With as much talk as there's been in the past year about the economy and deficits and such, having an increase in spending for the VA is something very positive for it. I don't think increasing the spending to make up for those past years lost would really help the deficit and economy.
Bill complains about the Dubya deficit from one side of his mouth, then complains from the other side about what he sees as Dubya's lack of funding for projects he sees as worthy, such as the VA.
(Washington, D.C., Feb. 6, 2002)—The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. remains concerned about looming problems in the VA system that even with a $1.5 billion increase in the VA's budget, will fail to adequately provide for the nation's veterans.
"A preceding decade of flat and even deficit budgets for VA has placed the system on the brink of disaster," said VFW Commander-in-Chief James N. Goldsmith. "Appropriated dollars for veterans' medical care have only in recent years even come close to providing adequate support. Let there be no doubt in anyone's mind that even more dollars will be required for veterans' health care because more and more veterans are streaming into the system."
An Organization primarily concerned with the UNIFORMED SERVICES,and NOT a widely known Veterans Organization, and their membership is less than 150,000.
The DAV, on the other hand, is primarily concerned with Disabled Veteransand VA Concerns, and which does more representation of Disabled Veterans than ANY other organization,and has millions and millions of members.
I have not even seen the NAUS name in a few years. Veterans, do NOTuse that organization to fight for their Promised Benefits.
" WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Bob Stump (R-AZ) applauded the VA/HUD Appropriations Subcommittee approval Monday of an additional $1 billion for the VA health care as "a good first step in saving veterans from the disastrous Clinton-Gore budget."
"The funding approved today gives us a good figure to work with toward our goal of meeting the $1.7 billion shortfall for VA we identified earlier this year," Chairman Stump said. "I commend Rep. Jim Walsh (R-NY), chairman of the VA/HUD Appropriations Subcommittee, for recognizing the problem and doing something about it. He’s a true friend of veterans."
The Veterans’ Affairs Committee has held hearings all year and taken testimony from representatives of veterans’ organizations and local VA health care managers to determine the effects of the Clinton-Gore budget. The testimony has been unanimous in predicting serious cutbacks in VA medical personnel and service under the Administration’s proposed budget."
YEAH? Where IS that "Testimony"?
Three more useless linksto useless information,you could NOT have found.
Bush VA Spending Fails To Grow With Health Care Costs
" Despite Bush's claims, "the annual percentage increase it requested for veterans' health care is 5.4 percent -- hardly a windfall considering that the consumer price index for medical care was 13 percent during fiscal year 2002. VA officials have testified that it would take a 13 to 14 percent hike in the VA's health care budget just to maintain the status quo." [Rep. Lane Evans (D-IL) Op-Ed, The Hill, 9/17/03]
Then, if you STILL think that the VA Budget is "Terrific" and "Increasing", I suggest you go to a VFW, VVA, Legion or DAV Meeting of the general membership. Ask THEM.
Bills to Boost VA Programs for Veteran's Housing, Education, and Compensation Benefits?
The Subcommittee on Benefits (Chairman Henry Brown, SC) held a legislative hearing to consider ten bills before the Subcommittee, including legislation to expand the Montgomery GI Bill and VA home loan guarantee programs. The bills on the agenda were: H.R. 348, H.R. 843, H.R. 1735, H.R. 2206, H.R. 2612, H.R. 3936, H.R. 4065, H.R. 4172, H.R. 4173, and a draft bill, the Veterans Education Opportunity Act of 2004. Testifying at the hearing were five panels of expert witnesses, including the Honorable Kenneth B. Kramer, Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, Mr. Robert Epley, Veterans Benefits Administration, Mr. William Carr, Department of Defense, and representatives of veterans service organizations. For more information, see this press release. For more information on Veterans legislation, click here. Have a stance on these issues? Contact your representatives on the House's Veterans Affairs Committee.
As usual, most of the sponsors of these bills, are DEMS.
But in case you cannot, then here is a little more info...
Original Sponsor: Christopher Smith (R-NJ 4th) (The ONLY Republican who fights tooth and nail FOR Veterans, and who sponsors MOST of the Veterans Benefits Bills in the House), IF republicans are identified as Sponsors,that is.
That would be almost 2 to 1...Dems over Reps.? And just THIS 1 bill, I might add?Most are overwhelmingly DEMS who support and co-sponsor these bills, none of which actually EVER pass, because they are not the party in POWER.
There are about 20 awaiting the attention of the Republican Controlled Congress...and another 20 or so in the Senate, since 2003, like this one:
National Guard and Reserve Comprehensive Health Benefits Act of 2003 Bill # S.852
Original Sponsor: Mike DeWine (R-OH)
Cosponsor Total: 19 (last sponsor added 09/24/2003)   12 Democrats   7 Republicans
About This Legislation? 4/10/2003--Introduced.
