Veterans
On December 1, 1969, when I was a student at Tufts University, the lottery number selected for my birthday was 163. I reported to the Selective Service for a physical exam but was not called to serve in Vietnam. Years later, when I visited the Vietnam Memorial shortly after its dedication, I discovered in myself a haunting dichotomy. Together with my sense of contrition for having been excused from service, I felt an abiding respect for those who had enlisted voluntarily or who had not been so favored by chance with a high-enough lottery number. In my business, I observed that my best employees were those with military training. They were generally more loyal, trustworthy and could be relied upon for their leadership skills, self-discipline and initiative to produce results.
Although recent trends are changing, according to our Defense Department only 5% of military recruits are the sons and daughters of our wealthiest citizens. I am appalled at the disgraceful hypocrisy that passes for "patriotism" when high-profile individuals make public remarks about the need to engage in military actions while at the same time demanding reduced tax rates for the highest income bracket. Making matters worse, those in a position to offer employment to veterans (who happen to possess the needed skills for today's high-tech careers) are too often sending jobs overseas or are responsible for layoffs of domestic workers. And it gets worse: in September, 2013 House Republicans (the same politicians who make speeches praising soldiers for their valor and sacrifice) voted to deny food stamps to 170,000 veterans who depend on this important assistance because they are among the unemployed. The way Republican politicians have exploited the veterans of the wars their own party started is just shameful.
I am grateful to our Administration for the progressive action in Veteran Affairs and the leadership the First Lady and Dr. Biden have shown to keep this important issue visible to the public and the media. Still, more needs to be done. Congress can act to make certain that our veterans receive the necessary medical care, rehabilitation, psychological treatment, financial assistance, job opportunities and continuing education that is worthy of their sacrifice and dedication. Arguably, our country makes a substantial investment in human capital when we bring soldiers through rigorous training and multiple tours of duty at a time in their young lives when careers are formative. We simply cannot allow disingenuous politicians to call them "heroes" while jeopardizing the remainder of their productive lives after their military service has ended.
On December 1, 1969, when I was a student at Tufts University, the lottery number selected for my birthday was 163. I reported to the Selective Service for a physical exam but was not called to serve in Vietnam. Years later, when I visited the Vietnam Memorial shortly after its dedication, I discovered in myself a haunting dichotomy. Together with my sense of contrition for having been excused from service, I felt an abiding respect for those who had enlisted voluntarily or who had not been so favored by chance with a high-enough lottery number. In my business, I observed that my best employees were those with military training. They were generally more loyal, trustworthy and could be relied upon for their leadership skills, self-discipline and initiative to produce results.
Although recent trends are changing, according to our Defense Department only 5% of military recruits are the sons and daughters of our wealthiest citizens. I am appalled at the disgraceful hypocrisy that passes for "patriotism" when high-profile individuals make public remarks about the need to engage in military actions while at the same time demanding reduced tax rates for the highest income bracket. Making matters worse, those in a position to offer employment to veterans (who happen to possess the needed skills for today's high-tech careers) are too often sending jobs overseas or are responsible for layoffs of domestic workers. And it gets worse: in September, 2013 House Republicans (the same politicians who make speeches praising soldiers for their valor and sacrifice) voted to deny food stamps to 170,000 veterans who depend on this important assistance because they are among the unemployed. The way Republican politicians have exploited the veterans of the wars their own party started is just shameful.
I am grateful to our Administration for the progressive action in Veteran Affairs and the leadership the First Lady and Dr. Biden have shown to keep this important issue visible to the public and the media. Still, more needs to be done. Congress can act to make certain that our veterans receive the necessary medical care, rehabilitation, psychological treatment, financial assistance, job opportunities and continuing education that is worthy of their sacrifice and dedication. Arguably, our country makes a substantial investment in human capital when we bring soldiers through rigorous training and multiple tours of duty at a time in their young lives when careers are formative. We simply cannot allow disingenuous politicians to call them "heroes" while jeopardizing the remainder of their productive lives after their military service has ended.