GUEST VIEW: Realities of a broken government are hitting our veterans hard
By Fred Orlowske / Winona

I am pleased to see the House of Representatives voted to attach a deadline for troop withdrawal from Iraq to the war supplemental funding bill (Rep. Tim Walz “yea,” Rep. Michele Bachmann “nay”).

Unfortunately, the Senate could not muster enough votes to pass it (Amy Klobuchar “yea,” Norm Coleman “nay”). Now administration officials, including Defense Secretary Robert Gates, are threatening to shut down military bases and layoff Department of Defense employees.
I find it appalling that President George W. Bush scolded Congress and said they’re, “acting like a teenager with a new credit card.”

Face it, Bush is spending more on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan than on domestic programs — most notably the expansion of the children’s health care program.

Reports now indicate that Bush threatens to veto a transportation and housing bill for $3 billion — of which a significant portion would be going to the rebuilding of the I-35W Bridge.

The Bush administration doesn’t realize the long-term medical costs and social implications of these wars.

Improvements to emergency medical care in the field have led to an increased number of our troops surviving life-threatening injuries.

As a result, many are being left maimed and/or have missing limbs. Estimated long-term health care for our disabled veterans could reach $660 billion, according to Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Furthermore, 250,000 to 400,000 new disabled veterans could be created as a result of Iraq and Afghanistan operations.

There was a very informative news cast on CNN called “Broken Government.” Numerous veterans tell about the difficulty they’ve encountered getting any benefits from the Veteran’s Administration.

In one case a veteran lost his right arm when his vehicle was blown apart from an improvised explosive device. He also received shrapnel wounds all over his body.

The VA denied his claim saying these shrapnel wounds were, “not service connected.” The VA employee who processed this veteran’s claim could not be identified. He/she cut out their name on the form. Acting VA Secretary Gordon Mansfield expressed his dismay and displeasure. He vowed to the reporter he’d cleanup the bureaucracy in the VA system.

Post-traumatic stress disorder cases are also on the rise as a result of these wars. Historically, social acclamation has always been a challenge for veterans returning from war zones. Recent news article estimates 25 percent of veterans seeking treatment at VA facilities suffer from mental health disorders. Treatment for PTSD at VA medical centers was at

$4.3 billion in 2004, with annual costs on the rise.

Recent news reports tell of veterans making up one of four homeless Americans. Some returning vets can’t find jobs and consequently can’t find an affordable place to live. Many of the Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have backgrounds in the infantry — an occupational field not needed in the civilian market place. Additionally, veterans suffering from emotional and mental trauma are at high risk for substance abuse.

Reports also reveal an increased possibility of spousal and sexual abuse as a result of the grisly events of the war.

Please support the efforts of Walz and Klobuchar in ending this madness and have our troops sent home as soon as possible.

Advertisement