Your Tax Dollars at Work! Wow!

[solo1]

I was watching Fox News yesterday interviewing a 28 year old 'beach bum' in California who's on food stamps and living high off the hog.

I gave that considerable thought especially now.   I was just advised by the Veterans administration that I'm no longer eligible for VA benefits.  I served in Korea in 1953 in what I assume was a war zone north of the 38th.  My records were burned in in a warehouse fire back in '78 or so, so, without proof of my service history, I was put into a priority 8 category by the VA and rightfully so.

However, in January 2003 (before I applied)  VA established a 'means test'  for qualification in the VA for priority 8 veterans..  The stated purpose was to be able to furnish VA services to more veterans.  I really don't object to that as the VA budget has been limited by Congress and the POTUS.  The more services that the VA can provide to service connected disabled veterans, the better.

However, when I see an almost unlimited budget and a recently relaxed requirement (means test)  by the POTUS,  for food stamps that enables a BUM to be able to buy lobster while I cannot even get an expensive prescription through the VA, it makes me wonder where our country's priority's are.  Actually, it doesn't make me wonder, I know.

I served my time in the Army and went where the Army wanted me to go,  I worked a lifetime helping produce American products., I was a city councilman for 14 years.  I was awarded the "Sagamore of The Wabash" , Indiana's highest civilian recognition. . I presently still contribute to city government................. And yet, and yet, I see a 28 year old who's capable of work but lives on the dole, by his OWN DECISION!, and eats lobster and party's  every night.  

I've lived long enough to know that life isn't fair and I bow to that...... But.

My concern was partially abated by a visit from the head of my chapter of the Korean War Veterans Assn' yesterday.  He gave me some very nice mementos of the 60th anniversary of the Korean Truce signing including a medallion by the South Korean Government. This latest 60th Anniversary medallion or medal is given to those who served in Korea during the War.

I was struck by the consideration of the government of South Korea and compared that to the decision by our government to limit the budget of the Veterans Administration so I must meet a means test to be able to get into the VA.  

Gee, I wonder how Obamacare is going to work out  


Wayne. Solo1

[Steve K (IA)]

Really?......

Fox said that?   ???

So who is a person to believe?  Fox, or...

http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2263

http://www.disabledveterans.org/2011/04/16/republicans-seek-to-cut-1-3-million-veterans/

[solo1]

eally?......

Fox said that?   Huh?

So who is a person to believe?  Fox, or... Quote by Steve



Sounds like you're confused.  Your question pertains to what?

It is a fact that the VA ascribed to a means test in 2003.  It is a fact that Fox interviewed a 'beach bum. I said the first and I'm not lying! Fox, indeed, interviewed a 'beach bum' . Please read my post again.

Your references are immaterial to me. I know what affects me.

[old2soon]

Wayne-while I still have certified copies of my D D 214 I to worry about the WHEN of the gubmint thinks I've had ENOUGH help as a Vietnam vet.  1 or 2 of my prescription scrips are a might spendy WITH OUT the V A help I currently have.  Course the S O Bs in DECEPTION CENTRAL want me to die so they can allocate my unused S S benefits to people that don't work and would feel disenfranchised without my money.  And B T W Wayne-the P G R stood a flag line on the anniversary of the Korean war armistice a couple of weeks ago and i'm here to tell you-I was DAMN PROUD to do it.  Met a W W II Vet Korean War Vets Vietnam Vets and a Sandbox Vet. I was Proud and Happy to break bread and share a prayer with every last one of them. Take care my Friend and RIDE SAFE.

[Fudd]

A nation that forgets its warriors will soon be forgotten itself.

[musclehead]

Really?......

Fox said that?   ???