National Guard and Reserve Comprehensive Health Benefits Act of 2003 -Makes members of the Selected Reserve and the Individual Ready Reserve eligible for either the Prime or Standard option of the TRICARE Program (a Department of Defense managed health care program), allowing for either self-coverage or self-and-family coverage.
Right now, they get SHIT.
By the way? The party in power usually is the party that gets to SPONSOR these bills, and the Co-Sponsors, are USUALLY the ones who are NOT in control of the Congress...it's called Legislative Ettiquette. Look it up.
Then tell me, how many bills that Republicans HAVE SPONSORED, for the benefit of Veterans,have actually PASSED and been signed into LAW, since 1945?
More reasons why the VA is exactly what I have said it is... LACKING.
VA Faces Wave Of Returning GIs Associated Press--May 17, 2004
WASHINGTON - More than 20,000 soldiers have sought care from the Veterans Affairs Department since returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. With thousands more expected to seek benefits and health care, the VA faces its biggest challenge since the early 1990s. Nearly 18,000 soldiers who have returned from Iraq have sought care at VA health facilities, officials reported at the end of March. A separate report in mid-April said 4,000 troops from the war in Afghanistan sought care, although there is some overlap from those who served in both conflicts.
When Willie Buckels applied for veterans health care after returning from Iraq, the back and knee injuries he suffered while rescuing a fuel truck during a mortar attack were not enough to guarantee him treatment. Wow... That's Nice.SSDD.
The Mississippi reservist had to bring along Army paperwork proving his combat service because the VA still lacks a computer system that tracks a new applicant's service record.
And in fact, they still use basically the SAME system of record keeping that they used in 1955, which includes HUGE stortage areas to hold 1-6 in. thick packets of records for EACH Veteran, which must be dragged by the bushel basket all over the VAMC, and to other VA Med Centers, nationwide. Believe that, because I DO KNOW.
What I also KNEW, was that this would happen. But YOU GUYS, have always said that the VA Budget is SO GREAT!!!INCREASING, to handle everything, in fact.
Well now you know what our returning G.I.'s have to do just to be seen by a Doctor out there...and these guys are almost ALL battlefield Troops. Time For A CHANGE,In Washington.
Let's see... A NEW Prez would do just fine, especially a REAL Veteran.
Then tell me, how many bills that Republicans HAVE SPONSORED, for the benefit of Veterans, have actually PASSED and been signed into LAW, since 1945?
NONE of ANY substance, that I can find.
Really ? Hmmm. Well lets See Bill.
U.S. Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite today offered an amendment increasing new budget authority for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by $200 million for fiscal year 2005.
“As a dual member of the Committee on the Budget and the House Veterans Affairs Committee, we are grateful to Chairman Nussle for increasing the VA request by $1 billion. In effect, this additional $200 million will ensure that the Department can accommodate the new veterans coming into the system, while at the same time continuing to service those that have defended America throughout our history.
Well Bill with the exception of 94' and up until 2000 the Dems had controlled the senate since the Eisenhower admin. So you tell me. Regardless of whom sponsors them those with a majority can move things along. You can sponsor stuff all day There were many many many years of the Dems controlling both houses as well as the White House. The Republicans had a majority in the senate in 94' but not the White House. 2000 was the first time since Ike left office that they've had that all 3, yet up until 2000 apparently everything was ducky. What happened since then ? Oh yea, funding has gone up, those evil republicans are out to screw vets. Here's some evidence of the evil GW and the evil R's
Spending per veteran 38.6% increase 1985 to 1994; 78.9 % increase 1995 to 2004.
True, but to increase it at all is considered a cut in some peoples mind for some reason. To give them a record increase is considered trying to destroy them. But President Bush is the one who is considered a Goober by these same people who cannot even spell his name correctly.
Yes, well I did, and the CUTS in spending FAR outweight the budget INCREASES, which basically followed just slightly BEHIND the rates of inflation for those two sets of 10-year spending "Facts", meaning that spending did NOT go UP, it went DOWN,and the number of dollars spent was NOT increased for the number of PATIENTS coming into the system during those years, most of whom were WWII Veterans, most of whom are now gone.
Now according to LUVS post, over the 10 years from 1984-1995, the average increase wass 3.58 percent, per year.
Do you know what the inflation rate was, in JUST 1984? Obviously not.In fact, we LOST-dollar per dollar against inflation and the cost of living and MOST ESPECIALLY, the Costs Of Healthcare ALL ACROSS AMERICA.
Those costs, as most people well know, have at least TRIPLED,in the last 20 years.
3.58 percent against THAT?
