Frugal Café Blog Zone

Posted By Vicki McClure Davidson on March 17, 2009

By Vicki McClure Davidson * Frugal Café Blog Zone

What in the heck is going on in Washington? It’s like “Alice Through the Looking Glass” on steroids.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, two weeks ago, promised $900 million (darned close to 1 billion dollars) to help Gaza rebuild. Hamas, the Islamic group that rules Gaza, isn’t all that grateful for our support, but will take our taxpayer-funded support anyway.

Billions of dollars are spent every year in the US providing free medical treatment and other services to illegal aliens. They aren’t all that grateful for our support, but will continue to take our taxpayer-funded support anyway.

President Barack Obama has pledged $800 billion (or is it 800 gazillion? I can no longer keep all the “-illions” straight) to fund nearly 9,000 earmarks/pork in his latest spendthrift / porkulus / taxpayer-ravaging bill; earmarks include studying the Maine lobster, protecting a swamp mouse in the marshes outside San Francisco, finding out why pig farms stink, and thousands of other bizarre, expensive pet projects.

When does this frenetic spend-spend-spend slow down?

Obama has decided he needs to cut back, save money, do the “right” thing for America. And he has decided the most expedient way to save $540 million (just a modicum-itty-bitty-teeny fraction of the other outrageous “-illions” pledged for all other sorts of porky nonsense) is for Americans to stop paying for medical treatment for our wounded soldiers – charge them instead for their medical bills.

Unbelievable.

These are the same courageous men and women who were wounded serving America in the war zones of Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and elsewhere in the world. Who are often so badly injured or disfigured by explosions and gun fire by terrorists that they will never again live normal, pain-free lives, or have suffered so much from mental stress and trauma that they will need therapy to cope and heal when they return to America. Who have selflessly, courageously, honorably pledged to serve the American public. To keep us safe. To provide a resolute, solid barrier between us and the nations of “bad guys” who live and breathe the mantra “Death to America.” Again, to keep us safe. They put their lives on the line for us every day, no weekends off for them to have dinner in Chicago or to Hawaii for some quality “yo, dude” beach time.

Frugality? Concern about taxpayers? Gads, no. Although, Obama’s PR team may be putting that ridiculous spin on it. No, this is much, much worse, and it’s horrifically grotesque. Despicable. Obama has stepped over (another) line, the worst to date. By making this calculated, twisted, vile proposal, he has shown the utmost contempt and disregard for our brave heroes wounded in the line of duty. Financial hardship for their families, reckless and selfish disregard for their service. It’s sickening. Where is the moral outrage?

You need to read it: The American Legion Strongly Opposed to President’s Plan to Charge Wounded Heroes for Treatment. Here’s an excerpt:

“It became apparent during our discussion today that the President intends to move forward with this unreasonable plan,” said Commander David K. Rehbein of The American Legion. “He says he is looking to generate $540-million by this method, but refused to hear arguments about the moral and government-avowed obligations that would be compromised by it.”

Link to Kansas City Star, on Military.com: Vets Rap WH Plan on Paying for Care

Another good link: A Conservative Edge: OBAMA Administration Begins To Show Its Contempt For Veterans, As Illegal Aliens Flood Hospitals

Col. Oliver North is outraged, as are millions of others serving in the military. On Sean Hannity’s talk radio show on March 17, Col. North said he doubted that any liberal or any conservative would support something this horrible, that it is exactly opposite what Pres. Abraham Lincoln said we must do to honor our nation’s defenders. Hannity pointed out that NO ONE in the mainstream media is reporting this. “But, you are, my friend, and you are a friend to all in the military,” said Col. North. He later said, “This administration is sticking it to our guys who serve.”

Make your voice heard. Contact your congressmen, your senators – contact the White House. This is NOT where we should try to save money. Not in a million years. How much are we paying for that blasted mouse?

Also, check out one of many websites devoted to helping our wounded soldiers: US Wounded Soldiers Foundation. They do amazing work. The US Wounded Soldiers Foundation is a non profit organization 501 (c) (3). Donations are tax deductible. Their mission statement:

The mission of the US Wounded Soldier Foundation is to provide for the needs of our combat veterans deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

It’s our way of saying, ‘Thank You’ for their dedication and loyalty to the United States and the citizens they have pledged their lives to protect.

Another: Soldiers’ Angels
And another: Support Out Wounded Soldiers – Fort Campbell

Frugal Café Articles on How You Can Frugally Send Letters and Care Boxes to Our Troops

No Pork in Iraq: What You Can Send in Care Packages to Troops
Taking the Stress Out of Sending Packages to Troops: How to Properly Mail to the War Zone
Send It Secured: How to Properly Pack Your Morale Box for Troops
Let’s Say Thanks Program – Free Cards for Our Troops

UPDATE:

Democrats in Congress are organizing to squash a White House proposal that would require veterans to use private insurance to pay for treatment of their combat and service-related injuries.

In a letter being sent to the White House, a group of House Democrats, led by Rep. Glenn Nye (D-VA), warned that such a proposal “could harm our veterans and their families in unintended, yet very serious ways, jeopardizing their families’ health care and even negatively affecting veterans’ employment opportunities.”

“While we strongly support your plans to increase funding for the VA by $25 billion over the next five years,” the letter reads, “it is with equal conviction that we oppose the proposal to bill veterans’ private health insurance plans for care and treatment of service-connected injuries or disabilities.”

*****

March 19, 2009: The Washington Times: Obama Drops Vet Medical Plan, Heeds Public, Military Outcry

Categories: Bless Our Troops, Government, Health, Illegal Immigration, Social and Political Climate
Tags: American health care, Barack Obama, citizens against government waste, Col. North, Col. Oliver North, Gaza, government waste, Hamas, Hillary Clinton, illegal alien, illegal immigrant, medical treatment, military, Obama, ObamaCare, Oliver North, pork barrel, pork barrel spending, porkulus, president, save money, Sec. of State Clinton, Sec. of State Hillary Clinton, spending, troop support, troops, VA, veterans, Washington DC, waste, wounded soldiers