've got a medical condition not covered by your VA benefits.

All of that aside, the three issues in post #1 are real and aren't going away - unless all the folks who offer support on November 11th decide to actually follow their words with actions.

Kermit · 11-12-2009, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwight

Everyone's situation is different; retirement is not the same as returning from a combat zone and mustering out at age 21 or so.

I can only speak for my experience with military health care - over 40 years and it's been superb. Cost me all of $57 a quarter under Tricare prime. Zero cost now with Tricare for Life (although I'm paying Medicare part B costs - $100 a month) Since you're approaching retirement, ask a private company what it would cost you for health insurance equivalent to Tricare.

Hard to pay for a place to live if you're unemployed; even harder if you've got a medical condition not covered by your VA benefits.

All of that aside, the three issues in post #1 are real and aren't going away - unless all the folks who offer support on November 11th decide to actually follow their words with actions.

Done my time in a combat zone..recently enough too. Loud noises don't scare me so most likely no PTSD here. Only thing is I can't sit with my back to a door - about the only psychological thing wrong with me from all that mess over there.

OK, here's one that hits home. My wife got kicked out of the miitary 16 years ago due to a military doctor's mistake. She gets a whopping 20% even though she can honest to goodness barely do anything. No prolonged sitting, no prolonged standing, no excessive exercising, no running, no jogging and the list goes on yet they feel she only deserves 20%. We're about o go back and once again rebuttal it.

Dunerunner · 11-12-2009, 09:45 AM

jwight - As a vet, and retired from Federal service, I can agree that there is a need for support for our returning Vets. With unemployment at 10.5%, there are plenty of folks who were not Vets in the same boat. All most Vets want is a "thank you for your service" and a chance to be productive citizens.

How about an across the board cut in taxes for everyone, including businesses and corporations and let them rebuild their job base.

People will have more money to spend on car payments, house payment, that new washing machine, dryer, boat or RV. We have seen what Government does with our tax money. I trust the free market and the natural desire of folks in business to be successful over the Governments ability to seed money into selective businesses and call it stimulus!

Neonspinnazz · 11-12-2009, 02:36 PM

I'm unemployed.

Six Flags had closed for the season and the job search is not ending positive.

So far all of the local jobs have been taken by other teens or needy adults.

Now looking outside the box (odd jobs, valet etc.) and outside of town...hopeful..

As a matter of fact, it's the only thing keeping me from my smart. That and the fact that the Envoy is still begging for 5k for that engine...which I was going to help out with...until now...