I am sorry, but those numbers reflect ONLY basic dollars budgetted,and do NOT take into account the actual costs to cover Healthcare-Cost-Increasesduring those twenty years, NOR do they take into account the actual rates of inflation.
So they are basically, Meaningless. One final "Test" to see how much is actually being spent, is to GO LOOK,and ask...Go to the Mpls. VAMC, and ask.
Something which I have suggested before, and which you will never take the time to do, because you really don't give a shit, one way or the other.
Within 20 years, MAXIMUM, the VAMC will not exist...and THAT is at the HEART of the matter, for Conservatives.
Since I don't know what school your kids go to, that would be rather hard, but I did work for the Moundsview School District for over 2 years, in the late 1990's, and BOTH my kids went to Private Schools during their High School days, and I was on the SPAFF Committee at Cretin, during those years.
So, there you have it.
Lastly, I am glad you took the time to read Dan's link. But the fact STILL REMAINS that the rates of inflation coupled with the multi-year, double-digit Health-Care increases, FAR outweigh the Budgets for the VA during those same years, by 3 to 1.
Now, I know you didn't explain why THAT is, but none the less, it is true.
---------------------
Oh and Dan...? Reagan had to create the largest increase in budget deficits AND a VERY HARD recession, and HUGE increases in the UNEMPLOYMENT RATESto GET those lower inflation rates, and they were NOT always as low as that 3.53% during his term, either. HARDLY. As I am sure you saw on the tables, as well???
I am sure you also saw the reccesion of the 1st G. Bush Term, as well? Two FINE economic "Leaders", those Bush's.
Fortunately, GDubbya, will be headed home to Crawford, in Jan. of 2005, and will be unable to fuck things up, any worse than he already HAS.
JT, while not usually in agreement with me on most political issues, knows FAR more about this and just about ANY OTHER subject, than you ever will...Sloopedo.
Why?
He can read.
------------------------------------------------
THX, I do not see where it is figured into the equation, not in the stuff I read from LUV's posts, not anywhere...And especially since we all know that health-care costs have skyrocketed FAR beyond inflation rates, for YEARS.
WASHINGTON - America dedicated a memorial Saturday to the fast-thinning ranks of World War II veterans, a poignant last hurrah drawing together tens of thousands of old soldiers, sailors and heroes of the home front.
Frail now, full of spunk then, they were thanked for service that "helped save the world."
Obviously, no amount of "Thanks" now spoken, can make up for the very real debt we owe all those brave souls who sacrificed, fought and even died in the effort to rid the world of facist tyranny, in WWII.
Not only did they save our world for Freedom, they also made the most of their own when they came home, and built this nation into the most powerful on Earth, through the strength of their convictions, the educations they got thanks to the G.I. Bill and then their efforts as Teachers, Scientists, Researchers, Doctors, Politicians, and on and on and on... Service to all of us, in so many areas.
We shall not see their like very soon, if ever.
In memory of all of them I also say, Thank You!One and All.
Then tell me, how many bills that Republicans HAVE SPONSORED, for the benefit of Veterans, have actually PASSED and been signed into LAW, since 1945?
NONE of ANY substance, that I can find.
Really ? Hmmm. Well lets See Bill.
U.S. Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite today offered an amendment increasing new budget authority for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by $200 million for fiscal year 2005.
“As a dual member of the Committee on the Budget and the House Veterans Affairs Committee, we are grateful to Chairman Nussle for increasing the VA request by $1 billion. In effect, this additional $200 million will ensure that the Department can accommodate the new veterans coming into the system, while at the same time continuing to service those that have defended America throughout our history.
Well Bill with the exception of 94' and up until 2000 the Dems had controlled the senate since the Eisenhower admin. So you tell me. Regardless of whom sponsors them those with a majority can move things along. You can sponsor stuff all day There were many many many years of the Dems controlling both houses as well as the White House. The Republicans had a majority in the senate in 94' but not the White House. 2000 was the first time since Ike left office that they've had that all 3, yet up until 2000 apparently everything was ducky. What happened since then ? Oh yea, funding has gone up, those evil republicans are out to screw vets. Here's some evidence of the evil GW and the evil R's
Spending per veteran 38.6% increase 1985 to 1994; 78.9 % increase 1995 to 2004.
FYI... Today at 1:30 p.m., John Kerry will officially kick-off the "Veterans For Kerry" national-organization, which I am GLADLY a part of and GLADLY working with.
For any Veterans who think that we are once-again and in fact more intensely than EVER, getting the "shit-end" of the stickfrom the current administration? Come on over and meet some fellow Veterans who actually think we can do BETTER, with John Kerry in the White House.
There's also a lot of Veterans who LIKE the guy, and many more who wouldn't cross the street to kick Gdubbya in the balls.
