& see where savings are available to pay fees for healthcare earned by people who volunteered to go to far away places and maybe never come back again.
“The total amount of funds unaccounted for has now reached a staggering $7 billion, officials say — and they warn that the Iraqi government is likely to demand at least some of that money back.”
Elected officials preside over waste & decades of ongoing, undeclared wars overseas- then tell us there is no more money for the traditional DOD military healthcare benefits that were used to entice people to stay for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
No union rep. No grandfather clause.
Many Americans may associate free medical care with people who stay for 20 years in the US Armed Forces.
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.
Stop spending federal money on meaningless support the troops promotions, campaigns and VIP photo ops that are not connected in any way with public policy.
Instant, non-experimental jobs program/revenue generator requiring zero tax dollars-
Allow U.S. farmers to answer the global demand for Industrial Hemp.
It is unfortunate that the American people seem to want to support the troops, but lack a basic understanding of public policy related to the troops.
To be fair- public policy in this area can be confusing- even to people who did time in uniform.
This confusing article seems to indicate that people in highly respected and specialized units, or people involved in high-profile operations would be eligible for a different benefit package than the average people who were in average units over the years. Investigative reporters may not have had a clear understanding of public policy in this case.
This very popular marketing device for a US auto manufacturer is not connected in any way to public policy:
Take a look at comments below the video and you will see that people truly feel connected to supporting the troops by watching a made for TV car commercial.
The First Lady has made an effort to support military families. Unfortunately- these efforts appear to be completely unrelated to public policy.
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:
No definite benefit package is offered for people who stay for 20 years in the US Armed Forces.
Honest management of public information could improve the situation.
Many Americans may associate free medical care with people who stay for 20 years in the US Armed Forces.
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.
Stop spending federal money on meaningless support the troops promotions, campaigns and VIP photo ops that are not connected in any way with public policy.
“State ferries officials say they had no choice but to fairly enforce security policies that were stepped up in the aftermath of terrorist attacks on the East Coast on Sept. 11, 2001.”
Security policies?
The Washington State Patrol uses dogs to check vehicles at some ferry terminals on some days. Walk-on passengers are not checked at any terminal- at any time.
A free and independent press plays no role here in questioning public policy- simply passing down dictates from above.
So, if this guy is arrested it might be done in secret if the one page report is already full, the arrest is not selected by the agency for public release or is an apprehension that results in an ongoing investigation?
Suspicionless checkpoints on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula- away from border crossings and ports of entry-
We are told the #1 US Border Patrol objective is to stop terrorists.
The US Border Patrol explains this objective at a local public forum- this YouTube video covers Border Patrol objectives at 3:50
At that same forum a lady asked:
“What is the penalty for not identifying oneself to federal agents at an internal, suspicionless checkpoint?”
US Border Patrol said they would call in the Sheriff when a person refused to identify themselves.
Sheriff says they will not respond to a non-emergency situation involving a person peaceably refusing to interact with federal agents.
Question about providing ID is at 0:35
Checkpoints ended here in 2008- possibly due to well-informed citizens and local protests. Looks like they weren’t vital to national security after all.
& see where savings are available to pay fees for healthcare earned by people who volunteered to go to far away places and maybe never come back again.
“The total amount of funds unaccounted for has now reached a staggering $7 billion, officials say — and they warn that the Iraqi government is likely to demand at least some of that money back.”
Elected officials preside over waste & decades of ongoing, undeclared wars overseas- then tell us there is no more money for the traditional DOD military healthcare benefits that were used to entice people to stay for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Senator McCain speaks about military healthcare benefits-
There was a time when Moms & Dads, friends, relatives, folks at church and school- and people with years of military experience- encouraged a younger generation to take a favorable look at making a career of the US Armed Forces.
Even if there was another draft- people would be drafted for an enlistment- not a career.
Talks about legalizing marijuana while including restrictions that leave prohibition and the drug war in place for adults age 18-20, those who want to grow a plant at home, possess more than an ounce, or possess marijuana from non-state sanctioned outlets.
Talks about placing high taxes on legal marijuana.
Dealers, traffickers and cartels are good with this idea.
Think terrorists are smart enough to pose as drug traffickers- then cross into the US free of screening, scanning, pat downs, special IDs, inspection of personal items, etc.
Domestic heroin busts are reported as some sort of law & order success-
Each one is evidence that- 11 years after 911– the US Dept. of Homeland Security is unable to prevent criminal traffic from entering the US.
Conspiracy Theory-
More information is better- this is how science and medicine works. Over the years some people have been freed from prison based on new DNA evidence becoming available.
Are the people who took steps to discover that new evidence conspiracy theorists?
Apply this same curiosity and desire for knowledge to some controversial topics and you’ll be labeled a conspiracy theorist.
Today- most Americans can repeat the “Thanks for your service” slogan and move on without having to involve themselves or family members in decades of undeclared wars in distant lands. This is just the way politicians want it.
If there is any quiet sense of guilt among politicians or people who never did time in uniform about all that- it can be cleared up by thanking The Troops for protecting American rights and freedoms, supporting The Troops, giving them discounts, being cool with them wearing field uniforms in public, not questioning wars that aren’t won, etc.
Spending just a few moments at major sporting events honoring the troops covers for cutting benefits for those who hung in for multiple tours in Iraq.
Troop suicides are less of a big deal if everyone is a volunteer.
