First Lady Dr. Jill Biden Visits Whidbey

March 9, 2021 Whidbey News-Times

First lady Jill Biden talks to families at NAS Whidbey

“The press was not permitted to attend that portion of her visit or ask the first lady any questions.”

Did the press attempt to ask questions at a more appropriate time?

If I was a member of the press I would ask public policy related questions at an appropriate time. If questions were not answered, that would become the story.

“During a visit to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Tuesday, first lady Dr. Jill Biden asked Oak Harbor military families how the U.S. government can better support them.”

My answer:

Just Be Honest.

My questions appear in bold type. To be fair, the issues of concern have been in place no mater what political party of personality has occupied the White House and no matter who the First Lady has been.

If I was a member of the press, I would ask, at an appropriate time:

What can we expect in terms of undeclared/unwon wars that never end?

Nov 14, 2019 Stars and Stripes

Post-9/11 Wars Have Cost American Taxpayers $6.4 trillion, Study Finds

President Biden is the sixth US President to order airstrikes in the region:

Six US Presidents have now had their hands on the wheel in Iraq

Joining Forces Initiative – Thanksgiving, 2011:

Here is a hand selected lady who was surprised (1:12) to get a phone call of support from The First Lady-even though cameras were rolling in her home when the phone rang. At 2:33 Dr. Jill Biden is thanked.

“Comments are turned off.”

Military Benefits

Political parties and personalities are not as interesting as what stays the same no matter who is elected to office.

I’ve never been one to say that military benefits are inadequate. Just stick with whatever was offered when people signed up to stay on for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and we’re good.

Every few years, no matter what political party or personality is in power, there are moves to modify what people thought they were earning in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service.

The plan is to save cash by reducing the traditional DOD military benefits that were used to entice people to stay for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

This is the same country where both major parties invite veterans to be momentarily honored at State of the Union events when they control the White House.

Maybe go ahead and skip the VIP photo ops and cross-country visits where the press is kept at a distance.

Recommendation for budget savings:

Phase out ongoing undeclared/unwon wars overseas.

The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.

Recommendation:

Insert language into recruiting literature and enlistment documents stating that rules concerning benefits may change at any time & that no definite benefit package will be provided in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service. No grandfather clause will apply. Have unit leaders refer to this disclaimer when promoting retention drives, giving re-enlistment speeches, etc.

Some will say that this has already been done, and that you will see if you read the fine print. I say take it out of fine print and make it read like the warnings on a pack of cigarettes.

If I was a member of the press, I would ask, at an appropriate time:

What can be done in terms of public policy/congressional action to ensure people keep the benefits they thought they were earning by doing multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan?

Recommendation for budget savings:

Phase out ongoing undeclared/unwon wars overseas.

The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.

Bait and Switch:

Unsustainable Military Spending

We often hear that Jill Biden is a Doctor/PhD. Should she be able to answer basic public policy questions related to military life?

What is the purpose of her flying 3000 miles for a visit if no questions are to be asked?

Thank You First Lady Dr. Jill Biden

Possibly of interest:

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

When I was 18, the WWII generation was in charge

Podcast 9 Defending The Constitution?