HE is LOSING their hearts, faster than Kerry is winning them, and THAT is what matters. Don't you find it strange that Dubbya is losing ground in the polls, despite all the attack ads, despite Kerry's lack of details, despite the fact that Kerry has been mocked and attacked by people from every corner of the spectrum, yet he is STILL neck and neck with the Prez? Don't you find that to be... Strange?
By the way... 'CCO did a story the other night on "Truth" in the political ads? GDubbya's ads were ALL found to be misleading and 0utright lies and distortions(as most informed people know anyway).ALL of them.
"Veterans For Kerry" is simply that man. I haven't yet seen any 'Veterans For Dubbya" groups.Have you?
"As President, Kerry will keep America’s promise to our veterans. His plan includes mandatory funding for VA healthcare to properly care for over 500,000 veterans who are currently excluded from the system and revoking the Disabled Veterans Tax, which deducts disability pay from military retirement pay."
Well good luck to him, he's got some work to do. Bush leads Kerry by 19 points with vets.
Both sides agree that Republican presidential candidates since the Vietnam era probably have gotten a majority of veterans' votes. Precise data is murky, but experts say the GOP has been winning by 20 percentage points or more among the nation's 25 million vets, most of whom are male.
A national poll in April by a team of researchers at Duke University found Bush leading Kerry by 19 points among veterans. One of the political science professors who conducted the Duke poll, Peter Feaver, said it is not surprising that Bush still is leading among veterans, but he also agrees that Kerry will do better than any Democrat in a long time.
A national poll in April by a team of researchers at Duke University found Bush leading Kerry by 19 points among veterans.
Thanks for posting that, Rob. I heard on the radio the other day that a CBS poll, which wasn't reported by CBS on its television news programs, showed veterans supporting Bush over Kerry by 13 points. I tried to find it on CBS's website but couldn't.
The VA is a "Pet Project"?
I think that is quite-insulting, Jethro.
But ask LUV. He will more than likely agree.
But ask LUV. He will more than likely agree.
And that should mean anything to me because?
Well no actually I wouldn't agree with him so you're wrong, but hey, thanks for speaking for me.
Can you see it? All I see is an X now.
With as much talk as there's been in the past year about the economy and deficits and such, having an increase in spending for the VA is something very positive for it. I don't think increasing the spending to make up for those past years lost would really help the deficit and economy.
Bill complains about the Dubya deficit from one side of his mouth, then complains from the other side about what he sees as Dubya's lack of funding for projects he sees as worthy, such as the VA.
http://www.vfw.org/news/vabudget.htm
http://www.naus.org/veteranstxt.htm
http://veterans.house.gov/news/106/7-26-99-2.htm
http://www.vfw.org/news/vabudget.htm
(Washington, D.C., Feb. 6, 2002)—The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. remains concerned about looming problems in the VA system that even with a $1.5 billion increase in the VA's budget, will fail to adequately provide for the nation's veterans.
"A preceding decade of flat and even deficit budgets for VA has placed the system on the brink of disaster," said VFW Commander-in-Chief James N. Goldsmith. "Appropriated dollars for veterans' medical care have only in recent years even come close to providing adequate support. Let there be no doubt in anyone's mind that even more dollars will be required for veterans' health care because more and more veterans are streaming into the system."
http://www.naus.org/veteranstxt.htm
An Organization primarily concerned with the
UNIFORMED SERVICES, and NOT a widely known Veterans Organization,
and their membership is less than 150,000.
The DAV, on the other hand, is primarily concerned with
Disabled Veterans and VA Concerns, and which does more representation of Disabled Veterans
than ANY other organization, and has millions and millions of members.
I have not even seen the NAUS name in a few years. Veterans, do
NOT use that organization to fight for their
Promised Benefits.
http://veterans.house.gov/news/106/7-26-99-2.htm
HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PURE Republican,
political-gobbledeegook.
" WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Bob Stump (R-AZ) applauded the VA/HUD Appropriations Subcommittee approval Monday of an additional $1 billion for the VA health care as "a good first step in saving veterans from the disastrous Clinton-Gore budget."
"The funding approved today gives us a good figure to work with toward our goal of meeting the $1.7 billion shortfall for VA we identified earlier this year," Chairman Stump said. "I commend Rep. Jim Walsh (R-NY), chairman of the VA/HUD Appropriations Subcommittee, for recognizing the problem and doing something about it. He’s a true friend of veterans."
The Veterans’ Affairs Committee has held hearings all year and taken testimony from representatives of veterans’ organizations and local VA health care managers to determine the effects of the Clinton-Gore budget. The testimony has been unanimous in predicting serious cutbacks in VA medical personnel and service under the Administration’s proposed budget."
YEAH?
Where IS that "Testimony"?
