Martin Luther King in Favor of Population Control, You Decide

Anyone who listens to or watches Glenn Beck knows of the great admiration he has for Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) and his non violent approach to the problem of segregation. Glenn has also gone into great detail about Margaret Sanger and her views on Eugenics. However, Glenn fails to mention that MLK was one of four persons to receive the first PPFA Margaret Sanger Award in 1966.

Dr. Carl G. Hartman, for “his singular contribution to human knowledge of the reproductive processes”

General William H. Draper Jr., for “his singular contribution during the past decade to the mobilization of public awareness and government action to resolve the world population crisis”

President Lyndon Baines Johnson, for “his vigorous and farsighted leadership in bringing the United States government to enunciate and implement an affirmative, effective population policy at home and abroad”

The Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., for “his courageous resistance to bigotry and his lifelong dedication to the advancement of social justice (Didn't Glenn Beck warn his audience about dangers of anyone or organization that preaches social justice...OM) and human dignity”.

Now, this citation reads quite innocently enough UNTIL you read MLK’s acceptance speech, which I am posting exactly as posted on Planned Parenthood’s website. Note: All emphasized are mine.

Mrs.Coretta Scott King delivered her husband’s acceptance speech on hisbehalf.

Before reading Dr. King’s speech, Mrs. King declared, “I am proud tonight to say a word in behalf of your mentor, and the person who symbolizes the ideas of this organization, Margaret Sanger. Because of her dedication, her deep convictions, and for her suffering for what she believed in, I would like to say that I am proud to be a woman tonight.”

Family Planning — A Special and Urgent Concern by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

Recently, the press has been filled with reports of sightings of flying saucers. While we need not give credence to these stories, they allow our imagination to speculate on how visitors from outer space would judge us. I am afraid they would be stupefied at our conduct. They would observe that for death planning we spend billions to create engines and strategies for war. They would also observe that we spend millions to prevent death by disease and other causes.Finally they would observe that we spend paltry sums for population planning, even though its spontaneous growth is an urgent threat to life on our planet. (In other words, Sustainability, the backbone of Agenda 21...OM)  Our visitors from outer space could be forgiven if they reported home that our planet is inhabited by a race of insane men whose future is bleak and uncertain.

There is no human circumstance more tragic than the persisting existence of a harmful condition for which a remedy is readily available. Family planning, to relate population to world resources, is possible, practical and necessary. Unlike plagues of the dark ages or contemporary diseases we do not yet understand, the modern plague of overpopulation is soluble by means we have discovered and with resources we possess.

What is lacking is not sufficient knowledge of the solution but universal consciousness of the gravity of the problem and education of the billions who are its victims.

It is easier for a Negro to understand a social paradox because he has lived so long with evils that could be eradicated but were perpetuated by indifference or ignorance. The Negro finally had to devise unique methods to deal with his problem, and perhaps the measure of success he is realizing can be an inspiration to others coping with tenacious social problems.

In our struggle for equality we were confronted with the reality that many millions of people were essentially ignorant of our conditions or refused to face unpleasant truths. The hard-core bigot was merely one of our adversaries. The millions who were blind to our plight had to be compelled to face the social evil their indifference permitted to flourish.

After centuries of relative silence and enforced acceptance, we adapted a technique of exposing the problem by direct and dramatic methods. We had confidence that when we awakened the nation to the immorality and evil of inequality, there would be an upsurge of conscience followed by remedial action.

We knew that there were solutions and that the majority of the nation were ready for them. Yet we also knew that the existence of solutions would not automatically operate to alter conditions. We had to organize, not only arguments, but people in the millions for action. Finally we had to be prepared to accept all the consequences involved in dramatizing our grievances in the unique style we had devised.

There is a striking kinship between our movement and Margaret Sanger’s early efforts. She, like we, saw the horrifying conditions of ghetto life. Like we, she knew that all of society is poisoned by cancerous slums. Like we, she was a direct actionist — a nonviolent resister. She was willing to accept scorn and abuse until the truth she saw was revealed to the millions. At the turn of the century she went into the slums and set up a birth control clinic, and for this deed she went to jail because she was violating an unjust law. Yet the years have justified her actions. She launched a movement which is obeying a higher law to preserve human life under humane conditions.Margaret Sanger had to commit what was then called a crime in order to enrich humanity, and today we honor her courage and vision; for without them there would have been no beginning. Our sure beginning in the struggle for equality by nonviolent direct action may not have been so resolute without the tradition established by Margaret Sanger and people like her. Negroes have no mere academic nor ordinary interest in family planning. They have a special and urgent concern.

Recently the subject of Negro family life has received extensive attention. Unfortunately, studies have overemphasized the problem of the Negro male ego and almost entirely ignored the most serious element — Negro migration. During the past half century Negroes have migrated on a massive scale, transplanting millions from rural communities to crammed urban ghettoes. In their migration, as with all migrants, they carried with them the folkways of the countryside into an inhospitable city slum. The size of family that may have been appropriate and tolerable on a manually cultivated farm was carried over to the jammed streets of the ghetto. In all respects Negroes were atomized, neglected and discriminated against. Yet, the worst omission was the absence of institutions to acclimate them to their new environment.Margaret Sanger, who offered an important institutional remedy, was unfortunately ignored by social and political leaders in this period. In consequence, Negro folkways in family size persisted. The problem was compounded when unrestrained exploitation and discrimination accented the bewilderment of the newcomer, and high rates of illegitimacy and fragile family relationships resulted.

For the Negro, therefore, intelligent guides of family planning are a profoundly important ingredient in his quest for security and a decent life. There are mountainous obstacles still separating Negroes from a normal existence. Yet one element in stabilizing his life would be an understanding of and easy access to the means to develop a family related in size to his community environment and to the income potential he can command.

This is not to suggest that the Negro will solve all his problems through Planned Parenthood. His problems are far more complex, encompassing economic security, education, freedom from discrimination, decent housing and access to culture. Yet if family planning is sensible it can facilitate or at least not be an obstacle to the solution of the many profound problems that plague him.

The Negro constitutes half the poor of the nation. Like all poor, Negro and white, they have many unwanted children. This is a cruel evil they urgently need to control. There is scarcely anything more tragic in human life than a child who is not wanted. That which should be a blessing becomes a curse for parent and child. There is nothing inherent in the Negro mentality which creates this condition. Their poverty causes it. When Negroes have been able to ascend economically, statistics reveal they plan their families with even greater care than whites. Negroes of higher economic and educational status actually have fewer children than white families in the same circumstances.

Some commentators point out that with present birth rates it will not be long before Negroes are a majority in many of the major cities of the nation. As a consequence, they can be expected to take political control, and many people are apprehensive at this prospect. Negroes do not seek political control by this means. They seek only what they are entitled to and do not wish for domination purchased at the cost of human misery. Negroes were once bred by slave owners to be sold as merchandise. They do not welcome any solution which involves population breeding as a weapon. They are instinctively sympathetic to all who offer methods that will improve their lives and offer them fair opportunity to develop and advance as all other people in our society.

For these reasons we are natural allies of those who seek to inject any form of planning in our society that enriches life and guarantees the right to exist in freedom and dignity.

For these constructive movements we are prepared to give our energies and consistent support; because in the need for family planning, Negro and white have a common bond; and together we can and should unite our strength for the wise preservation, not of races in general, but of the one race we all constitute — the human race.

Again from the website:

Margaret Sanger was too ill to attend the award ceremony in May 1966. She died the following September. Mrs. Sanger would have been deeply honored and pleased to have heard such beautiful tributes from kindred heroes in the struggle for equality and civil rights, Dr. and Mrs. Martin Luther King Jr.

About two weeks after the award ceremony, Dr. King wrote the following letter to Cass Canfield, chairman of the Executive Committee of the PPFA — World Population Emergency Campaign:

Dear Mr. Canfield:

Words are inadequate for me to say how honored I was to be the recipient of the Margaret Sanger Award. This award will remain among my most cherished possessions. While I cannot claim to be worthy of such a signal honor, I can assure you that I accept it with deep humility and sincere gratitude. Such a wonderful expression of support is of inestimable value for the continuance of my humble efforts.

Again let me say how much I regret that at the last minute urgent developments in the civil rights movement made it impossible for me to be in Washington to personally receive the award. My wife brought glowing echoes of the wonderful reception and impressiveness of the total occasion.

I am happy to be the recipient of the Margaret Sanger Award and I can assure you that this distinct honor will cause me to work even harder for a reign of justice and a rule of love all over our nation. (My emphases...OM)

Sincerely yours,
Martin Luther King Jr.

