A few comments about the VA Hospital and Veterans problem. I suppose from the standpoint of the government, it is a necessary evil, something they wish would just ..... "go away." The servicemen, actually, are worthless after they get discharged. It is a bit like "alimony" or "child support," something you just have to do. In the case of the latter two, if you don't pay you go to jail. If the government fails to live up to its obligations, a lot of rhetoric is generated in Washington, but no one goes to jail.
I have had no experience with VA hospitals. Years ago, my Dad, the Doctor had a heart attack and had some paralysis. He could have done therapy here in town, but he wanted to go to the VA hospital in Dayton, Ohio. He knew it would be "rougher" than he would receive here. His Doctor made the arrangements, and Jim Madison and I drove him down. I felt bad about leaving him there, but that is what he wanted.
I don't remember the time frame, but he called and I went down and picked him up. He was considerably better. He related that shortly after he was admitted, put on a ward, and somehow it was revealed that he was a Doctor. He became an "instant" hit with all the patients. He spoke ENGLISH, few to none of the other Doctors did. He said the entire time he was there, patients would ask him questions. I think he loved the attention, he was a Doctor again.
I cannot see why the VA would be exempt from "problems" ... the entire medical profession is experiencing them. Almost every medical "practice" here in Newark, Ohio, is owned by the hospital. Years ago, we called the Doctor if someone was ill or had a medical problem. NOW our Doctor calls us. "Come in so we can write your prescription, a plethora of reasons to visit his office, and, pay, pay, pay, and ..... pay. I was shocked on my last visit .... "I'll see you in a year." I loved his optimism, for one thing. It would be interesting and revealing to know what it costs, for one day, our hospital to operate. ALL those salaries. They even have a large staff, cutting grass and planting flowers.
Veterans are a "dead horse" so to speak, easy to forget, served their purpose. I remember the VA in Dayton had an "Old Soldiers Home," a place where old vets could retire. That would be quite a task today. It was for vets from WWI. No more.