Three more
useless links to
useless information, you could NOT have found.
TRY THESE:
http://www.winwithoutwar.info/html/action.shame.html
http://www.house.gov/larson/pr_030523.htm
http://www.interventionmag.com/cms/modules.php?file=article&name=News&op=modload&sid=359
Bush VA Spending Fails To Grow With Health Care Costs
" Despite Bush's claims, "the annual percentage increase it requested for veterans' health care is 5.4 percent -- hardly a windfall considering that the consumer price index for medical care was 13 percent during fiscal year 2002. VA officials have testified that it would take a 13 to 14 percent hike in the VA's health care budget just to maintain the status quo." [Rep. Lane Evans (D-IL) Op-Ed, The Hill, 9/17/03]
And for now, Finally:
http://www.democrats.org/specialreports/veterans/health.html
Then, if you STILL think that the VA Budget is "Terrific" and "Increasing", I suggest you go to a VFW, VVA, Legion or DAV Meeting of the general membership.
Ask THEM.
OK, THX?
HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bills to Boost VA Programs for Veteran's Housing,
Education, and Compensation Benefits?
The Subcommittee on Benefits (Chairman Henry Brown, SC) held a legislative hearing to consider ten bills before the Subcommittee, including legislation to expand the Montgomery GI Bill and VA home loan guarantee programs. The bills on the agenda were: H.R. 348, H.R. 843, H.R. 1735, H.R. 2206, H.R. 2612, H.R. 3936, H.R. 4065, H.R. 4172, H.R. 4173, and a draft bill, the Veterans Education Opportunity Act of 2004. Testifying at the hearing were five panels of expert witnesses, including the Honorable Kenneth B. Kramer, Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, Mr. Robert Epley, Veterans Benefits Administration, Mr. William Carr, Department of Defense, and representatives of veterans service organizations. For more information, see this press release. For more information on Veterans legislation, click here. Have a stance on these issues? Contact your representatives on the House's Veterans Affairs Committee.
As usual, most of the sponsors of these bills,
are DEMS.
Rest assured fold. I WILL be contacting my reps.
For more information, see this press release. For more information on Veterans legislation, click here.
I clicked there and nothing happened. Does that mean that the DEMS are doing nothing?
I didn't see a "D" in front of ANY of those names...hmmmmmm.
As usual, most of the sponsors of these bills, are DEMS.
HR 348-sponsor Rep Bilirakis, Michael Republican
H.R.2206-sponsor Rep Calvert, Ken Republican
H.R.3936-sponsor Rep Smith, Christopher Republican
H.R.4065 -sponsor Rep Brown-Waite, Ginny Republican
That's just for starters...
heh-heh
But in case you cannot, then here is a little more info...
Original Sponsor:
Christopher Smith (R-NJ 4th)
(The ONLY Republican who fights tooth and nail FOR Veterans, and who sponsors MOST of the Veterans Benefits Bills in the House), IF republicans are identified as Sponsors, that is.
Cosponsor Total: 41
(last sponsor added 04/30/2003) 26 Democrats
15 Republicans
That would be almost 2 to 1...Dems over Reps.?
And just THIS 1 bill, I might add? Most are overwhelmingly DEMS who support and co-sponsor these bills, none of which actually EVER pass, because they are not the party in POWER.
There are about 20 awaiting the attention of the Republican Controlled Congress...and another 20 or so in the Senate, since 2003, like this one:
National Guard and Reserve Comprehensive Health Benefits Act of 2003
Bill # S.852
Original Sponsor:
Mike DeWine (R-OH)
Cosponsor Total: 19
(last sponsor added 09/24/2003)
  12 Democrats
  7 Republicans
About This Legislation?
4/10/2003--Introduced.
National Guard and Reserve Comprehensive Health Benefits Act of 2003 -Makes members of the Selected Reserve and the Individual Ready Reserve eligible for either the Prime or Standard option of the TRICARE Program (a Department of Defense managed health care program), allowing for either self-coverage or self-and-family coverage.
Right now, they get SHIT.
By the way? The party in power usually is the party that gets to SPONSOR these bills, and the Co-Sponsors, are USUALLY the ones who are NOT in control of the Congress...it's called Legislative Ettiquette.
Look it up.
Then tell me, how many bills that Republicans HAVE SPONSORED,
for the benefit of Veterans, have actually PASSED and been signed into LAW, since 1945?
NONE of ANY substance,
that I can find.
That,
has been the REAL story, since WWII.
More reasons why the VA is exactly what I have said it is...
LACKING.