Now, to be “fair and balance” Tanya L. Green writes “ that Martin Luther King accepted the Planned Parenthood “Margaret Sanger Award” without being aware of Sanger’s plan to exterminate Black people. This award was later repudiated by Dr. King’s niece who argues that King was not aware of Planned Parenthood’s duplicity.” (I guess one JUST ACCEPTS an award without knowing the history of the founder and the organization...OM)

This may well be true; I have no reason to doubt Dr. King’s niece, HOWEVER, one should ask, why hasn’t Glenn Beck or anyone else for that matter who discusses Agenda 21, and its theory of Sustainability (overpopulation and environment), want to show the entire history, why pick and choose?

Let me know what you think

Martin Luther King, Jr. - Don't Shoot the Messenger

Note: When I first wrote and posted this, I, unlike a lot of Americans, continued to read and research, as of now I have concluded that Martin Luther King was what I must now call an American Communist.

Introduction

I remember back when a co-worker and eventually a very good friend of mine said to me, “Have you seen or heard Glenn Beck (Glenn)?”

I looked at him and said, “No, who is he?”

He went on to explain that he was a conservative talk show host on CNN. So like any person approaching something new, I opened my mind and tuned in. I liked what I saw and became hooked. I felt that maybe I had found someone who would entertain, yet educate and unlike most sheeple in America, I'm always willing to listen to another opinion and I'm definitely open to learning.

I followed Glenn from CNN to Fox and even though the 5:00 time slot overlapped with my work schedule, I did what anyone with a DVR would do, I recorded his show. In fact I ended up burning some of the shows to DVD for future reference.

When he started the 9-12 Project, I was lucky enough to find one of the first websites that “welcomed” me and my rants. In fact, I was privileged to have Glenn read one of my comments on air. However, I ended up leaving that site when the Site Administrator violated my trust, as I would become accustomed to with other 9-12 sites and Glenn Beck himself. I would later join another site that, though some were Glenn Beck fans, they thought for themselves.

When Glenn left Fox, I was very disappointed to say the least. I thought at least I could still listen to him on the radio. Yes, I still listen to him today. However as I've continued to listen to Glenn, I began seeing that Glenn's message began to change and he began to develop a rather selective view of history, particularly when it comes to his almost worship of Martin Luther King (MLK).

Martin Luther King Jr.: Communist, Socialist or Progressive

When Glenn began his admiration, bordering on idol worship, of MLK's non-violent approach to the race problems in the sixties, I started wondering exactly where was he heading with this admiration? Was he doing what a majority of people do who put a person on a pedestal, ignoring the real history of the person or just taking a selective view?

As Igor, my friend and editor, is fond of saying when I challenge things at work, “You're opening a can of worms.”

Yes, I may be doing just that and most likely I will unleash a Hell storm of criticism, name calling and most likely down right hate. This is NOT my intention; I will present the facts and allow you the reader to look at the facts presented and make up your own mind.

Once again, I ask, “Don't shoot the messenger.”

Let's begin by setting the rules. To begin with, as most of my readers know I will be using sources, direct quotes. The second rule is I am going to ask the devoted fans and followers of Glenn to think back and remember. BUT most importantly keep an open mind and remember when Glenn said,

“You've got to demand the truth from yourself.”

Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Communist?

This is the not the only place where I feel Glenn is completely off base. But, for the purpose of this post it is the only one I'm going to deal with.

Do Glenn Beck fans remember him saying, and I paraphrase,

“Progressives are Communists with patience”

From this statement, one can and should conclude that Progressives are Communists and that would mean that Theodore Roosevelt (October 27, 1858 – January 6, 1919) who was one of the founders of the Progressive Party was a Communist, though at the time, just as today, the terms were interchangeable. Though Roosevelt did believe in "Social Justice". [1]

There are some who will say that the differences between Communism, Socialism and Progressivism are just a case of semantics, but there are differences and the problem or question that arises is, what are the differences?

I could spend a great deal of time and the rest of this piece going into the differences in the ideology and methods of Communism, Socialism and Progressivism but I won't; instead I will just give a brief history. Spoiler alert: Watch this space for a more in depth study in the differences.

Lets just say look at the history of Socialism.

After the Revolutions of 1848, the Socialist ideology split into three distinct factions.

The “Revisionist” socialists were those who promoted gradual reform by using compromise, the democratic process and non violence to achieve the nationalism of state and local public works.

The “Anarchic” socialists who believed that both the state and private property should be abolished and society should be composed of small collectives of producers, distributors and consumers.

Last comes the “Bolshevik” socialists, who believed in using revolutionary (violent) tactics to raise the conscious of the working class (proletariat) in order to advance socialism through an absolute dictatorship. It is what would eventually spur Lenin to lead the Bolshevik Revolution (Russian Revolution) of 1917 that would morph into what today people call communism. When most people speak of Communism today, they speak of a country ruled by a dictator whose power was achieved in most cases by violence and asserts complete control over production.

Now, since MLK did not believe in a violent approach to achieve social change, one can and should conclude that MLK was not a communist as defined by the Bolshevik philosophy. However he did have militant elements within his organization but as he said:

“Our militant elements were used, not as small striking detachments, but to organize.” [2]

The idea of violent tactics to achieve Marxism is not the only separator between communism and socialism, but according to the early American socialists there are other differences.

According to W. D. P. Bliss,

“Socialism puts its emphasis on common production and distribution; Communism on life in common. Communism makes less of existing political institutions as instruments; Socialism would very largely use them."

Or as Victor L. Berger wrote,

“The definition of Socialism, as generally accepted now, is “the collective ownership of all the means of production and distribution.”[3]

While,

“Communism proposes the common ownership of the means of production, or, in some cases, the means of production and consumption. Socialism, on the contrary, asks only for the common ownership of the means of production, as made necessary by the modern development of the tool into the machine. Socialism leaves consumption, i.e., the selection and the enjoyment of the means of life to the free will and the taste of the individuals”[4]

So using these two statements from the principle founders of the American Socialist Party in 1901, one should conclude that there is a difference between Socialism and Communism.

Did MLK believe that the government should control production, distribution and even consumption? If he didn't once again, he's not a Communist.

Socialism or Progressivism? Or are they the same thing?

Now this is where people really have to stop, think, and look at the facts and answer some very difficult questions and draw their own conclusions.

The first and most important question is:

“If there is no difference between the doctrines of the American Socialist Party and those who claim to be Progressives and the doctrines of the American Progressive Party, does that mean that they are the same only with different names?”

Next ask the question:

“If celebrated Progressives were also members of Socialist Party of America or Socialists, again does that mean that Progressives are Socialists?”

Remember when Glenn said on On May, 2014,

“Progressives have a longer time table”

Well, so do the Revisionist Socialists.

Martin Luther King, Jr. a Progressive

SOCIAL JUSTICE

According to the Center for American Progress, The Progressive Intellectual Tradition in America,

“In terms of its political values, progressivism throughout the years stressed a range of ideals that remain important today:... Social justice, the proper arrangement of law, society, and the economy to ensure that all people have the formal and informal capacity to shape their own lives and realize their dreams.”

Does everyone remember when Glenn said,

“I beg you, look for the words 'social justice' or 'economic justice' on your church Web site. If you find it, run as fast as you can. Social justice and economic justice, they are code words.”

Or how about when he said,

“If you have a priest that is pushing social justice, go find another parish. Go alert your bishop.”

Now, I must ask, if Glenn believes that “Social Justice” is such a code word and his followers should run away or report the priest to the bishop, then why does Glenn embrace MLK, a minister, who said in a 1963 speech at Western Michigan University, entitled "Social Justice",

“I think with all of these challenges being met and with all of the work, and determination going on, we will be able to go this additional distance and achieve the ideal, the goal of the new age, the age of social justice.” (My emphases...OM)

Why would Glenn fail to mention that according to The Nation magazine, Martin Luther King, Jr was named one of “The Fifty Most Influential Progressives of the Twentieth Century” where the author says,

“...not only about civil rights but also about economic justice” (My emphases...OM)

and

“The struggle for civil rights radicalized him into a fighter for economic and social justice.” (My emphases...OM)

Why would Glenn praise a person for his nonviolent approach to civil rights and yet fail to mention that when Planned Parenthood Federation of America announced MLK was going to be named along with three others to receive the first PPFA Margaret Sanger Award in 1966 [3] it said,

“...for his courageous resistance to bigotry and his lifelong dedication to the advancement of social justice and human dignity.” (My emphases...OM).

Population Control

Once again, flashing back to Glenn's programs on Fox, his viewers were introduced to Margaret Sanger, Eugenics (particularly against Blacks) and her founding of Planned Parenthood of America, the world's leading abortion factory, under the guise of “women's health”. Isn't abortion the ultimate violence, considering that an unborn CHILD has no way to defend his/her self?

