Many, including some in power, have been aware of this disgraceful situation for many years. It is complex, incestuous and self-serving for many in management. Money corrupts, be it in the form of bonuses or promises of power. The VA is a massive and deeply independent institution.
You have heard it before...."follow the money.." In truth it should be "follow the veterans who seek timely treatment in a caring and understanding institution."
One leader resigning is not slaying the dragon. There are too many dragons feeding off of the "bounty of the county" (correction, country). But there are those joining in the rejoicing. Perhaps it is only a symbolic gesture, perhaps it will be the beginnings of cleaning house, or maybe it will be something in between. Whatever the outcome, maybe, just maybe, our VA in Hot Springs, SD will be saved and grown in order to serve, heal and house those men and women who have served us.
There is another saying, "Hope springs eternal..."
I disagree with you. Shinseki was not the one responsible for the atrocities done to veterans. Because Shinseki was ousted signifies the following: there are going to do deeper investigations and the outcome will result in having other leaders to be called for resignation. Shinseki, believe it or not, was a very good leader. And surely he was (his time in leadership) immersed with controversy, but like every leader, he had to take responsibility for the actions of many. True to his beliefs in caring for the veterans, he did all he could do. In the end, his time with the VA brought more positives than negative, although we live in a world where the media portrays everyone as antagonists without having themselves being part of the antagonism.
ReplyDeleteI don't disagree that Shinseki was a good leader in many ways. I also wrote that his resignation is "not slaying the dragon. There are too many dragons...." On the other hand, he was long aware of the underhanded practices, such as long waits and double lists. He also admitted that it was unfortunate that he listened to those around him. He could have cut the bonuses received by those hiding the wait times and those cutting VA facilities around the country. He refused to come to our VA in Hot Springs, one on the cut list, and replied that he would meet our delegation in Denver! Our VA is noted throughout the system as one of the best for the treatment of veterans with PTSD, substance abuse and other emotional issues common to veterans. Our VA has had its services steadily cut for years in spite of the facts that it has been successful in helping veterans heal, and that it has ample room to house and train and treat homeless veterans. One example is that our VA had 450 beds in our Domicilary at one time. Now it has 100, with about 70 beds filled and they have turned away veterans who have come here from far-away states such as California.
ReplyDeleteThe reason given is that our VA does not have the staff. In truth, the management has been cutting staff and services, with a higher cost to the taxpayers and an emotional cost to the veterans that is shameful and reprehensible for our veterans, their families, our future military and our entire country. "If we sent them, we must mend them."
Those serving in congress get wonderful benefits for their service. We can do no less for our returning military. Some can get their health needs met in any hospitals. Those with the life-time emotional needs, must have the special care they can only receive in our VA hospitals if they are to return as contributing members of our society. The VA needs reform, not just sacrificial lambs. We can only hope that the reform is real, ongoing and that it meets the needs of those who served and need it the most.
We need less talking heads, pontificating politicans and more representatives who truly represent suffering veterans and those close to them. In the long run, if we do get that representation, our veterans and our entire country will benefit.
As Calvin Coolidge once said, "A nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten."
2 questions:
ReplyDelete1) Where in cyberspace or in the books show HSVHA has the best care for vets with PTSD?
2) Are you going with veterans' responses to make determinations or are you really gathering information from all accountable and reliable sources?