Thank you for your service... (Part 2)

[MrFun]

It really is a shame though, that Republicans in U.S. Congress have repeatedly refused to increase funding for VA, or actually wanted to cut funding.

[DinoDoc]

It really is a shame though, that Republicans in U.S. Congress have repeatedly refused to increase funding for VA, or actually wanted to cut funding.

Since 9/11, the VA budget has increased by 235%, from FY2001′s $45 billion annual budget to FY2014′s $150.7 billion. On a percentage basis, the only Cabinet agencies that had larger budget increases over that arc have been State (271%) and Homeland Security (245%), the latter of which barely existed at the start of that period. In the Bush era, comparing the final budget with his signature (FY08) to the final Clinton budget (FY01), VA spending rose 88.3% to $84.7 billion. Defense spending rose 104% in the same period.

[pchang]

You are right, they don't match. VA spending has risen much more, upwards of 250% over its budget at the start of the century.

To be more correct, one must increase VA spending by the increase in the number and severity of the wounded.

[Berzerker]

The indignation over this is bipartisan. Try again.

but yers aint

[DinoDoc]

but yers aint

I dislike an overly centralized government bureaucracy because this is always what happens. This only catches Obama because it blew up on his watch.

[MrFun]

Since 9/11, the VA budget has increased by 235%, from FY2001′s $45 billion annual budget to FY2014′s $150.7 billion. On a percentage basis, the only Cabinet agencies that had larger budget increases over that arc have been State (271%) and Homeland Security (245%), the latter of which barely existed at the start of that period. In the Bush era, comparing the final budget with his signature (FY08) to the final Clinton budget (FY01), VA spending rose 88.3% to $84.7 billion. Defense spending rose 104% in the same period.

Alright, then I was mistaken about the VA budget.

Not sure why you mentioned anything about defense spending though. Too much of that is just pork money for defense industry corporations, with no real, tangible benefits for the active-duty soldiers and for the veterans themselves.

I wouldn't be surprised if there is funding for a tank for instance, that just spins around and around and shoots out giant ping pong balls because by golly - a defense corporation tells Congress that our military "needs" it; it just needs more testing.

[Kidlicious]

It really is a shame though, that Republicans in U.S. Congress have repeatedly refused to increase funding for VA, or actually wanted to cut funding.

Why don't we increase it by a trillion dollars? Would that be enough?

[Kidlicious]

Well this took long enough: Shinseki Resigns as Veterans Affairs Chief Amid Furor Over Hospitals

I just have 2 questions: Why not make this change last week, instead of waiting nine extra days to hear the blindingly obvious? Why hold last week’s presser?

They really don't believe leaders should not be held accountable. It's frightening.

[Kidlicious]

It doesn't take long for DD to score political points from the deaths of veterans.

Like Obama?

http://http://www.examiner.com/artic...or-va-problems

[Kidlicious]

Way too many bro. Don't try so hard.

[Kidlicious]

I couldn't give a monkeys either way, I just find it really funny how your rightous indignation inevitably coincides with whatever would damage the Democratic party at any particular time. Speaking of which, aren't you due a new thread about Benghazi soon?

Your apathy is blinding.

[DinoDoc]

Alright, then I was mistaken about the VA budget.

You either lied about it or were too stupid to actually look up the easily available information. Which was it?
VA Budget Skyrockets Despite Federal Spending Cuts

[Sava]

Apparently, the "whistleblower" who helped make this a national spotlight story tried to go to CNN first.

They rejected him because of the missing plane coverage.

http://www.azcentral.com/longform/news/arizona/investigations/2014/05/31/va-scandal-whistleblower-sam-foote/9830057/

At least, that's what a random redditor says. I didn't read the link I just posted.

The formatting of the page is horrible. I can't even figure out how to read the article.

[Patroklos]

Alright, then I was mistaken about the VA budget.

Why exactly did you think this in the first place? You made a very specific claim with confidence.

[MrFun]

Why exactly did you think this in the first place? You made a very specific claim with confidence.

News stories like this one, for example.

Or this one.

And I guess this is the latest.