As previously mentioned, why does Glenn neglect to mention or educate his viewers that MLK was among the first recipients of the first Planned Parenthood for America (PPFA) Margaret Sanger Award in 1966? Where, in his acceptance speech MLK wrote, and which his wife presented said,

“Finally they would observe that we spend paltry sums for population planning, even though its spontaneous growth is an urgent threat to life on our planet. Our visitors from outer space could be forgiven if they reported home that our planet is inhabited by a race of insane men whose future is bleak and uncertain.” (My emphases...OM)

Or,

“There is no human circumstance more tragic than the persisting existence of a harmful condition for which a remedy is readily available. Family planning, to relate population to world resources [Isn't this straight out of Agenda 21?...OM], is possible, practical and necessary.” (My emphases...OM)

MLK and the Communist Belief in Government Supplied Jobs

Glenn has constantly ranted and raved that WE, the People, need to demand and work for a smaller federal government, government that stays out of American's lives.

If Glenn truly believes this, then once again, one must ask why Glenn had not completely done his homework OR if he did, just why did he chose to ignore that MLK also believed in one of the ultimate government controls; that the federal government should supply jobs,

“We must develop a federal program of public works, retraining, and jobs for all—so that none, white or black, will have cause to feel threatened. At the present time, thousands of jobs a week are disappearing in the wake of automation and other production efficiency techniques. Black and white, we will all be harmed unless something grand and imaginative is done. The unemployed, poverty-stricken white man must be made to realize that he is in the very same boat with the Negro. Together, they could exert massive pressure on the government to get jobs for all. Together, they could form a grand alliance. Together, they could merge all people for the good of all.”[5]

Now, is this not the same socialist belief that was outlined in the Socialist Party Platform of 1908:

“The immediate government relief for the unemployed workers by building schools, by reforesting of cutover[sic] and waste lands, by reclamation of arid tracts, and the building of canals, and by extending all other useful public works. All persons employed on such works shall be employed directly by the government under an eighthour work-day and at the prevailing union wages.”

Conclusion

Some who will read this, may feel that this is a hit piece on Glenn Beck and Martin Luther King, Jr., it is not my intention. But since Glenn is ever so fond of quoting Thomas Jefferson,

“Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear.”

Well, I am boldly questioning and asking why Glenn is not telling the FULL story and presenting all the facts concerning MLK? I will leave it up to you to make up your own mind and answer that question.

I will also ask, “Can a person believe in just a few items from an agenda and not believe in that agenda? Or can one just pick and chose, ignoring the facts." I feel it is like being a little bit pregnant.

You decide.

A special thanks to Igor and The Riceman for their editing and advice in the preparation of this piece.

References not linked

[1] Foster, William Z., History of the Communist Party of the United States, International Publishers, New York, New York, 1952. [William Z. "Bill" Foster (February 25, 1881 – September 1, 1961) was a radical American labor organizer and Marxist politician, whose career included a lengthy stint as General Secretary of the Communist Party USA. He passed through the Socialist Party of America and the Industrial Workers of the World, as well as leading the drive to organize the packinghouse industry during World War I and the steel strike of 1919.]

[2] King, Jr., Martin Luther, "Let Justice Roll Down", The Nation, March 15, 1965.

[3] Berger, Victor L., "American Socialism", Social Democratic Herald, No. 1, July 9, 1898, pp. 3-4. [Victor Berger (1860 - 1929) In 1901 Berger joined with Eugene Debs and Morris Hillquit to establish the American Socialist Party. The party was very strong in Milwaukee and played a major role in the city's government for the next fifty years. In 1910 Berger became the first socialist in the United States to be elected to Congress. The following year he proposed a bill to provide old age pensions. Berger was a strong opponent of America's involvement in the First World War, describing it as a "the wholesale murder in Europe". However, as Shane Hamilton has pointed out: "the main thrust of Berger's anti-war stance was socialistic, not pacifistic."
In 1918 Berger was charged under the Espionage Act and after being found guilty was sentenced to twenty years in prison. While free on appeal, Berger was elected to Congress in 1919 with an increased majority. In 1921 the Supreme Court overturned Berger's conviction.
As well as representing the people of Milwaukee in Congress, Berger edited the Milwaukee Leader (1911-1921) and served as chairman of the American Socialist Party (1927-1929). He was a strong opponent of the American Communist Party and warned against the "folly of imitating Soviet models, condemning the concept of the dictatorship of the proletariat." A collection of his speeches and editorials, Voice and Pen, was published in 1929.]

[4] Ibid

[5] Alex Haley’s interview with the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.in Playboy, January 1965.

The Hour of The Wolf - America and its Freedoms Are Being Destroyed

I jerked awake, reached down and grab the pistol I keep beside the bed, slipped on my robe and slowly but quietly walked out of the bedroom. I stopped, looked around and listened. Hearing or seeing no sign movement, I proceeded into the living room again seeing or hearing nothing unusual, I glanced at the clock.

“My God” I thought, “Its almost 3:00 A.M." What I have come to refer to as the hour of the wolf.

I walked into the kitchen, turned the coffee pot on, checked the back door, saw that it was still locked.

I turned back to the coffee pot, saw that it was about a third full, picked it up and poured my first cup of what will be many cups consumed this day.

As I returned to the living room, I stopped short, brought my weapon up and using my free hand aimed it at the figure sitting in the chair.

I soon came to realize that I my eyes and maybe mind were playing tricks on me, lower the weapon and sat down on the sofa.

Just as I sat down and started thinking about the upcoming day, I was startled by the voice from the direction of the chair and once again saw a figure is sitting there.

I reached over for my weapon, when the voice said, “Stand down, you know you don't need that.”

Again I shook my head, rubbed my eyes and looked at the chair again and the figure was still there. Looking more closely, there was something strangely familiar about him.

As I took a sip of coffee and lit a cigarette, the figure began to speak.

“Don't worry about who I am, BUT we do need to talk.”

“About what?” I asked.

“America and its Freedoms are being destroyed.”

I looked at him and quietly said, “What more can I do? I served fourteen years in the Corps. I blog, I speak out on twitter. Frankly, I feel that I am doing everything I can, short of calling for armed insurrection, to wake people up, but I feel that people just aren't listening or even paying attention. Frankly, I'm getting tired or as the 'talking heads' say, 'war weary'. Frankly, I'm getting down right discouraged.”

“DISCOURAGED? TIRED? WAR WEARY? BULLCHIT!”

He lower his voice and continued, “Yes, the people of America have changed. Face it, most have the attention spans of earthworms. BUT, the real problem is that most have developed an its all about 'ME' attitude, how hard I work, how much I should get, what's in it for me.”

I nodded my head, “Yes and I have to admit sometimes I have that attitude.”

“Yes you do,” he said with a stare that sent a chill through me. He continued, “But you DO realize that it isn't about you, its about America. Now, you have to show others that there are more important things then themselves. You have to show them that without God and America's freedom, there IS NO ME. There will be only the 'collective'.”

I glanced down and said, “How do you fight the lack of intellectual curiosity? How do you fight greed and envy? How you fight the media “talking heads” on both sides of this war? How do you fight the "lemmings" who will not accept facts that counter dict their favorite "personality"? How do you get people to stand up for Freedom and not just seek that fifteen minutes of fame”

He looked at me as only another warrior could and said, “You really can't, its up to each and every one to look deep into their hearts and ask, 'Is it better to fight for America and the its freedoms or is it better to look for that fame and fortune that 15 minutes in the spotlight might give?'”

“BUT,” he continued, “You must keep at it, NEVER give up. Continue to show the history. Show the tactics. Continue to point out the hypocrisy on both sides, no matter the insults, the sling and arrows thrown at you." 

"There are a few out there, very few unfortunately, that feel the same as you do, realizing that America is in the swirl of the toilet and fast going down the tubes and don't realize that SOCIALISM IS HERE AND THEY DON'T REALIZE IT." 

"There are some who have quit and taken the easier way of chasing every popular trend just to get numbers for their Twitter account or their blogs." 

"And then there are some who have just given up, being content to just claim how patriotic they are. While others, unfortunately, have just plain given up.”

I stared back at him and replied, “I have tried! I have researched, written and shown that this destruction of America has been on going for over a century, but to no avail. I constantly hear,'its Obama's fault'. I hear, 'that its the government's fault'. I constantly hear, 'Well, Glenn Beck, Hannity, Rush or some other 'talking head' said...' even though HISTORY shows they are wrong. How do you combat that?”

“Again, you may not be able to combat the idol worship, but if you keep pressing the points, REMEMBERING that the future of America depends on people waking up and having the facts. Just think that if you continue to put the information out there and one person reads and tells one or two others and they tell two others, etc."

"Remember an avalanche begins with just one stone rolling down a hill”

I just nodded my head, glancing down a feeling a little ashamed.

He continued, “There are a few others out there that are like you, going about life but, fighting the best way they can. REMEMBER in all wars, the generals or political leaders are always remembered, BUT it is the grunts; those in the trenches, those in the mud, blood and guts, shedding the tears over fallen comrades that are the ones that make it possible for victory and for the leaders to be glorified, to be 'worshiped'. Remember a leader is only as good as those he leads.”

