Thanks for the article, very interesting. The inequity is obvious, and needs to be addressed.

However, without going into detail, I just had my annual physical yesterday with the V.A., and I believe that the best care that the government offers is the free care to our veterans.

I have found over the years, that the V.A. has tremendously dedicated doctors and staff, who truly care about the veterans. Particularly with the older WWII vets, that are elderly and ill, and are the largest group seeking care now.

Having been a Navy Corpsman, I watch everything, and the dedication and respect you see in eyes of the staff, is a wonder to behold.

Not everything about our government's services are broken.

May I ask which VA hospital because I know the one in Cleveland, Ohio is about the shittest Va hospital. My aunt has told me the one in Detroit is very good.

I am familiar with the major hospitals in Chicago and Louisville, and several clinics.

How do you know that? Do you have personal experience with the hospital? Have you been treated there?

I took somebody to the VA hospital many of times and they never did what they were supposed to do. They would schedule him for surgery then cancel it, They did this numerous times.He ended up dieing a slow and painful death.

There's no way for me to check the accuracy of your statement, but frankly, I find that hard to believe.

There are too many safeguards built into the system for that to happen. Many phone numbers to call, and people to talk with, who are dedicated to problem resolution.

If you're not in the V.A. system, you wouldn't know that.

I guess that depends on where you are. BTW, I'm thrilled that you have gotten good treatment. Unfortunately, it's not that way for everyone.

http://www.elderly-abuse.com/wordpre...-man-has-died/

You have the right to your own opinion but I know what I know. Everything in Cleveland is a fucking mess, I used to live their for years.

Unfortunately, VA hospitals have had deep budget cuts over the years. Perhaps now that there is war going on they are being reinforced financially. It is a pity that after the war(s) we are now involved in those cuts will go back into place and become even deeper if I know this corporate culture of ours. Too bad government has become the ire of so many. The fact is, most government programs ran just fine in the past. These attacks on the government from without have been to try to slowly tear it down through sabotage from corporate lawyers being elected to our congress in an to attempt to privatize it. We all lose when that happens.

Read before you post please. Apples and Oranges. That article is about a state run veteran's home, not the V.A. It doesn't apply here.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Health Care Benefits and Services

Ah, but as I queried, you don't *know* anything directly right?

It pretty obvious, that you know as much about the V.A. hospital in Cleveland, as you probably know of what goes on inside the Indian's locker room.

Done in this thread.

Edit:

* Left out a word.

And you an expert on it I assume!

Pretty much.

I've had my primary health care through the V.A., since 1972 (35 years).

Any other comments?

Edit:

If not, why don't you go back and read my initial response. That pretty much covers what I wished to contribute to this thread.

You have the same access to their healtch care program (an employment benefit of being a legislator) as they did. If you want it, run against your congressman and beat her, then you'll have it.

The military has health care too. We don't get it because we are citizens, we get it in return for our service. Likewise, Congress doesn't receive this benefit because they are rich and powerful, they receive it in return for their service.

I did read before posting. I was under the impression that the two were related. Being mistaken does not mean I did not read. But thanks for correcting me anyway.

Don't forget that Congress decides their own benefits, without being responsible to anyone. The rest of us don't get that luxury.

Besides, when else do employees get better benefits than their employers.

Trust me, I'm no fan of Congress - see my sig. But in all fairness, they decide on all laws and policy of that sort. Who do you suggest should decide on what type of medical care and pay they get?

I really don't see the problem with this is. I have an open mind tho - I love to hate Congressmen - someone tell me why this is such a bad thing. Don't just suggest its unfair, tell me how it is unfair.

And they are responsible to "we the people." The problem is, "we the people" don't hold them responsible. For exhibit A, I will point you to the district that elected a man who had already been caught red handed taking a bribe and had the evidence in his freezer.

Nice elephant RJ.