March 12, 2007
Does it even matter ?
Does it even matter I ask myself as I read and hear the outrage of so many Americans about the care of our wounded veterans coming home. I understand politically it will have huge leverage for the Democrats as they show their disgust and outrage and question the support of the troops.
I understand politically the Republicans will retort that at least they allocated money to improve and help our defense budget get bigger and meet the needs of the military .
Where does the blame fall? Does it fall with the President? Does it fall with the Republicans until they lost control of the House and Senate? What have the Democrats truly done these hundred days or before for our wounded?
As a former military wife, University of Michigan graduate,and a registered Democrat, it is time for self-reflection and to stop the finger pointing if we truly support those who serve. Those generals the administration/Pentagon fired and made scapegoats were merely that- scapegoats to quell the fires.
The fault lies on the shoulders of all of us. The fault lies with the Dems and the Republicans. The fault lies with every American who did not go to visit our veterans at the hospitals and see their conditions. This was not hidden. This has been there right in front of the noses of every Washingtonian. Being from Potomac myself, I know millions of us drove by Walter Reed every day yet much fewer went in to make any kind of difference.
This is only the beginning...the beginning of a huge laundry list of poor conditions that exist everywhere including where I live now on Florida's Gulf Coast. The abuse and neglect has not just been wrought on our current heroes coming home wounded, but for veterans of all wars who have been forgotten, misused for political purposes,and not been heard when they mentioned that they were having any trouble getting their health care needs met. That is, if these heroes even complained at all.
We have been so busy dividing our country and ourselves from one another...arguing and screaming about the war and whether we should have been there or not. Their voices with small complaints veiled in soft dignity fell on deaf ears.
When do the politics stop and the real quality care and rebuilding of the broken down,bureaucratic mess of the VA system begin? When do we start uniting to make a difference in the lives of these heroes and their loved ones who suffer silently beside them afraid to speak up because of repercussion?
From the moment one steps on the premises of a Veteran Administration hospital, it should be welcoming,warm and clean with the top care we afford the wealthiest of Americans. There should be no difference between the care the President and our Senators receive than the medical care our wounded veterans receive. No difference. After all, these heroes were willing to lay down their lives for the very freedoms we too often take for granted. After all, these heroes never asked for one bit of thanks.
The bumper stickers and yellow ribbons mean nothing if our veterans are welcomed home to such poor care and treatment.
After all, these heroes from every war would be the last to complain and the first to serve this country again if they could. Stop the finger pointing.
There are millions of military heroes working in our Veterans hospitals trying to help our wounded amidst a meager budget and lack of concern,even indifference... until the ugliness of it all was slammed down our throats until we could not look away any longer.
Does it even matter if we wait for the legislation to make it right while the scapegoats are fired? Does it even matter if we ourselves do not get up from our Lazy Boys and begin ourselves to make a difference, any difference, for our wounded and their families? Or do we just keep saying " Oy veh"?
In this season of Lent and Passover for so many millions, let us remember what it all means, valuing human dignity within ourselves after struggle and for others amongst us. Let us remember that this means offering aid,if able to do so, to others in need... to preserve the dignity and freedom of all. Our wounded have suffered enough; emotionally and physically. To threaten their dignity with these abhorrent conditions cannot continue and threatens the soul of our great country.
Their war continued when they came home. When we respond, it will matter.
Mahatma Ghandi said it best, " Be the change you wish to see in the world."
Today.
Alessandra Kellermann
President of Homefront Hugs USA
Gulf Breeze,Florida