“But,” I began.

“BUT HELL!” he interrupted, “There is no BUT, there is just doing."

"There are people; even some young people, out there who do want to learn. They really thirst for the knowledge that you and others put out there. It may not seem that way, but there you are. Some may use it in their own arguments, some may use it in their writings, but you know that the information is out there.”

He continued, “I know you and others get pi$$ed when your material is stolen by “celebrities” and others. Remember, there are a great number out there that wouldn't know what ethics are, even if it bit them on the @$$. People have become users, they'll use anything or anyone they can to to gain their moments of fame and fortune. All you and others can do is hold true to yourselves, hold true to your beliefs. If it costs you, so be it, at least you know in your heart of hearts that you held faithful to your ethics.”

I looked at him, still wondering who he was and finally asked him, “Just who the hell are you? Why are you lecturing me?”

He looked at me with a smile on his face and said very quietly, “I am the spirit of those who came before you. I'm the spirit of those out there in America who are tired, wondering if anything they do really means anything. I am the spirit that made America great. BUT most importantly, I am you.”

As he disappeared and I glanced at the clock, it was 3:00 A.M. and the coffee pot beeped to let me know it was ready. I poured a cup of coffee and walked into living room sat down, lit a cigarette and turned on the television.

As I took my first sip of coffee, I thought to myself, “Another day in the fight to save America. Is anybody really listening? Oh well, what the hell, let's keep going.”

Let me know what you think, No sign in or joining needed.

Semper Fi!

As usual a special thanks to my friends and colleagues, Igor and the Riceman for their editing and suggestions.

More than 600,000 veterans wait a month or more for appointments at VA

More than 600,000 veterans — 10% of all the Veterans Affairs patients — continue to wait a month or more for appointments at VA hospitals and clinics, according to data obtained by USA TODAY.

The VA has made some progress in dealing with the backlog of cases that forced former secretary Eric Shinseki to retire early this year. For instance, the VA substantially cut the overall number of worst-case scenarios for veterans — those who had waited more than four months for an appointment. That figure dropped from 120,000 in May to 23,000 in October. Much of that improvement occurred because patients received care from private providers.

Since May, the VA has been reduced the number of veterans waiting longest for care — its top priority — by 57%, according to James Hutton, a VA spokesman. From June to September, the VA completed 19 million appointments, an increase of 1.2 million compared with the same time last year.

"VA's goal continues to be to provide timely, high-quality healthcare for veterans," Hutton said in a statement. "Veterans and VA employees nationwide understand the need for reform, and VA is committed to putting these reforms into place. And while we have significantly improved capacity and access to care, we have not yet achieved our intended state — systemic and timely access across the board. It will be an ongoing and significant effort to reach our goals."

To recruit more health care providers, VA Secretary Robert McDonald has proposed pay hikes for VA doctors and dentists, Hutton said. McDonald announced a restructuring of the VA on Nov. 10.

The new data show that dozens of hospitals and clinics leave a quarter or more of all their patients waiting 30 days or more for an appointment.

• Some facilities still have extremely long wait times for basic care, including 64 that have average wait times over 60 days for new patients seeking primary care. They include major facilities, such as hospitals in Baltimore; Jacksonville, Fla.; Temple, Texas, and Atlanta. All have at least 30,000 pending appointments.​

In Jacksonville, the average new patient is left waiting 77 days, a fact that previously obscured in the VA's data because it was averaged into the much-better performance of the nearby Gainesville hospital. Jacksonville only sees two-thirds of its patients within 30 days, the worst rate of any major facility in the VA system.

The VA is hiring more staff to deal with those delays, Hutton said.

• Ten facilities reported waits of more than three months for a new patient to see a specialist. At the top of the list: the Westmoreland, Pa., clinic, where patients are waiting 174 days — nearly six months — for a specialty appointment.

Thirty-three facilities have kept new patients seeking a mental-health appointments waiting for at least two months (I wonder if there is any data on if any of these veterans, committed suicide during those two months?...OM) . Among those are large hospitals in Martinsburg, W.Va., Amarillo, Texas, and Tuskegee, Ala. And 10 clinics and hospitals kept established patients waiting at least three weeks longer than the patients wanted for mental health appointments.

• Some small locations have big waiting times, too. The Wagner, S.D., clinic near the Nebraska state line, has only 155 total appointments of any type pending — and its new patient wait time is 153 days.

The data looks at nearly 6 million appointments until Oct. 1 and scheduled through Veterans Health Administration.

Members of Congress continue to express dissatisfaction (They "express" dissatisfaction, BUT not doing anything about it...OM) with the delays in disciplining VA employees involved in covering up the long wait times.

"The events of the last year have proven that far too many senior VA leaders have lied, manipulated data, or simply failed to do the job for which they were hired," said Rep. Jeff Miller, a Florida Republican and chairman of House Veterans' Affairs Committee, during a hearing Thursday. "It is also clear that VA's attempt to instill accountability for these leaders has been both nearly non-existent and rife with self-inflicted roadblocks to real reform."

What do you think? Please let us know.

Semper Fi!

Source: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2014/11/16/long-wait-times-persist-at-many-va-hospitals/19033789/

Remembering the Veterans Year Round

                             

The election is finally over, the future course for America may have been changed and the various news organizations and “talking heads” are dissecting, praising or making excuses for the victories or defeats of the various political races.

With all the chatter, it seems strange that there is little to no mention of how these races will affect the forgotten men and women who sacrificed to make these elections possible, THE VETERANS.

Americans are celebrating Veterans Day (Remembrance) with various sales, a day off from work, maybe a parade or two, some small gatherings or just resting.

Most people will not really be thinking about or asking what they can REALLY do to honor and celebrate those fine men and women, who stood up when the American people called to protect the Freedoms that many sheeple have taken for granted.

As a Veteran may I suggest a few ways for people to truly honor the American Veteran.

To me one of the most important ways to honor and remember the Veteran is to remind those in Congress, the talking heads, celebrities (be fore warned some do not like to be called out) and others that just because Congress passed and POTUS signed “The Veterans Access,Choice and Accountability Act of 2014” that now all is “well” with the VA. IT ISN'T! 

So, what can YOU do?

Start by continuing to remind those who “voiced” outrage about the pi$ poor treatment that the Veterans have / have not received, then disappeared from the public eye. They got their publicity or whatever they were seeking but nothing has changed. The plight of the Veteran continues.

To do this, do what every warrior does, use every “weapon” available to you.

“Weapons” like twitter, snail mail, email, telephones whatever YOU can, its up to You.

Another way to honor the Veterans year round, not just on the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month and it will mean a little sacrifice on your part. YES, a sacrifice.

This sacrifice will require some time and maybe foregoing that extra cup of custom coffee or that extra donut.

As far as time, search the Net for the phone number of the nearest VA in your area then pick up the phone and call the VA hospital and ask, “What 'health and comfort' items are needed for inpatient Veterans?” For those not familiar with “health and comfort” items, these are the things most Americans take for granted, things like toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.

Remember, a number of veterans admitted to the VA hospitals come in on weekends,completely unprepared and may not have someone to bring them these items,

"Those healthcare professionals who REALLY give a damn, have to hustle in the attempt to find those needed “health and comfort” items elsewhere in the hospital"

You may also ask them what other items might be needed to may help make the Veterans' stay in the hospital a little more pleasant. Items such as books, playing cards, etc.

As you can guess by now, the sacrifice of time and money are linked.

You are now armed with a “list” of needed items from your phone call to the VA and the money you save by foregoing that extra cup of coffee or donut; its time to “attack”.

On your next trip to the local Wally World (just as an example) wander back to the pharmacy section and look. You will find shelves of various travel sized “health and comfort” items, most cost about $0.97 plus tax.

You can also find other inexpensive items throughout the pharmacy area, use your judgment. Spend what you can afford. Remember every little bit helps.

You can figure out whether you want to take these items to the VA on a weekly or a monthly basis. OR if taking a trip to the VA hospital is not convenient, call the VA and ask them about mailing these items. REMEMBER to get the mailing address. 

Another way to help and remember the Veterans and I'm borrowing this from Jason F. Wright and his Christmas jar project. But instead of a Christmas jar, why not a Veteran's jar?

Mr. Wright's original idea was to have a jar, you may already have one, that you throw your change in at the end of the day. Then quietly and anonymously leave the jar on a needy family's doorstep during the Christmas season. Don't worry if there isn't a large sum of money in the jar, when a family is “hurting”, every little bit helps.

Let's just modify this a little bit. Instead waiting till the Christmas season, find a Veteran in your neighborhood that may be struggling and anonymously leave it for him or her on Veterans Day.

If you don't know of a Veteran who is struggling, donate it to one of the many Veteran's organizations.

