There should be no homeless veterans in America. U.S. soldiers who have fought and continue to fight for America's freedom and security, but who like MIAs during the war, go unaccounted for or forgotten when returning home to everyday life.
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Acts of patriotism cannot be left to the battlefield exclusively. Acts of patriotism are spontaneous and ongoing, given such events as 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Sandy, domestic terrorism, and other natural and unnatural events. But in these situations, we are talking about ordinary Americans, often led by first responders. I recall President Obama speak about soldiers' care and camaraderie when one is wounded on the battlefield. His team does whatever to ensure they make it out and how one American should extend this gesture to another. On this Veterans Day, we should properly celebrate veterans and their acts of patriotism and heroism to America. But what about America's patriotism to its veterans? When does America perform a "patriot act" to those from whom it seeks and demands patriotism?
There is no rhyme or reason that any American war veteran is homeless or without adequate and proper medical care. The idea that the VA or Veteran's Administration has failed in part and repeatedly, to deny or delay service and offer degraded services to countless thousands of veterans, is simply unpatriotic. To hire and retain medical professionals (i.e., doctors, psychiatrists, others) that are unfit and inconsistent with the VA's mission is insensitive and unpatriotic. To have unfilled vacancies in vital positions such as doctors and nurses, including assistants and intake workers, is without question unpatriotic. To even propose that the VA privatize could degrade the veteran-specific services that veterans require. These services include PTSD counseling that only the VA understands. Seeking a profit-driven agenda of commercializing the tens of thousands of unique medicines administered by the VA to veterans is capitalistic instead of patriotic. For America and the VA to do what is right and honorable for its veterans requires a patriot act. In addition to America doing its part for its veterans' health care, there is also their dignity.
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There should be no homeless veterans in America. U.S. soldiers who have fought and continue to fight for America's freedom and security, but who like MIAs during the war, go unaccounted for or forgotten when returning home to everyday life. Unlike many of us, U.S. soldiers are trained to take care of their fellow soldiers, no matter their race, religion, or politics. Whether dead, dying, or injured, or whatever the situation, American soldiers make it their mission to leave no one behind—Your turn America!
