In America it Still Seems to be "Tommy this, and Tommy that"
(October 26, 2009) | 
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| Harlingen, Texas, October 24, 2009: “You talk of better
food for us, an' schools, an' fires, an' all: We'll wait
for extra rations if you treat us rational. Don't mess
about the cook-room slops, but prove it to our face. The
Widow's Uniform is not the soldier-man's disgrace. For
it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' Chuck him out, the
brute!
But it's “Savior of ‘is country” when the guns begin to
shoot; An it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' anything
you please; An Tommy ain't a bloomin fool - - you bet
that Tommy sees!”
These are but a few lines of the Rudyard Kipling poem
“Tommy”, written in 1890 as an expression of how the
public views those who serve the nation during times of
war...and after. “Tommy”, as the British soldier was
called, was not wanted inside the public houses, the
theatres, on the trains or anywhere in polite society.
,still, as the poem continues “But it's ‘Thin red line
of ‘eroes' when the drums begin to roll, ...” and toward
the end of the tale, after telling Tommy to step to the
rear of the line during times of peace, it is “Please
walk in front , sir,” when there's trouble in the wind,
O it's “Please walk in front, sir”, when there's trouble
in the wind.”
Veterans of our nation's wars feel the words of “Tommy”
are a strong reflection of how many in America view
their service to the country. We are quick to pay great
lip service ...lauding our armed forces and those who have
served in uniform. It is almost a joke to hear
politicians hurriedly tack on “We support our troops” to
the end of their constant political blabber. But, then
we next hear these same political hacks has stolen away
almost $3 billion from combat appropriations to fund
special interest pork projects in their home districts.
While such despicable acts are being perpetrated almost
a million and a half veterans returning from combat have
been identified as having serious mental illnesses. Many
of these heroes have been denied needed care.
It is estimated that more than 170,000 veterans, a
number equal to the total troop strength of our military
in both Iraq and Afghanistan, now find themselves unable
to obtain meaningful employment in the civilian world.
Theirs should be a place at the very front of the
employment line, not bringing up the rear.
There are between 135,000 and 200,000 veterans homeless
in America on any given night. These veterans make up
26% of the total homeless population, but less than 10%
of Americans ever step forward to wear the uniform.
There is no accurate total of veterans who have combat
related illnesses or wounds that are not receiving
adequate treatment. A survey has found that 63% of the
people in the United States believe these veterans are
not receiving good medical care.
Much of the blame for lack of veteran's services can be
laid at the feet of bumbling and mismanaged Department
of Veterans Affairs. If a veteran files a claim, it
takes almost 200 days to receive a written reply giving
him or her a decision. If that decision is not
favorable, the veteran may appeal. However from the time
they file a Notice of Disagreement until they receive
and answer an average of another 971 days have passed.
There can be further appeals but some claims take up to
seven years to resolve.
At this time there are 450,000 unresolved claims resting
on desks in VA offices. One veteran reported his claim
took eleven years to be answered in his favor. Many of
our veterans who were the subjects of atomic and
chemical testing have not had their cases resolved in
more than 50 years. No business, school district, or
municipality would tolerate such abysmal performance,
but when it comes to veterans issues, Americans just
yawn, say “we support our troops” and return to their
cell phone chatter or TV soap.
If we had more than a handful of veterans serving in
Congress this situation would rapidly improve. As things
stand now, few in that elite body of 535 people, and
even fewer of their children have ever served a day in
uniform. In a Congress where those of that special club
get offended if they are asked to wait in any line,
making veterans wait years for claim resolution is never
a matter of concern.
As it was in Great Britain in 1890, in the United States
it still seems to be “For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy
that, an' Chuck him out, the brute! But, it's “Savior of
‘is country”, when the guns begin to shoot.” | |
By
Thomas D. Segel
Tom@thomasdsegel.com
www.thomasdsegel.com
Copyright
2009
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