Or you can use it to buy the needed items for those in the VA hospitals. IF you really care, want to help and honor the Veterans you can figure out what to do with the Veterans Jar.

So, as you leave the house this Veterans' Day to go and shop those Veterans' Day sales ask yourself, “Is this really the way to remember and honor those men and women who sacrificed for my freedom? Is there something more I can do?”

Semper Fi!

Once again, I must thank Igor for his proof reading and editing.

"We Need Reinforcements"...Gunny Sends

Source: Mike Shelton

Since Ebola, the Elections and the VA Scandal have overtaken the news cycle. WHAT the VA Scandal has "disappeared"? Oh, forgot, the Critters through more money at it and replaced the "captain" of the Titanic so all is fixed. NOT!

 With all of this, I feel like Marine Colonel Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller at the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War in 1950:

"We’ve been looking for the enemy for several days now. We’ve finally found them. We are surrounded. That simplifies the problem of getting to these people and killing them.”

I am not looking for the enemy, I have found them and they are the American sheeple. Instead of physically killing them, I would prefer to kill their lack on focus with information and here's where I'll need you, the readers help, but more on that in a minute.

Some may be wondering how does Ebola, the upcoming elections and the VA Scandal intertwine.

EBOLA

Boo Boo is sending 3900+ troops including the National Guard to the Ebola "Hot Zone", in fact a hundred Marines have been there since the 10th of October.

Now, looking at the chaos & panic that just 3 Ebola victims in the U.S. has caused within the healthcare system, can you just imagine what will happen if just, GOD FORBID, 2 or 3 of the original 100 Marines get exposed or worst yet one percent of the 3900 troops (39 for the sheeple) get exposed. How are those brave troops going to be treated? What about the troop's families? Are the base hospitals READY for this possibility? IS the VA system? Is our healthcare system?

The Election

There is nothing we, The PEOPLE, can do about the Clown in Chief and his complete incompetence concerning national security, ISIS or Ebola, BUT we, the PEOPLE can elect / reelect Senators / Representatives that will do something like securing our borders or stopping air travel from the "Hot Zone".

After all, it seems that Socialists  Democrats seem to back Boo Boo's Politically correct misjudgment at putting in to place a travel ban from the Ebola "Hot Zones".

What can we, the PEOPLE, do? Get out and vote, as the the old saying goes "kick the bums out".

The VA Scandal

As I pointed out, our troops are in the "Hot Zone" and some may return in fairly good shape and decide to leave the military.

Ebola may be laying dormant, no one really knows, so say in six months, a young Marine vet wakes up, he feels like chit and decides to go to the VA, since he can't afford healthcare under Obamacare or he's unemployed because of the Socialists Democrats backing Obama's non economical policy.

Our young Marine gets to the VA and there he sits, feeling worst as every minute passes.

Finally he is told that he has to make an appointment for two weeks later. That two weeks stretches into a month and unfortunately, our young Marine passes, cause of death, a new strain of EBOLA.

Now, here is where I need reinforcements and it won't cost a cent.

Since Montel Williams, Glenn Beck, O'Reilly and other talking heads have dropped the ball on the VA Scandal, it is up to we, the PEOPLE, to pick up the ball and run with it.

How? Lets start simple by keeping eye out for articles, news reports on the VA hospitals in your area. IF there is any information, good or bad, get it out there.

IF you need a place to post it, let me know. I'll be more then happy to post it here, full credit will be given. Just post links information in the comments section.

IF the talking heads, politicians won't follow up, We will.

"Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory." General George S. Patton

Semper Fi!

"The Nation Which Forgets Its Defenders Will Be Itself Forgotten" - Calvin Coolidge

Special Bulletin! Ebola comes to the U.S.!

Source: Mike Shelton

Special Bulletin! Man jumps White House fence; Makes it into White House!

Special Bulletin! VA Hospital in Shreveport, LA lacks PJ's, sheets and toothbrushes

What, you didn't get the Special Bulletin about the VA hospital in Shreveport, LA? Well I guess neither did Montel Williams, Glenn Beck nor Mary L. Landrieu. More about them in a minute.

What connects the deadly disease Ebola to a veteran suffering from PTSD to a VA hospital in Shreveport, LA which serves about 37,000 veterans a year?

Washington's answers to every problem facing America is, “Let's throw money at it.” Or “There wasn't enough money.”

In the case of Ebola, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Democrat, wants to give “... CDC, or any public health system, needs more resources, Congress should immediately come back to Washington and vote to provide those funds before the November election...” KEY phase “..before the November election.”

When it comes to the veteran suffering from PTSD jumping the fence at the White House and the security lapse by the secret service, Congresswoman Eleanor Norton (D-D.C.) suggested at a hearing on Tuesday (September 30, 2014...OM) that budget cuts may have contributed to the Secret Service’s security troubles, saying Congress “has to take some responsibility” for the problems. In other words, “It's the GOP's fault.”

Does everyone remember the outrage expressed by just about everyone from POTUS down through the Critters on to the celebrities and finally to the American people that the American veterans were dying waiting for appointments?

Remember the outrage when Inspector General reports showed systemic problems within the VA system although theses problems were not really new?

Even Glenn Beck, Montel Williams as well as other "talking heads" and other celebrities got into the act by using their celebrity status to voice their “concerns” and “outrage” over the treatment of our veterans.

So what happened? As usual Washington replaced the captain of the Titanic and threw more money at the iceberg perhaps hoping the iceberg would go away before the November elections.

After Washington had done their “duty” for the veterans, they moved on to their much needed vacation and recessed. Montel Williams moved on to his next cause for publicity, Glenn Beck moved on to do his Glenn Beck things and America promptly and typically put the VA scandal behind them.

Much to his credit, Neil Cavuto would periodically mention the VA on his two shows, but no one even bothered to look or wonder if the “cure” is worse than the disease.

Nor did Mr. Williams, Mr. Beck or anyone bother to do what any regular person would do when they shell out a large sum of money to fix something. Follow up, check to make sure that the money is being spent wisely. After all, IT IS the American people's tax money and you would think that the taxpayers would want to know IF they were getting the most “bang for their bucks”.

Where is Senator Landrieu (D, LA) or Montel Williams when America's heroes have to wait while many nurses spend more time on cell phones, iPods or accessing their personal data on hospital computers while our heroes continue to get substandard care?(Ed. note: I have seen this in my own place of employment with KY state government and supervisors ignore it and those doing it get paid for overtime.)

Source: Mike Shelton

Where is Senator Landrieu's oversight and outrage when the Shreveport, LA, VA Hospital spent $3 million for solar panels yet runs out of sheets, blankets and even pajamas on the weekend because it waits for clean laundry to arrive from another VA hospital located 125 miles away? Couldn't the Shreveport VA hospital use that $3 million to build its own laundry or find a local veteran owned private business to supply the cleaning? Oh, yes, she's busy running for reelection and mostly "bragging" how she cares for the veterans. Has anyone bothered to ask her, "What took so long? Why Now?"

Where is Senator Landrieu's and Montel Williams' oversight and outrage when the linens, blankets and pajamas are worn and torn? Where is the outrage over pajamas that have holes and are missing buttons?

YET, this same hospital can spend $74,412 on wide screen T. V.s for the sole purpose of “broadcasting” employee and general information.

Where is the outrage that the hospital can spend $134,082 on furniture MADE IN CANADA when blankets return from “cleaning” with former patients' electrode pads still struck to them or pajamas that have a former patient's IV tape stuck to them.

                 Source: Mike Shelton

Where is Glenn Beck asking his listeners and viewers for money to help replenish “health and comfort” items like toothpaste, tooth brushes, deodorant, combs and mouthwash that are normally supplied by volunteers and when these items run out, particularly on the weekends. Those healthcare professionals who REALLY give a damn, have to hustle in the attempt to find those needed “health and comfort” items elsewhere in the hospital, BUT, Glenn Beck can ask for his viewers and listeners to donate money in order for him to take a truck loads of comfort items, food and other items to the border for the “poor” ILLEGAL immigrants that have flooded our borders.

YET the Obama administration with the backing of his Democrat minions can use American taxpayer's money to ensure that the illegal immigrants that flood our borders have food, shelter and the “health & comfort” items. Those that are in the U.S. illegally are taken care of, BUT our heroes go without, counting on volunteers to supply the most basic of items.

Once again, the American people along with the “talking heads” and of course the Critters in the District of Corruption have moved on thinking that we have replaced the head of the VA and thrown more money at problem, so it can be forgotten, the problem is taken care of.....YEAH RIGHT!

Again, the American Veteran is the “Sunday go to meeting suit”. Taken out for special occasions or as political backdrops and then put back in the closet until next time.

Shouldn't everyone really wonder what is really going on in the many VA hospitals around the country? Or do all Americans feel that since the Critters have thrown money at the problem, all is well?

