Stop the Erosion of Veterans Benefits

by: Thurman Hart

Tue May 22, 2007 at 08:56:47 AM EDT

President Bush doesn't agree.

My mother's uncle - retired after 32 years in the Marines, deaf from artillery batteries in France, and confined to a wheel-chair - can no longer receive services at the VA Hospital near his home in New Mexico.  You see, his back injuries are not service-connected and that Silver Star just doesn't mean as much as it used to mean.  Oh, the VA can still provide him hearing aid batteries, but he's on his own for his back problems - because his military retirement check pays him too much.

New Jersey has already lost sixty-seven of its sons and daughters to the Bush war machine.  Those who come back deserve to know they will be able to see a doctor if they need it.

Stay with me below the fold.

The thing is, I've never met a taxpayer yet that wouldn't willingly bear the weight of taking care of those who wear our uniform.  We may not agree with the decision to send them abroad, but we damn sure honor them for their service.  And by "honor" I don't mean "throw a sticker on the back of our car where everyone else can see it" or "wave a two-dollar American flag made in China at the Memorial Day parade".  I mean we stand by them when it counts.

My boss, Steve Rothman, is fighting to reverse a Bush Administration decision that has resulted in honorable men like my great-uncle being denied service.  As our veterans come home from Iraq and Afghanistan, we cannot pretend like our obligation to them ends when they cash their pay check.  If, after you read Mr. Rothman's statement on this matter, you want to do more, then sign our petition and show our veterans that Blue Jersey can be counted upon to support them.