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Take care of our own

“A divided Senate on Thursday derailed Democratic legislation that would have provided $21 billion for medical, education and job-training benefits for the nation’s veterans (Feb. 28).” Republicans blame Democrats, and vice versa, as to the failure of the passing of this bill. Stupidity at its worst.

Our government can spend billions of dollars on foreign aid, assisting countries with money and armaments, but won’t assist this nation’s own veterans. Take care of our own first, then worry about assisting other countries and governments with their problems. Can you say domestic support first and foreign support second? As to the Republican comment, “We’re going to do the right things for the veterans of America,” my response is “when?”

Iraq and Afghanistan veterans committing suicide by cop can’t seem to get the Veterans Administration to recognize that a wounded-in-combat veteran has post-traumatic stress disorder after being shot and seeing his comrade(s) killed. Fiscal responsibility? How about fiscal and physical responsibility for those who do and have served the United States of America, our defenders of liberty?

When needed, they’re great. After their service, well, let’s just forget about them. What support could they possibly need?

Michael Harmelin

Sandpoint



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