GOP slashing veterans' benefits
Toolbox
Published: October 5, 2006
There cannot be any loyal Americans who do not support our troops. Our soldiers have witnessed over 2,500 of their buddies killed and many thousands more maimed for life either physically or psychologically. However, once these heroes become veterans of the present war, the Republican Party dishonors their heroism by severely cutting the Veterans' Administration budget. One would think that the VA budget should have been increased if common sense prevailed. Haven't our new veterans sacrificed enough? Is there neither humanity, sensitivity nor honor left in politics?
I am a veteran of World War II. Since 2001, I have been receiving glaucoma medication from the VA satellite office in Bennington. This past April, I was informed that I would have to go to the VA hospital in White River Junction in order to receive any more medications. The kicker is that there is approximately a one-year wait for an appointment at the hospital — no appointment means no medications. The three medications that I take cost me approximately $250 a month.
The following quote is from a letter that I received from the VA: "This is to notify you that our Eye Clinic is currently experiencing long delays in scheduling new patient appointments. This is due to an increasing number of veterans seeking eye care for the first time. The wait time for an eye exam is indefinite. We cannot determine how long you may have to wait for an eye exam given the recent VA budget cuts."
Our Constitution provides us with a system of checks and balances, but the brilliant design our forefathers gave to us is broken. Vermont's citizens need and deserve a fair voice in Washington. Vote for Vermont's Democrat candidates.
RICHARD TANNEN
Manchester
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