Set Back For Vets

[boomer2]

Congress not the courts have to fix the VA. check link

http://www.military.com/news/article/judge-va-mental-health-system-requires-govt-fix.html?ESRC=eb.nl

[Sgt. Wilky]

While I agree this is a set back for vets, including myself, I must say that I agree. Without bringing politics into this discussion, we all pledged to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States, and I believe the courts have this correct. Yes, this is painful for me to admit, but instead of putting our hope into the courts, it still all falls into the hands of the legislative and executive branches. There are many issues which surround us Veterans, but a major issue is finances and effeciency. These are realms of Congress, and we have to focus our attention and whatever resources we have as individuals and groups towards the 535 members of Congress to fund this beast, and the executive branch to appoint and install people who are competent and capable.

Semper Fi my friends!!

Sgt. Wilky

[Teac]

While I agree this is a set back for vets, including myself, I must say that I agree. Without bringing politics into this discussion, we all pledged to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States, and I believe the courts have this correct. Yes, this is painful for me to admit, but instead of putting our hope into the courts, it still all falls into the hands of the legislative and executive branches. There are many issues which surround us Veterans, but a major issue is finances and effeciency. These are realms of Congress, and we have to focus our attention and whatever resources we have as individuals and groups towards the 535 members of Congress to fund this beast, and the executive branch to appoint and install people who are competent and capable.

Semper Fi my friends!!

Sgt. Wilky

Well I disagree with you .. for years The VA, and congress have screwed veterans. Of course the courts have the right and I dare say the responsibility and duty to make departments of the government to do their jobs correctly. The courts have decided in a number of cases (bradley v Peake is a good example) that the va is wrong in many cases. If anyone thinks that Congress or the va are going to fix anything on their own, I have a bridge to sell you. If not the courts then who.... everyone answers to a higher power....

Edited May 9, 2012 by Teac

[broncovet]

Yea, right...like Congress "could" fix the VA. If congress could "fix" the VA, why then did they fail to do so over the past 50 years or so? So that Vets have to rely upon the courts? Now, this is the ultimate "pass the buck" philosophy of our government with each agency wanting to put the blame on someone else.

Now, the VA can say, "Gee, Mr. Veteran, I would like to get your claim done in less than a decade, but this is Congress' fault".

If "pro" is the opposite of "con", then what is the opposite of progress?

[john999]

If blacks in the South were as quite and disorganized as veterans they would still be living under Jim Crow. I am not betting money on the VA changing in my life time. Save at least 10% of your checks each month and start your escape plan to some more friendly country. Most vets are Vietnam era vets and you know what the nation thinks of us.

John

[Chuck75]

The way things are, (and have been for decades) Congress has the authority and responsibility to "fix" the VA. Unfortunately, virtually everything that needs to be done will cost more money. This translates into less money available for other more popular uses. Since there is never enough money available, the VA has been shortchanged ever since the end of WWII. VA's use of what it has can also be questioned. Congress, for example might enact and impose time limits on the VA. Under current rules, this would require a "how much is this gonna cost excercise", and the results will not be to the liking of many. The time limit problem must be addressed in a way that points out the moral and real responsibility of Congress and the VA to correct things.

Yea, right...like Congress "could" fix the VA. If congress could "fix" the VA, why then did they fail to do so over the past 50 years or so? So that Vets have to rely upon the courts? Now, this is the ultimate "pass the buck" philosophy of our government with each agency wanting to put the blame on someone else.

Now, the VA can say, "Gee, Mr. Veteran, I would like to get your claim done in less than a decade, but this is Congress' fault".

If "pro" is the opposite of "con", then what is the opposite of progress?

Edited May 9, 2012 by Chuck75

[Sgt. Wilky]

Well I disagree with you .. for years The VA, and congress have screwed veterans. Of course the courts have the right and I dare say the responsibility and duty to make departments of the government to do their jobs correctly. The courts have decided in a number of cases (bradley v Peake is a good example) that the va is wrong in many cases. If anyone thinks that Congress or the va are going to fix anything on their own, I have a bridge to sell you. If not the courts then who.... everyone answers to a higher power....

I agree with you that the VA and Congress have screwed veterans. I'm not disputing that. The courts though, have extremely limited ENFORCEMENT authority! What are they going to do? Send the Marshall's to the chambers of Congress or to the VA? Ridiculous. I understand this is an emotional issue for many veterans, myself included. But putting emotions aside, and looking at the Constitiution, the dispersement of money to the various agencies falls only on Congress. The courts may pass whatever ruling they please, but Congress can tell them (the courts) to go screw themselves. I'm not saying that we should give up our fight, and we can and should fight for our cause in whatever venue we can, and yes, that includes the courts, but if Congress refuses to act and force the VA to make the changes, and give the VA the funds to do it, it will not happen. The courts' higher power is the legislatures of the States and Federal Government, and rarely are any courts censored or judges impeached. So, the highest "power" in America is Congress, and that's the way it was set up; and it was set up that way for a reason. Congress answers to 'we the people.' If we can get the public on our side, and force the issue on Congress, changes will be made, and more importantly, they will be made within rules that govern our country.