The Veteran’s Administration’s corruption, neglect and abuse is still around and probably is bigger than ever. When a man or woman joins any of the services, they, in essence, sign a blank check payable to the United States of America for an amount of and up to including their life. This was written anonymously by a veteran, and how true it is. Then these brave souls go out and fight to protect and preserve our freedoms at great cost to them and their families. So when these heroes come home they deserve the very best medical care that this country can give them. But that hasn’t happened in the past and it’s certainly not happening now.
In 2014, the VA got a new director, Robert McDonald, who has done very little to rid this agency of the corruption, apathy and abuse. Meanwhile, President Barack Obama’s administration appears to be working very hard to keep all this mess going on at the VA hidden from the public. Problems and horror stories continue to emerge from VA hospitals and clinics across the country. Why should a veteran have to wait thirty days for a doctor’s appointment and, in many cases, a lot longer? Secret “wait lists” have been found that conceal how long it really takes to get the health care that these men and women deserve. The vets are often denied or have to wait months for screenings, such as colonoscopies and endoscopies. Consults with specialists are hard to come by and there seems to be a large amount of neglect. Those suffering from PTSD in many cases have not had adequate treatment and some have committed suicide while waiting to be cared for. Veterans have complained of having to wait long hours only to be greeted by an uncaring, arrogant, employee who shows no respect. This is the culture of the VA and nobody is ever held accountable. This is truly disgraceful.
So, what can be done to change things at the Veterans Administration’s hospitals and clinics? If they are to continue to exist there must be some significant changes. Here are some suggestions:
*Get a new director
*Involve veterans’ groups
*Get rid of the deadwood bureaucrats who have collected big salaries and great perks while doing harm to our vets
*Give the jobs at the VA to veterans who will show empathy, respect and understanding to their fellow vets and will work diligently to get them quality care
*All systems used by each institution should be reviewed and revised
*There is a provision for vets to get care from outside sources if they are unable to get it from the VA. I wonder how many know about this?
There are many who think that the Veteran’s Administration’s health care system is beyond repair and should be dismantled. This is currently an overgrown bureaucracy which has lost sight of what their prime focus should be…delivering quality care on a timely basis to our veterans in an atmosphere of respect, trust and compassion. Recently, Mr. Obama said everything is fine at the VA, and Hillary agreed. However, Donald Trump thinks that there needs to be significant change.
So, veterans, for whom will you be voting on November 8th?
photo credit: Presidio of Monterey: DLIFLC & USAG California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery Opening Ceremony via photopin (license)