Main source: http://watchdog.org/174330/va-hospital-lacks-pjs-sheets/ previously linked.

Special thanks to @ABiCduckie for coming to my aid in editing while Igor is on vacation

Let me know what you think.

Semper Fi!

V.A. Reform Bill - Is the Cure Worse Than the Illness?

Editor's Note: As I was writing this and it was being edited by my friend and partner in crime, Igor, the bill was passed and the "duty experts" analysed the final bill but no one even mention the most important thing with healthcare, the providers...OM 

As the Critters rush to get a Veteran’s Administration reform bill before they flee the District of Corruption for their much deserved and hard-earned five week vacation, Fox News reports “Lawmakers to announce tentative deal on bill to overhaul troubled VA”. Needless to say I’ll bet that many will heave a sigh of relief and say, “Finally, the veterans are getting their “just due”, the Critters are finally doing something.” But are they?

In typical D.C. tradition, let’s replace the head of the V.A. with a businessman, not with a retired career military officer or senior Non-Commissioned Officer. Someone who basically KNOWS the true needs of a veteran. Granted, the nominee did spend five years in the Army, BUT in my not so humble opinion five years does not give anyone enough experience to know the needs of today’s veterans. But, he is a businessman, so he “knows” how to straighten out the system, JUST as all previous heads of the V.A. Yes, they did give him the authority to fire SENIOR ADMINISTRATORS with a 21 day appeal process, but as we all know, there are many times where the actual workers will not do their job and in some cases, the supervisor doesn't know about it or worse yet will cover it up by ignoring it. I work for a government agency and see it daily and when one draws it to the attention of the powers that be, it is ignored. NOTHING CHANGES. The fraud goes on.

Just as typical, the Senate, House and even the White House want to throw more money at the problem as if more money for newer buildings, hiring new doctors and other healthcare professionals would make a difference. HOWEVER, if those doctors and healthcare professionals come from those discharged honorably from the military, this will help with the unemployment rate among veterans. (According to 2013 data, Among the 722,000 unemployed veterans in 2013, 60 percent were age 45 and over. Thirty-five percent were age 25 to 44, and 5 percent were age 18 to 24.). Hiring veterans to help veterans would, in my opinion, improve service. After all, the military, thus the Vets have a better different work ethic, better attitude and know the military culture much better then most civilians.

Now, let’s talk about money being spent to allow Veterans to go outside the V.A. system IF there is an unusually long wait time for a Vet to be seen or if the Vet lives live more then 40 miles from a V.A. facility.

YES, it is a great idea and plan, BUT will the government be willing to pay full price for care given by civilian doctors and hospitals? Or will the Federal government want to seek a method where part of the payment is borne by the state, like they do with MEDICAID [Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) which varies by state based on criteria such as per capita income. The regular average state FMAP is 57%, but ranges from 50% in wealthier states up to 75% in states with lower per capita incomes (the maximum regular FMAP is 82 %).]

Maybe the Federal Government will want to make it like another “money saving program”, MEDICARE, where the Federal government pays approximately 80% of the total cost.

Or maybe, the Federal Government will eventually just decide to dump all the Veterans on the Federal Medical Exchange and make Veterans buy insurance and give the veterans subsidies.

Either way, by allowing Veterans to seek medical care outside the V.A. system MAY be a good thing BUT, and I know there is always a but, considering there are 6,616,963 total patients in the V.A. Healthcare system in FY 2014  and lets say 10% of these patients need to seek medical services outside the V.A. system, that will be 661,690 patients added to what is fast becoming an overburdened health system, thanks to Obamacare.

As Obamacare fully takes full effect in the next 12 to 18 months, it will not only add more than 30 million people, (I can't really say Americans because we don't know how many illegals will be included in the healthcare system) but it’s numerous provisions will soon alter the cost of health insurance, medical treatment, and prescription drugs. It will also affect the type and quality of healthcare available in the near future and very possibility the ability to get in to see a doctor (any healthcare provider, for that matter) of your choice.

Experts are predicting that this tsunami of new patients may very well cause a doctor and nurse shortage. A study has found that up to 40% of doctors are leaving the profession due to the overbearing and punitive regulations.

As these doctors and maybe other health care professionals leave the healthcare system, simple common sense, something lacking in D.C. and unfortunately the general population, should tell a person that if you loose 40% of the doctors and add 661,690 patients with a variety of injuries and illness not normally found in the civilian world, there is a possibility that once again veterans will face long delays which once again could result in life threatening conditions and long waits.

Finally, something that should really have people wondering. HAS ANYONE even thought that with $10 billion in emergency spending available for veterans who can’t get prompt appointments with V.A. doctors or live more than forty miles from a V.A. facility (Just who is to determine this and how long WILL IT TAKE...OM). JUST who will manage these funds and insure that there is some accountability? $10 billion dollars is a lot of money for most Americans, but for the critters, its just a drop in the bucket of overwhelming debt and like all “emergency funding” is there ever any accountability? Just look at the Porkulus money spent on the not so shovel ready jobs, the money for the B.P. oil spill, and of course the money authorized for hurricane Sandy. Is there any anyway to prevent fraud?

I am not even implying that the veterans would willfully commit fraud; they have more honor than that, BUT what about the heath care professionals and of course the government? Just look at Medicare and Medicaid.

“The acute problems of waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicare and Medicaid are not a consequence of fee-for-service payment or any other particular design feature; they are a consequence of government. All economic endeavors involve the risks of waste, fraud, and abuse. But these problems are endemic to government for the simple reason that government spends other people’s money, and nobody spends other people’s money as carefully as they spend their own. The only way to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in a governmental activity is to eliminate that activity.”(Or the various unconstitutional Government agencies...OM)

Now, am I happy to see that the Critters HAVE FINALLY DONE SOMETHING for my Brothers and Sisters, DEFINITELY! BUT knowing the history of the problems within the V.A. system, I have to wonder will this really do any good? Along with that, I have to ask a number of questions and pray others will ask the Critters as well.

Is this another one of those bills that we’ll have to read to find out what’s in it?

Was this bill rushed so that the Critters can go home and say, “Vote for me. I care about the Vets, I voted for the money to reform V.A.”? (Note: While blog was in editing, Montel Williams appeared on Cavuto show 30 July, and mentioned the same thing and in the same interview, said that he has been speaking out about the V.A. for seven weeks. “SIR! In all due respect, WHAT TOOK YOU SO DAMN LONG and WHY NOW?”)

As far as the Critters are concerned, I feel that maybe, just maybe, the passage of the V.A. Reform bill answers the questions I've been asking, “WHAT TOOK SO LONG?” and “WHY NOW?”

It took so long because Congress and the sheeple just didn't give a damn and as the Critters face reelection with very low poll ratings, the Critters who are in danger of losing their power, have once again pulled out the “Sunday go to meeting suit” and once again using Veterans to win an election.

For the Glenn Beck (Who wants to have 9-12 a day of service for Veterans, WHY NOT EVERYDAY?...OM), Sean Hannity, Montel Williams, other talking heads and the American sheeple, “WHAT TOOK SO LONG?” and “WHY NOW?” and now an additional question “WILL YOU FOLLOW UP TO ENSURE THERE IS REAL REFORM?”.

What do you think? Please let me know!

Semper Fi!

A Long History of VA Problems, Have to Ask, "WHAT TOOK SO LONG" and "WHY NOW"

It’s a typical day at work and I as I sit at my desk reading, the phone rings. I put down the papers I was looking over and pick up the annoying device.

“Hello.”

The voice on the other end begins, “I have some bad news” and continues to let me know a friend has passed away. I asked, “What happened?” Then the voice goes into the details and when he finishes, I ask about the details of visitation and the funeral and jotted down the information.

I thanked the caller and hung up. While I filled out my paperwork for a day off, I thought to myself, “This is happening all too often.”

I arrive home at my usual time, fixed something to eat, put the dishes in the sink with the promise I’ll wash before bed, walked to the bedroom and opened the closet. As I looked at the typical contents of a man’s closet, I reached over for one of two garment bags hanging there; both black, one plain, the other with my name below the gold Eagle, Globe and Anchor. I reached for the plain one, brought it out and hung it on the door. As I unzipped it and took out what my Mother would call my “Sunday go to meeting suit”. I looked at it, checked it over knowing full well that it was clean and pressed, already for the next few days.

I glanced back at the closet, unzipped the other bag, looked at my Dress Blues and remembered how proud I was when I wore my first set. I remembered taking the oath “…support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies…” and being told that in turn for the years I would serve, America has made a pledge to me, that if I served honorably, the America would honor its pledge to other Vets and me. HOW WRONG that pledge has become.

