Arkansas Blog

Pat Lynch's op-ed column this morning in the DOG adds another item to the growing list that shows the hypocrisy of the Bushists. Whenever anyone opposes or even questions the Iraq screw-ups, the Bushists accuse them of not "supporting the troops."

The Walter Reed (VA Hospital) fiasco shows that nothing's improved since "Article 99" (movie depicting the VA hospital squalor and bureaucracy 20 years ago) and has gotten worse. However, it is just the surface of the cesspool of indignities heaped upon active duty and veterans.

Returning soldiers are told that they can return to their civilian jobs or "equivalents," under the Soldier and Sailor Act. Enforcement of that provision under this administration has been spotty at best, kowtowing to business interests.

As Pat mentions, little is done to rein in the rapacious payday lenders who prey upon military personnel and their families. Major financial institutions own chains of these vultures.

A large percentage of military families live in poverty with sub-standard housing, and relying upon Medicaid, food stamps, and other private and public assistance to make ends meet.

The stop-loss practice of unilaterally extending tours of duty; The lack of protective equipment for the troops; the siphoning of money intended for the troops into the pockets of the Bush business cronies ... these are just a handful of the hundreds of ways that the Bushists are betraying the men and women who are trying to serve their country in a war for private profit, launched on a lie.

This diatribe is getting to be DBI-length, but there are many more examples of how the Bushists are hypocrites when they throw the "support the troops" epithet at those of us who stand against the Bushists. If we were ever to confront a legitimate war will Bush's folly make it impossible to recruit an army to defend us? Let's not impeach Bush - let's arrest him and prosecute him as a traitor.

I agree, Jim. And after Bush serves his prison term for treason, let's turn him over to the International Court for war crimes.

Thanks Jim, it was worth as usual, the DBI length!
These sanctimonious robber barons have rotted out the core of our society and values all the while proclaiming family values, the troops and God. There should be a special place in Hell for these folks. Never have so few, done such damage, to so many.

My Grandfather at alzheimers and spent the last 6 months of his life at Fort Roots (NLR's VA). While it wasn't exactly luxurious, it was always clean and well maintained. But the staff there is what should really be applauded.

I cannot tell you how wonderful the entire staff was to him and to our entire family during his illness. They not only took very good physical care of him, but they went out of their way to do whatever they could to make him comfortable and to put a smile on his face. But not only that, they were kind, considerate and very compassionate to all of his family during that very difficult time.

I have no doubt that they are underpaid and overworked, but I also have no doubt that they are doing the work of angels and I could never thank them enough for the care they gave to my Grandfather.

So, while we rail against the bureaucrats who have not asked for or received the funding necessary to maintain and staff our VAs they way they should be, lets not forget the wonderful men and women who work there and loving look after and care for our current and former soldiers.

Justa,
I'm a nurse and I agree that there are many in the VA who do extraordinary things despite the policies of the "suits." I know many of the people you refer to at Ft. Roots, but they should not have strive to do the right thing "despite."

My dad is 90 and has had several stays, at the Little Rock VA during the past 30 years. One was very recently. He says our local VA Hosptal is "fantastic', to use his favorite word.

Why does everybody laugh at my mighty sword?

Kudos to Lendall, JustaGirl, and Leveritt for making excellent points. (And don't go getting paranoid on us, DBI!)

There is no limit to what good people can do in trying situations. I would also remind us of the great leadership legacy of our VA by Dr. Eugene Tobin, a true humanitarian.

Filed at 3:40 p.m. ET

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Vice President Dick Cheney has a blood clot in his left leg, tests revealed Monday.

I'm not a praying man, but I am blocking off 10 minutes each for God, Allah, Buddha and throwing in 2 minutes for Satan and I'm gonna pray like no freaking tomorrow!

Could you all join me in prayer as we bow our heads.....

DBI,

We do not laugh at your "mighty sword" but at the Viagra dosage others need to achieve it.

I could never understand why in some bars in New Orleans and elsewhere, crowds poured out of the bars in celebration at JFK's assassination.
Now I think I understand. Hope to see you outside your local bar soon.

DBI,

Here's a warning label for your sword.
Click on the handle.