So who is a person to believe?  Fox, or...

http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2263

http://www.disabledveterans.org/2011/04/16/republicans-seek-to-cut-1-3-million-veterans/

and the question is why can't the 28 year old WITH NO OBVIOUS DISABILITY get a job and support himself. then we can better afford to take care of our vets

[Patrick]

  I completely understand Wayne's frustration. There was a time when the VA was denying every claim and being young, stupid and proud some [including me] didn't argue.
 So, when one sees what is going on concerning welfare or any other source of ' free '   benefits to those that don't deserve them, it really $@#$@*s you off.
Anytime there is a government budget issued, money allotted is only allotted for that specific 'thing'.
 Watching these lazy low-lifes living well on the ' dole ' just irritates the hell out of me. There are those that would, and have, claimed that no one would do such a thing as put in a claim for help unless it was needed, which is just plain flat-ass wrong.
 We may have to do something to distinguish one person from another since we have more than one person here with the same name [and different ideas].

[solo1]

Thank you Musclehead for the question.  That was mine too.



Wayne D.  solo1  (thanks Patrick)

[Master Blaster]

Wayne one of the Demo-Plutocrats was asked that and her answer was most people that use these programs do it for a year or less.  Total denial, truth is with the dumbing down of America, the dream has changed.  That low life beach bum is living the dream now.   Of course when he gets to our age it probably wont be so much fun.  Of course the real reason is to buy votes with public money.  140 million on food stamps and increasing.  The people had to be re educated to remove the stigma from being on the doll.  Now its more a badge of honor.    Prolly the anger should be aimed at the Bureaucracy that activly incourages this dependance

[Patrick]

Wayne one of the Demo-Plutocrats was asked that and her answer was most people that use these programs do it for a year or less.  Total denial, truth is with the dumbing down of America, the dream has changed.  That low life beach bum is living the dream now.   Of course when he gets to our age it probably wont be so much fun.  Of course the real reason is to buy votes with public money.  140 million on food stamps and increasing.  The people had to be re educated to remove the stigma from being on the doll.  Now its more a badge of honor.    Prolly the anger should be aimed at the Bureaucracy that activly incourages this dependance

Thats where most of my anger is aimed, and has been for quite some time. I keep a little left over for the liberals that allow it to be perpetuated.

[Jabba]

And every time WE don't vote... and don't get on our buddies who think like we do don't vote... we allow it to continue.

And don't for a second think that the Republican party of today is in ANY way the answer... they are NOT.  They are socially conservative and fiscally moderate at BEST.  Me... I am socially liberal and fiscally VERY VERY conservative. 

Wayne, I am proud to know you and thank you for your service to this country, and not JUST your military service. 

Jabba

[solo1]

Thank you Jabba.

When I ran for councilman I had to declare my politics, Republican,   However, now, I'm a conservative.  I cannot believe that our elected Republicans in Congress cannot stop this march toward socialism.  Therefore, they are either totally incompetent or are 'going along' despite their protests to the contrary.

I am beginning to have a  total disdain for all those in Congress. I already have a mindset about the POTUS.

It only reinforces my opinion that local government governs best (for what that's worth.)

[Bugslayer]

I've been a grocery store butcher for 32 years. Every month, I see where our tax dollars go... and it makes me sick! Foodstamps, or the "Lonestar Card" as it's known here is Texas, is supposed to be a helping hand..... But it's become a way of life. You would not believe the abuse of the system that I see every day.
I could go on and on about this......

[Patrick]

I've been a grocery store butcher for 32 years. Every month, I see where our tax dollars go... and it makes me sick! Foodstamps, or the "Lonestar Card" as it's known here is Texas, is supposed to be a helping hand..... But it's become a way of life. You would not believe the abuse of the system that I see every day.
I could go on and on about this......

Yep, I agree and I see it too. However, there are some [ a few ] here that will disagree.

[BF]

I was watching Fox News yesterday interviewing a 28 year old 'beach bum' in California who's on food stamps and living high off the hog.

I gave that considerable thought especially now.   I was just advised by the Veterans administration that I'm no longer eligible for VA benefits.  I served in Korea in 1953 in what I assume was a war zone north of the 38th.  My records were burned in in a warehouse fire back in '78 or so, so, without proof of my service history, I was put into a priority 8 category by the VA and rightfully so.

