Kelsey Layton
Sept. 1, 2010
11:56 PM
There has been problems recently arising that are connecting agent orange, a dioxin-laden defoliant that was sprayed into the jungles, to vietnam veterans. There are now more than a quarter of a million vets recieving disability checks because of this, and also they are being compensated for diabetes. There are other conditions though, that are also recieving money due to the agent orange, and are being taking care of whether the cause was direct, or indirect. Diseases such as Parkinson's Disease, heart disease and leukemia are also being added to the list that the tax payers will have to take care of- along with other. Is this something that is fair? Past Senator Alan Simpson stated, " The irony [is] that the veterans that saved this country are now, in a way, not helping us to save this country in this fiscal mess". This passageway of spending seems to be a complete contridiction of what we are trying to control with spending as a whole. Simpson has a strong opinion on this but would not say whether he will try to take this to Obama's panel but instead to leave it to congress to take care of. Although they need to make sure that the cost is always taken into consideration, at the same time the vets need to also be considered. It is said that about $850 million dollars should be, and are going to vietnam vets every year, and in total to all wars the agency spends $34 billion dollars.
This article is something that made me think alot about the amount of money we spend of such critical needs, such as healthcare for vets. When former senator Simpson stated about how the vietnam veterans did help out our country to endless amounts, but are now contributing to the problem with the economy it really made me think. In no way should these heros for our country now be having to struggle for money for disabilties themselves, but the amount of money is slightly absurd. If we are struggling with money in so many ways with the nation during this time, how do you think that we should try and solve the problem?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/31/AR2010083106819.html
2 comments:
Believing that all Soldiers should be taken care of what many politician fail to mention are exactly how much money goes to the individual who is in need of services by the government. Yes, the amount of money needed for the veteran is outstanding but there are other way to cut costs like having sufficient programs with locations to provide the service, medication and healthcare for the veteran. Rather than sending checks why aren't there specific centers that can identify the veteran and get them treated based on past injuries due to war. Many people claim large amounts of money paid but not many break down costs specifically such as which companies the veterans get medication. It angers me that someone could pass the blame on to somebody who doesn't want to be injured. When bills are passed and budgets are set maybe by not adding irrelevant party members into the bill to get it passed could change or maybe if there was an organization that targets agent orange alone. It would be easier to treat veterans rather than them having to go to veterans affairs, submit paperwork, go to a healthcare provider get a diagnosis get treatment and send the bill to the Army. It could be less expensive to have information set out to the public and provide the means up front because you have to pay each one of those locations for their services rather than just providing healthcare coverage for that individual. There are ways to fix things properly the problem begins with leaders who are not struggling themselves with the issue make budgets, change benefits and cost efficient programs aren't set and finances aren't closely monitored to help.
I definitely agree with you. There is a huge amount of money that is spent on things like healthcare for vets. However, they sacrificed a lot, including their life, and stood their grounds for our country and our lives. Like you said, they should not have to be struggling for money to take care of their disabilities.
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