VA Faces Wave Of Returning GIs
Associated Press--May 17, 2004
WASHINGTON - More than 20,000 soldiers have sought care from the Veterans Affairs Department since returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. With thousands more expected to seek benefits and health care, the VA faces its biggest challenge since the early 1990s. Nearly 18,000 soldiers who have returned from Iraq have sought care at VA health facilities, officials reported at the end of March. A separate report in mid-April said 4,000 troops from the war in Afghanistan sought care, although there is some overlap from those who served in both conflicts.
When Willie Buckels applied for veterans health care after returning from Iraq, the back and knee injuries he suffered while rescuing a fuel truck during a mortar attack were not enough to guarantee him treatment. Wow... That's Nice. SSDD.
The Mississippi reservist had to bring along Army paperwork proving his combat service because the VA still lacks a computer system that tracks a new applicant's service record.
And in fact, they still use basically the SAME system of record keeping that they used in 1955, which includes HUGE stortage areas to hold 1-6 in. thick packets of records for EACH Veteran, which must be dragged by the bushel basket all over the VAMC, and to other VA Med Centers, nationwide. Believe that,
because I DO KNOW.
What I also KNEW, was that this would happen. But YOU GUYS, have always said that the VA Budget is
SO GREAT!!! INCREASING, to handle everything, in fact.
Well now you know what our returning G.I.'s have to do just to be seen by a Doctor out there...and these guys are almost ALL battlefield Troops.
Time For A CHANGE, In Washington.
Let's see... A NEW Prez would do just fine, especially a REAL Veteran.
Really ? Hmmm. Well lets See Bill.
U.S. Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite today offered an amendment increasing new budget authority for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by $200 million for fiscal year 2005.
“As a dual member of the Committee on the Budget and the House Veterans Affairs Committee, we are grateful to Chairman Nussle for increasing the VA request by $1 billion. In effect, this additional $200 million will ensure that the Department can accommodate the new veterans coming into the system, while at the same time continuing to service those that have defended America throughout our history.
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/fl05_brown-waite/Brown_Waite_Amendment.html
Oh and it did pass unanimously in March of 2004.
Well Bill with the exception of 94' and up until 2000 the Dems had controlled the senate since the Eisenhower admin. So you tell me. Regardless of whom sponsors them those with a majority can move things along. You can sponsor stuff all day There were many many many years of the Dems controlling both houses as well as the White House. The Republicans had a majority in the senate in 94' but not the White House. 2000 was the first time since Ike left office that they've had that all 3, yet up until 2000 apparently everything was ducky. What happened since then ? Oh yea, funding has gone up, those evil republicans are out to screw vets. Here's some evidence of the evil GW and the evil R's
Spending per veteran
38.6% increase 1985 to 1994; 78.9 % increase 1995 to 2004.
http://www.house.gov/budget/fy05fd032504chart32.pdf
Total Budget Authority for Veterans
Medical Care Before and After 1995
74.9% increase 1985 to 1994; 75.2% increase 1995 to 2004.
http://www.house.gov/budget/fy05fd032504chart35.pdf
Discretionary Spending for Veterans
Before and After 1995
59.3% increase 1985 to 1994; 65.8 % increase 1995 to 2004.
2. Medical care accounted for 97% of total VA discretionary BA in 2004.
http://www.house.gov/budget/fy05fd032504chart33.pdf
Cue in fold to say it's not enough and call Luv a liar.
$200 million....wowie zowie.
That's on top of the $1 billion.
Which $1 Billion would that be, again???
Which $1 Billion would that be, again???
Read the article.
True, but to increase it at all is considered a cut in some peoples mind for some reason. To give them a record increase is considered trying to destroy them. But President Bush is the one who is considered a Goober by these same people who cannot even spell his name correctly.
Boggles the mind, doesn't it?
Yes, well I did, and the CUTS in spending FAR outweight the budget INCREASES, which basically followed just slightly BEHIND the rates of inflation for those two sets of 10-year spending "Facts", meaning that spending did NOT go UP,
it went DOWN, and the number of dollars spent was NOT increased for the number of PATIENTS coming into the system during those years, most of whom were WWII Veterans, most of whom are now gone.
Now according to LUVS post, over the 10 years from 1984-1995, the average increase wass 3.58 percent,
per year.
Do you know what the inflation rate was, in JUST 1984?
Obviously not. In fact, we LOST-dollar per dollar against inflation and the cost of living and MOST ESPECIALLY, the Costs Of Healthcare
ALL ACROSS AMERICA.
Those costs, as most people well know, have at least
TRIPLED, in the last 20 years.
3.58 percent against THAT?
I am sorry, but those numbers reflect ONLY
basic dollars budgetted, and do NOT take into account the actual costs to cover
Healthcare-Cost-Increases during those twenty years, NOR do they take into account the actual rates of inflation.
So they are basically,
Meaningless.
One final "Test" to see how much is actually being spent, is to
GO LOOK, and ask...Go to the Mpls. VAMC, and ask.