However, in January 2003 (before I applied)  VA established a 'means test'  for qualification in the VA for priority 8 veterans..  The stated purpose was to be able to furnish VA services to more veterans.  I really don't object to that as the VA budget has been limited by Congress and the POTUS.  The more services that the VA can provide to service connected disabled veterans, the better.

However, when I see an almost unlimited budget and a recently relaxed requirement (means test)  by the POTUS,  for food stamps that enables a BUM to be able to buy lobster while I cannot even get an expensive prescription through the VA, it makes me wonder where our country's priority's are.  Actually, it doesn't make me wonder, I know.

I served my time in the Army and went where the Army wanted me to go,  I worked a lifetime helping produce American products., I was a city councilman for 14 years.  I was awarded the "Sagamore of The Wabash" , Indiana's highest civilian recognition. . I presently still contribute to city government................. And yet, and yet, I see a 28 year old who's capable of work but lives on the dole, by his OWN DECISION!, and eats lobster and party's  every night.  

I've lived long enough to know that life isn't fair and I bow to that...... But.

My concern was partially abated by a visit from the head of my chapter of the Korean War Veterans Assn' yesterday.  He gave me some very nice mementos of the 60th anniversary of the Korean Truce signing including a medallion by the South Korean Government. This latest 60th Anniversary medallion or medal is given to those who served in Korea during the War.

I was struck by the consideration of the government of South Korea and compared that to the decision by our government to limit the budget of the Veterans Administration so I must meet a means test to be able to get into the VA.  

Gee, I wonder how Obamacare is going to work out  


Wayne. Solo1

I'm just proud to be able to be on the same motorcycle board as you.   

As for where are our country's priority's......the priority is to give 'em free stuff so they'll keep voting for the scum in power.  Plain and simple....thats where the priority's are. 

[Robert]

Wayne I feel, and sympathize with your frustration and thank you for your service but also for being a good example of how to live. I have learned one thing though no one truly gets a free ride forever. At some time we all have to do what is required of us and some may milk the system for as long as they can but when push comes to shove and living successfully is the name of the game there are no short cuts. No one can live fulfilled inside with hand outs forever, you become a worse slave to the gov than most already are. I hope that Obama care will take care of your medical needs, because the system the way it is now does not work either as far as healthcare for us who depend on it rather than the V.A. I am no means a supporter of O care either.

[musclehead]

I've been a grocery store butcher for 32 years. Every month, I see where our tax dollars go... and it makes me sick! Foodstamps, or the "Lonestar Card" as it's known here is Texas, is supposed to be a helping hand..... But it's become a way of life. You would not believe the abuse of the system that I see every day.
I could go on and on about this......

take your time and give us a good long rant about it, I'd like to read it 

we've been told these people only buy rice and beans with their EBT card  and they are only on it for a year  (even though the economy has been in the crapper after the bounce of 2009)

[Bigun]

I work for the VA and am a patient as well for my service connected injuries at least. It pains me to hear stories like these when so many get by on the system. Have you contacted a service organization like the VFW to have them represent you? Most vets think that once one of the beurocrats or bean counters make a decision that it is permanent, It can be reversed but use a service org as a rep for you. they know the ins and outs of the system. There are usually reps on site at most VA's, talk to them. Contact me if this is a dead end and I'll find out who is your local rep and get you in contact with them. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, be a squeaky wheel and do not give up.

[solo1]

Bigun, thank you for the advice.

When I first tried to get into the VA, I contacted our local service rep, George J of the American Legion.  He went overboard to do what he could. He even tried to get a hearing test for me.  I have a hearing loss that could be attributed to unloading patients from helicopters. That, in turn, could get me into the VA.  I can prove nothing so that didn't work, even the hearing test was refused by the VA.   I tried to recall my personnel records from when I worked at the VA in 1954 as an Xray tech.  Those records were also destroyed.

It would be nice to get into the VA but not necessary.  I'll sit back for now. It's just too much trouble.

Wayne D.