Veterans, worried about benefits, to protest shutdown

[CaseyJones]

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/10/14/shutdown-protests-veterans-tuesday/2979557/


As the government shutdown grinds into its third week, veterans benefits will draw the spotlight Tuesday in what could be the biggest protest yet aimed at pressing Congress and President Obama to solve the political impasse.

The Military Coalition, a group of 33 veterans and military organizations, is planning a rally at the World War II Memorial on Tuesday morning. The groups want to publicize the impact the shutdown is having on many vets and their families amid concerns of delayed disability pay, GI Bill education stipends and other benefits.

The American Legion, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, and Veterans of Foreign Wars are among groups that will be represented. Steve Gonzalez, assistant director of the American Legion's Economic Division, will be among speakers emphasizing the impact on employment and training.

[Bryan]

I don't think it's really accurate to call them benefits since they were part of the contract the government agreed to in exchange for their service. Regardless, the fact that the gov is willing to break these contracts while still handing out untold cash for people who have done nothing is certainly telling.

[phill4paul]

I don't think it's really accurate to call them benefits since they were part of the contract the government agreed to in exchange for their service. Regardless, the fact that the gov is willing to break these contracts while still handing out untold cash for people who have done nothing is certainly telling.

Indeed. The federal government has never written a contract it wasn't willing to break. Nor has it ever not given handouts in exchange for votes.

[paulbot24]

They were just getting ready to drop missiles that cost a cool $1.5M each on Syria just weeks ago, and now they can't afford to pay disabled vets? And they still expect us to believe they can handle healthcare?