My thoughts were interrupted by some “talking head” and a congress critter ranting about the treatment that veterans weren’t receiving from the Veterans Administration. I looked back at my suit and thought, “Isn’t it typical, Veterans and the active military (Vets will be used to encompass both veterans and active duty military) are just like my “Sunday go to meeting suit”, forgotten about UNTIL needed for a parade or some other special occasion, like when some politician needs us for a background to show “how much they care” about the Vets and Military. Then after being used, the Vets and Military are put back in the closet, just as I and I’d venture many others do, with their good suits, and forgotten about until the next time.

Truthfully, there is another way to describe the way Vets are being treated, it revolves around an old term for a quarter and slang for “a lady of the evening”, but I prefer to keep it family friendly.

Later as I listen to Neil Cavuto and Montel Williams, I thought to myself, “WHY HAS IT TAKEN SO LONG AND WHY NOW?” WHY is the corruption and lack of care at the Veterans Administration suddenly on the front burner? WHY is everyone from critters to “talking heads” to television personalities crying and yelling how deplorable and insulting the treatment for those who served and PROTECTED our country has become.

I continued to listen and Montel begins to get angry and even a little emotional. Montel did bring out some good ideas, NOT necessarily new, mind you, but good.

SPECIAL BULLETIN: I must interrupt this blog for an important disclaimer. I am not nor will not show any disrespect for a brother Marine, NavalOfficer and fellow Marylander. Now, let’s return to our regularly scheduled blog.

I continued to listen and wanted to ask him, “Why are you suddenly speaking out about the VA now, when you must have known that there have been problems with the VA for many, many years?”

I must admit I really didn’t expect him to know about President Harry Truman accepting the resignation of VA Administrator Frank Hines after a series of news reports detailing shoddy care in VA-run hospitals in 1945.

Nor did I expect him to remember that the American Legion sought to oust five star general Omar Bradley from his position as VA Administrator in 1946, because of an ongoing problem with the lack of facilities and the troubles faced by hundreds of thousands of veterans in getting services and a proposal to LIMIT services for combat veterans.

Even though there were other times, such as in 1947 and again 1955 when government commissions uncovered enormous waste, duplication andinadequate care in the VA system and called for wholesale changes in the agency's structure. But, I wouldn’t expect him know about them either.

A few days later, I would once again hear this Montel on Glenn Beck’s radio show and again he made the same good points but again the same questions came to my mind, “WHAT HAS TAKEN SO LONG AND WHY NOW?”

As one who has watched and listened to Glenn Beck, I know that he is very much into history and having a staff to do research, I would have expected Glenn to at least research the problems that have plagued the V.A. in the past, although Glenn does have a selective view of history when it comes to his idol Martin Luther King, Jr.

I fully expected Glenn to bring up that during the 1970’s and 80’s there were problems with the VA like in the 1970’s, Veterans grew increasingly frustrated with the VA for failing to better fund treatment and assistance programs, and later the failure to recognize that exposure to Agent Orange by troops in Vietnam was a cause for numerous medical problems among veterans.

Nor did Glenn or Montel mention that Vietnam veteran Ron Kovic, the subject of the book and movie, "Born on the Fourth of July," led a 19-day hunger strike at a federal building in Los Angeles to protest poor treatment of veterans in VA hospitals. He and fellow veterans demand to meet with VA Director Donald Johnson. Johnson would eventually fly to California to meet with the activists, but according to Johnson's 1999 Los Angeles Times obituary, he left when the demonstrators refused to meet in the VA's office in the building. This uproar led to widespread criticism of Johnson. After President Richard Nixon announces an investigation into VA operations, Johnson resigned.

No one even mentions that in 1976, A General Accounting Office (GAO) investigation into Denver's VA hospital and the New Orleans' VA hospital found numerous shortcomings in patient care, including veterans whose surgical dressings are rarely changed and found ever-increasing patient loads were contributing to a decline in the quality of care.

How come neither Montel nor Glenn or any other “talking head” mentions anything about Robert Nimmo, a controversial VA director, who once described symptoms of exposure to the herbicide Agent Orange during the Vietnam War as little more than "teenage acne." Nimmo resigned under pressure from veteran's groups because according to a 1983 GAO investigation, he was criticized for wasteful spending, including use of a chauffeured car and an expensive office redecorating project. The agency also issued a report supporting veterans' claims that the VA had failed to provide them with enough information and assistance about Agent Orange exposure.

It seems that everyone from the critters to the T.V. / radio hosts wants to throw more money at the VA, as if that will solve the problem. They seem to forget that in 1984, congressional investigators found evidence that VA officials had diverted or refused to spend more than $40 million that Congress approved to help Vietnam veterans with readjustment problems.

Those same people talk of hiring more doctors are once failing to look at the past, forgetting that in 1986, when the VA's own Inspector General's office found that 93 physicians working for the agency had sanctions against their medical licenses, including suspensions and revocations.

I remembered back in 1989, when President Ronald Reagan signed legislation elevating the Veterans Administration to Cabinet status, thus creating the Department of Veterans Affairs. I and other Vets praised this, hoping that as a cabinet post, things would change within the VA system; how wrong we were!

1991 was a very interesting year: Montel began his seventeen year run as a syndicated talk show host and Sean Hannity was on the radio, while in Chicago there was a report in The Chicago Tribune that doctors at the VA's North Chicago hospital sometimes ignored test results, failed to treat patients in a timely manner and conducted unnecessary surgery. The agency would later take responsibility for the deaths of eight patients, leading to the suspension of most surgery at the center. I am not into talk shows, so I don't know IF Montel or Hannity mentioned anything about this or not. I'm sure if they did and someone has proof, people will let me know.

I wonder, considering Montel was on T.V. and Sean Hannity was on the radio in 1993, whether anything was said about a Washington Post report on VA Deputy Undersecretary of Benefits R.J. Vogel testifying to Congress that there was a growing backlog of appeals from veterans denied benefits due to a federal court established in 1988 to oversee the claims process, Vogel tells the lawmakers, (VA) [sic] is "reeling under this judicial review thing."

In 1999, as the Millennium draws to a close, there is the “great” fear of the Y2K meltdown and the Presidential campaign goes into full swing, The Los Angeles Times reports that the Critters in Washington once again have open an investigation into widespread problems with clinical research procedures at the VA West Los Angeles Healthcare Center. This investigation followed years of problems at the hospital, including ethical violations by hospital researchers that included failing to get consent from some patients before conducting research involving them.

A new Millennium, a new President and the problems with the VAcontinued and as will be shown in Part 2. The questions STILL REMAIN UNANSWERED, “WHAT TOOK SO LONG?” and “WHY NOW?”

 

A Long History of VA Problems, Have to Ask, "WHAT TOOK SO LONG" and "WHY NOW" - Part 2

While the Presidential election was in full swing in 2000, the GAO found "substantial problems" with the VA's handling of research trials involving human subjects. Was anything said by Montel or Hannity? Where was the outrage of using those who have sacrificed by putting a hold on their normal lives to defend and protect the sheeple of America? BUT like that “Sunday go to meeting suit” the Vets were used by politicians to show how much they cared and promises were made. However, when the election was over, the victors celebrated, the losers wept and once again, the Vets were forgotten and like that “Sunday go to meeting suit” hung back in the closet to be forgotten until September, 11, 2001.

2001 not only brought home to America that there were those inside and outside America that wanted to destroy our way of life, BUT also brought out the hypocrisy of the American sheeple as once again, the “Sunday go to meeting suit” was taken out of the closet, dusted off and worn. How many Vets were suddenly thanked for their service by neighbors of many years of living next door to them? How many Vets were suddenly thanked in stores they frequented for many years, despite that for those many years wearing a symbol of their service? While America was going to war in Afghanistan, The GAO once AGAIN releases YET another report that found despite a 1995 goal to reduce waiting times for primary care and specialty appointments to less than 30 days, the GAO found that veterans still often waited more than two months for appointments. Where were Glenn, Montel (considering he had won a Day Time Emmy in 1996 and his show had been nominated for Outstanding Talk Show in 2001) and Hannity expressing their outrage over this report? Where was the American sheeple?

President George W. Bush’s commission reported that as of January 2003, some 236,000 veterans had been waiting six months or more for initial or follow-up visits. The commission said that it was "a clear indication of lack of sufficient capacity or, at a minimum, a lack of adequate resources to provide the required care." Yet, as the Presidential campaign rolled on, the “Sunday go to meeting suits” that are the Vets are dusted off and put on display by candidates on both sides and once again promises are made. Promises as empty as all the other promises made through out the last century.

In 2005, anonymous tips lead to congressional testimony that revealed that surgical patients at the VA's Salisbury, North Carolina hospital had "significant problems with the quality of care". In fact, one veteran who sought treatment for a toenail injury died of heart failure when doctors failed to take account of his enlarged heart. Where was the outrage from Beck, Williams and Hannity and other “talking heads” speaking out against the quality of care at the VA? Where were the American sheeple, considering they had reelected the same critters?

