Why Do We Take It?

[SouthernBelle]

I know this has been said before, but we don't have to take this. Why can't we do the same things the Presidential candidates are doing and start raising money to get every Veteran who is able to travel to descend upon Washington D.C. and demand something. What is stopping us? Is it because the Bonus Army didn't get what they wanted when they wanted it? I don't think so. GDSnide said it right. FEAR. People are afraid now. But what are we afraid of? We don't have to take it. Hundreds of people doing small things are great, and can't be downplayed, but at the same time, if we had a massive group of Veterans marching in DC that would get attention. We could run adverts on TV, radio, and get the local news involved. Start raising money. It may take a few years to get enough money for every Veteran ABLE to travel to come, but we've got time. We're sitting here waiting on the VA to give what EVERY AMERICAN VETERAN DESERVES. Lets stop talking about how bad it is, and lets actually do something BIG. There are people on here with VERY good contacts in Congress. Give them the CHANCE to fix the system, and if they don't, then we go, if they do fix it, we donate the or put into a trust the money raised. The trust can be used for Veterans and their families who are still waiting, or if there is an emergency. What is stopping us? If those of us on THIS forum can't get together, then NOBODY can, so lets do it! We ought to prove that a nonviolent "PROTEST" still works wonders.

We should be angry, but kind; demanding, but polite; and firm but soft-spoken.

Edited October 14, 2008 by SouthernBelle

[Pete53]

I will go if I am still able to travel. My suggestion is to start local. There is plenty wrong with any VA Facility.

[SouthernBelle]

Local is the only place to start that makes sense. I'm on top of it so far!

I will go if I am still able to travel. My suggestion is to start local. There is plenty wrong with any VA Facility.

[purple]

Oh, my local VA knows me all too well.....LOL! I think I have a "special" name there!

Seriously though, I'm on a committee for women vets there to improve conditions and I'm not at all shy about pointing out how to make improvements for all.

[SouthernBelle]

Mine too, the people there call me "his Spouse" and make this horrible face. Everybody knows me there, and most don't like me. Apparently, I "meddle too much in matters that only concern [my] husband" There are only two people there who don't mind my "meddling" and that's his pdoc and the lady who gives me all his treatment records, I think they call her a Release of Information specialist. She laughs at that long title when we could all just say Records Lady.

Oh, my local VA knows me all too well.....LOL! I think I have a "special" name there!

Seriously though, I'm on a committee for women vets there to improve conditions and I'm not at all shy about pointing out how to make improvements for all.

[Pete53]

Belle:

Whatever the VA does to your husband should be of grave concern to you. Sometimes when we are not up to a fight its our spouse who stands in for what is needed

I appreciate your advocacy and wish that there were many more like you.

[SouthernBelle]

Thanks, Pete53. I know that if it weren't for me, my husband wouldn't argue a single thing with them. I've always argued for him. I'll fight to the death for my husband and my child. No question about it.

Belle:

Whatever the VA does to your husband should be of grave concern to you. Sometimes when we are not up to a fight its our spouse who stands in for what is needed

I appreciate your advocacy and wish that there were many more like you.