Something which I have suggested before, and which you will never take the time to do, because you really don't give a shit,
one way or the other.
Within 20 years, MAXIMUM, the VAMC will
not exist... and THAT is at the HEART of the matter,
for Conservatives.
They WANT that outcome.
Do you know what the inflation rate was, in JUST 1984?
3.5% link
1984-1995 average inflation was 3.53%.
winwithoutwar.info
interventionmag.com
democrats.org
PFFFTTT!
He did change the inflation rate from 13.3% in 1979 to 3.7% in 1982.
Liberal propaganda
Since I don't know what school your kids go to, that would be rather hard, but I did work for the Moundsview School District for over 2 years, in the late 1990's, and BOTH my kids went to Private Schools during their High School days, and I was on the SPAFF Committee at Cretin, during those years.
So, there you have it.
Lastly, I am glad you took the time to read Dan's link. But the fact STILL REMAINS that the rates of inflation coupled with the multi-year, double-digit Health-Care increases, FAR outweigh the Budgets for the VA during those same years,
by 3 to 1.
Now, I know you didn't explain why THAT is, but none the less, it is true.
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Oh and Dan...? Reagan had to create the largest increase in budget deficits AND a
VERY HARD recession, and HUGE increases in the UNEMPLOYMENT RATES to GET those lower inflation rates, and they were NOT always as low as that 3.53% during his term, either. HARDLY.
As I am sure you saw on the tables, as well???
I am sure you also saw the reccesion of the 1st G. Bush Term, as well?
Two FINE economic "Leaders",
those Bush's.
Fortunately, GDubbya, will be headed home to Crawford, in Jan. of 2005, and will be unable to fuck things up,
any worse than he already HAS.
double-digit Health-Care increases, FAR outweigh the Budgets....
FYI: Health Care is a factor figured into inflation.
As is gasoline, and vaseline.
JT, while not usually in agreement with me on most political issues, knows FAR more about this and just about ANY OTHER subject,
than you ever will... Sloopedo.
Why?
He can read.
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THX, I do not see where it is figured into the equation, not in the stuff I read from LUV's posts, not anywhere...And especially since we all know that health-care costs have skyrocketed FAR beyond inflation rates,
for YEARS.
Maybe you can show me where you got that idea...?
Econ 101
How do you think inflation is figured?
They take a market basket of goods and services, including health care, gas prices, housing....
Yes, well most of the time they SHOW that in the figuring, plainly.
Of course, maybe I missed the words
"After Inflation Is Figured Into The Equation"...??
Associated Press
May 30, 2004
WASHINGTON - America dedicated a memorial Saturday to the fast-thinning ranks of World War II veterans, a poignant last hurrah drawing together tens of thousands of old soldiers, sailors and heroes of the home front.
Frail now, full of spunk then, they were thanked for service that "helped save the world."
Obviously, no amount of "Thanks" now spoken, can make up for the very real debt we owe all those brave souls who sacrificed, fought and even died in the effort to rid the world of facist tyranny, in WWII.
Not only did they save our world for Freedom, they also made the most of their own when they came home, and built this nation into the most powerful on Earth, through the strength of their convictions, the educations they got thanks to the G.I. Bill and then their efforts as Teachers, Scientists, Researchers, Doctors, Politicians, and on and on and on... Service to all of us, in so many areas.
We shall not see their like very soon, if ever.
In memory of all of them I also say,
Thank You! One and All.
Really ? Hmmm. Well lets See Bill.
U.S. Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite today offered an amendment increasing new budget authority for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by $200 million for fiscal year 2005.
“As a dual member of the Committee on the Budget and the House Veterans Affairs Committee, we are grateful to Chairman Nussle for increasing the VA request by $1 billion. In effect, this additional $200 million will ensure that the Department can accommodate the new veterans coming into the system, while at the same time continuing to service those that have defended America throughout our history.
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/fl05_brown-waite/Brown_Waite_Amendment.html
Oh and it did pass unanimously in March of 2004.
Well Bill with the exception of 94' and up until 2000 the Dems had controlled the senate since the Eisenhower admin. So you tell me. Regardless of whom sponsors them those with a majority can move things along. You can sponsor stuff all day There were many many many years of the Dems controlling both houses as well as the White House. The Republicans had a majority in the senate in 94' but not the White House. 2000 was the first time since Ike left office that they've had that all 3, yet up until 2000 apparently everything was ducky. What happened since then ? Oh yea, funding has gone up, those evil republicans are out to screw vets. Here's some evidence of the evil GW and the evil R's
Spending per veteran
38.6% increase 1985 to 1994; 78.9 % increase 1995 to 2004.
http://www.house.gov/budget/fy05fd032504chart32.pdf
Total Budget Authority for Veterans
Medical Care Before and After 1995
74.9% increase 1985 to 1994; 75.2% increase 1995 to 2004.
http://www.house.gov/budget/fy05fd032504chart35.pdf
Discretionary Spending for Veterans
Before and After 1995
59.3% increase 1985 to 1994; 65.8 % increase 1995 to 2004.