2006 brought about a change in Congress as the Socialists took over while at the VA sensitive records containing the names, Social Security numbers and birth dates of 26.5 million veterans were stolen from the home of a VA employee who did not have authority to take the materials. VA officials thought the incident was a random burglary and not a targeted theft.

Once again “outrage” erupts in 2007, after documents are released that showed some senior VA officials received bonuses of up to $33,000 despite a backlog of hundreds of thousands of benefits cases. This was followed by an internal review that found numerous problems, some of them critical, at VA facilities across the nation. Again where was the outrage?

As 2008 Presidential campaign began, once again the “Sunday go to meeting suits” were taken out of the closet and used as the background for those seeking office. During this campaign season, then Senator Obama said while speaking at a campaign rally in Charleston, W. Va., then Senator Obama promised veterans he would fixthe problems plaguing Veterans Affairs hospitals: “At a time when we’re facing the largest homecoming since the Second World War, the true test of our patriotism is whether we will serve our returning heroes as well as they've served us,” Obama continued, “We know that over the last eight years, we’ve already fallen short of meeting this test (Isn’t it amazing that he ONLY blamed Bush, when there were problems at the VA under Clinton…OM). We all learned about the deplorable conditions that were discovered at places like Fort Bragg and Walter Reed. We’ve all walked by a veteran whose home is now a cardboard box on a street corner in the richest nation on Earth. We’ve all heard about what it’s like to navigate the broken bureaucracy of the VA - the impossibly long lines, or the repeated calls for help that get you nothing more than an answering machine. Just a few weeks ago, an 89-year-old World War II veteran from South Carolina told his family, “No matter what I apply for at the VA, they turn me down.” The next day, he walked outside of an Outpatient Clinic in Greenville and took his own life. “How can we let this happen? How is that acceptable in the United States of America? The answer is, it’s not. It’s an outrage. And it’s a betrayal—a betrayal—of the ideals that we ask our troops to risk their lives for. “But it doesn’t have to be this way. Not in this country. Not if we decide that this time will be different.” [1] As we all know, Obama won the election and what did he do to reform the VA, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! And where were Williams, Beck and Hannity doing what they could to hold Obama and the Critter’s feet to the fire when it came to the veterans, busy making money? They have the microphone and the audience. Where were the American sheeple? Were they too busy electing those politicians who promised freebies from the government while Vets continued to suffer from the broken promises from America?

In 2009, America was under a new administration, but to paraphrase Sonny & Cher “The problems with the VA go on” when it is disclosed that more than 10,000 veterans who underwent colonoscopies in Tennessee, Georgia and Florida were exposed to potential viral infections due to poorly disinfected equipment. Thirty-seven veterans tested positive for two forms of hepatitis and six tested positive for HIV. Irony of ironies is that these Veterans faced the possibility of injury and death by an enemy of freedom, just to be given a possible death sentence, thanks to the very government that made a promise to “To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan.” VA Director Eric Shinseki initiated disciplinary actions and requires hospital directors to provide written verification of compliance with VA operating procedures. The Miami Herald reported that the head of the Miami VA hospital was removed as a result. The questions that should have been asked by the “talking heads”, celebrities and the American sheeple is “What about the heads of the other VA hospitals involved?” “Does providing “written” verification REALLY mean compliance?”

With a new year, 2010 came a new set of Critters as the TEA Party conservatives gained control of the House and once again the “Sunday go to meeting suits” were hung back in the closet and forgotten as the newly elected Critters jockeyed for POWER.

As 2011 dawned, another scandal comes to light at the VA when nine Ohio veterans tested positive for hepatitis after ROUTINE dental work performed at a VA clinic in Dayton, Ohio. A dentist at the VA medical center there acknowledged not washing his hands or even changing gloves between patients for 18 years. While next door in Oakland, Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports on an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease at the VA hospital. It will be later learned that at least five veterans die of the disease over the next two years (2013) as the newspaper discloses VA records showed evidence of widespread contamination of the facility dating back to 2007. WHERE’S THE OUTRAGE from the American sheeple, the “talking heads” and the celebrities? Is it like the old “Sunday go to meeting suits” that have began to show wear and tear, discarded and forgotten about? After all its only five people who volunteered the defend FREEDOM.

Its 2012 and once again the Presidential campaign kicks off in earnest and once again the “Sunday go to meeting suits” are taken out of the closet, dusted off and once again USED as a backdrop for politicians. And once again the VA is involved in another scandal. This time VA finds that the graves of at least 120 veterans in VA-run cemeteries are misidentified. This audit comes in the wake of a scandal at the Army's Arlington National Cemetery involving unmarked graves and incorrectly placed burials.

The following year, 2013, the former director of Veteran Affairs facilities in Ohio, William Montague, is indicted on charges he took bribes and kickbacks to steer VA contracts to a company that does business with the agency nationwide. Montague plead guilty and “He agreed to pay more than $390,000 to satisfy restitution and forfeiture requirements.” (Editor’s note: Research could not find any indication that Montague served any time in prison, much like those responsible for past and the current scandals, NO ONE goes to jail.)

We have seen that the various scandals and veteran’s deaths ARE NOT new to the VA, so when in January 2014, CNN and other news outlets reported that at least 19 veterans died at VA hospitals in 2010 and 2011 because of delays in diagnosis and treatment, the “outrage” began.

Now while, it may seem that I am targeting Montel Williams, Glenn Beck, and Sean Hannity, I’m not. They just happened to be three of the many “talking heads”, T.V. and Radio hosts and celebrities that are hand wringing and complaining about the deplorable treatment and America’s broken oath to those who have sacrificed, admittedly some more than others and as Vets, we don’t ask for or expect special treatment. BUT just as we lived up to our pledge to the country, we fully believed that America would live up to its promise and pledge to us.

I can hear some saying, “I’ve always respected and supported the Vets.” To those people I ask, then why did you keep re-electing the same Critters who knew about the scandals, BUT did absolutely NOTHING to at least attempt to fix the VA?

To Montel Williams, who claimed in 2009 that he didn't support Obama said “But I wasn't as aware of the genius in the man we have as our president. Across the board, hands down. And supported by a genius wife! That's the reason he's getting such rebuke from the right. There are a bunch of stupid people that are jealous of the intelligence the man has.” If you considered him such a genius, why didn't YOU use your time or at least part of your radio time to “hold Obama’s feet to the fire” when it came to the VA? WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG? WHY NOW? After all as Jon Voight said on Huckabee (paraphrased) “I have a big microphone and its my duty to use it.” Why didn't you?

To the American sheeple, why do you keep electing critters who would rather spend money for social programs then straighten out the insult to the Vets that is the Veterans Administration. After all, HOW MANY ILLEGALS HAVE DIED WAITING TO SEE A DOCTOR IN AN EMERGENCY ROOMS? HOW MANY ON MEDICAID HAVE DIED WAITING FOR A DOCTORS APPOINTMENT? I bet that if just one of any of the two groups mentioned the LSM wouldn't let the world forget it. YET it seems that FOX News and FOX Business are the only news sources STILL keeping the VA scandal in the public eye.

To the Critters why do you constantly insist on having reports that FAIL to mention the DEATHS and Scandals of the past under Presidents of BOTH parties and are determined to throw good money after bad. Veterans ARE dying and for almost a century Congress has done NOTHING except use the veterans and throw money at the problem. NOW you want to replace the head of a private company with five years as an Army office to run this Chinese Cluster ****, that is the VA. Why not look to retired military officers to reform the VA. Why not hire VETS instead of equal opportunity hires who don't care about nothing more then getting a paycheck?

I wonder when Vets will finally get fed up and say enough is enough and just march on Washington, no permits, no real warning, just go after all World War 1 veterans did it in 1932, when thousands of World War I veterans and their families marched on Washington to demand payment of promised war bonuses (Shouldn't the Vets of all wars that are able do the same...OM). In an embarrassing spectacle, federal troops forcibly remove veterans who refuse to end their protest.

Maybe Glenn Beck would stop being so worried about the ILLEGAL ALIENS invading America and QUIETLY donate funds for support IF Vets do decide to march on the District of Corruption.

We lived up to our oath, shouldn't America? Shouldn't Veterans and those claiming to support the Military and Vets be demanding to know WHAT TOOK SO LONG? And “WHY NOW?”

To hear what others think check out Carolyn Elkins' post at http://politichicks.tv/column/va-lessons-learned-old/

"The nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten."...Calvin Coolidge. Will America be forgotten and remembered as a nation that sent its citizens to protect and fight for FREEDOM and then forgot about them. OR will America survive and become a model for the world for the treatment of the VETERANS who live up to their oath to "defend and protect". Its up to you!

Let me know what you think.

Semper Fi!

Source of basic information http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/23/politics/va-scandals-timeline/