2. Medical care accounted for 97% of total VA discretionary BA in 2004.
http://www.house.gov/budget/fy05fd032504chart33.pdf
1985-1994 Increased veterans spending 35.8 percent
1995-2004
Increased veterans spending 58.4 percent
FYI... Today at 1:30 p.m., John Kerry will officially kick-off the "Veterans For Kerry" national-organization, which I am GLADLY a part of and GLADLY working with.
For any Veterans who think that we are once-again and in fact more intensely than EVER,
getting the "shit-end" of the stick from the current administration? Come on over and meet some fellow Veterans who actually think we can do BETTER,
with John Kerry in the White House.
Over and Out.
What exactly is Kerry going to do that is so much better than what Dubya has done?
There's a lot of veterans that wouldn't cross the street to spit on him. How's he going to win their hearts?
There's also a lot of Veterans who LIKE the guy, and many more who wouldn't cross the street to kick Gdubbya in the balls.
HE is LOSING their hearts, faster than Kerry is winning them, and THAT is what matters. Don't you find it strange that Dubbya is losing ground in the polls, despite all the attack ads, despite Kerry's lack of details, despite the fact that Kerry has been mocked and attacked by people from every corner of the spectrum, yet he is STILL neck and neck with the Prez?
Don't you find that to be... Strange?
By the way... 'CCO did a story the other night on "Truth" in the political ads?
GDubbya's ads were ALL found to be misleading and 0utright lies and distortions(as most informed people know anyway). ALL of them.
"Veterans For Kerry" is simply that man.
I haven't yet seen any 'Veterans For Dubbya" groups. Have you?
Kerry's said today in Minneapolis he's looking to get a million vets to join him
"As President, Kerry will keep America’s promise to our veterans. His plan includes mandatory funding for VA healthcare to properly care for over 500,000 veterans who are currently excluded from the system and revoking the Disabled Veterans Tax, which deducts disability pay from military retirement pay."
Well good luck to him, he's got some work to do. Bush leads Kerry by 19 points with vets.
http://www.startribune.com/stories/587/4811169.html
As President, Kerry will keep America’s promise to our veterans.
Right after he spits on em and calls em baby killers?
His plan includes mandatory funding for VA healthcare to properly care for over 500,000 veterans who are currently excluded from the system
Which means mandatory tax increases on the rest of us to pay for it.
and revoking the Disabled Veterans Tax, which deducts disability pay from military retirement pay."
What? Kerry promoting a tax cut? Do the Liberals know about this?
ah yes...the Reagan economy...voodoo...trickle down...
who could forget...
seeings how that's what they are selling us again.
You forgot about the women.
A national poll in April by a team of researchers at Duke University found Bush leading Kerry by 19 points among veterans.
Thanks for posting that, Rob. I heard on the radio the other day that a CBS poll, which wasn't reported by CBS on its television news programs, showed veterans supporting Bush over Kerry by 13 points. I tried to find it on CBS's website but couldn't.
Yes, well I did, and the CUTS in spending FAR outweight the budget INCREASES
Yeah, I've seen your definition of CUTS before.
1984-1995 average inflation was 3.53%.
Hehehehe
Something which I have suggested before, and which you will never take the time to do, because you really don't give a shit, one way or the other.
I have no reason to. Just as you have no reason to spend time or contribute at my childrens school.
It must have gotten accidentally not mentioned :)
Yeah JT. You didn't serve. You don't know shit.
You get called a name and you want to thump the guy? Had to be removed by force? Grow up a little.
Where was Franken when we needed him?
Don't you find it strange that Dubbya is losing ground in the polls
Actually, in poll after poll, just the opposite is happening:
American Research Group Poll
6/1-3/04 Bush-46 Kerry-48
3/9-11/04 Bush-43 Kerry-50
Quinnipiac University Poll
5/18-24/04 Bush-45 Kerry-45
1/28-31/04 Bush-43 Kerry-51
CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll
5/21-23/04 Bush-47 Kerry-49
2/16-17/04 Bush-43 Kerry-55
ABC News/Washington Post Poll
5/20-23/04 Bush-46 Kerry-46
3/4-7/04 Bush-44 Kerry-48
Newsweek Poll
5/13-14/04 Bush-45 Kerry-46
2/5-6/04 Bush-45 Kerry-50
http://nathanadams.com/WeSupportU.htm
Says alot :)