[Vision2020] Defense Cuts in Benefits and Personnel Proposed

[Tom Hansen]

Kenneth March stated:

"I realize that these expenditures represent an income source for you, but
from a government-wide, macro-economic perspective, these kinds of
expenditures are ripe for consideration during any discussion of fiscal
restraint. The Center for Budget and Policy Priorities notes that defense
is a rapidly growing share of the federal budget, while domestic
appropriations have shrunk."

It is not just about me, Mr. Marcy

These expenditures represent more than simple income not only to myself
but thousands of other disably retired veterans.

A vast majority of these expenditures represent our health care.

I, and many others like myself, am permanently disabled.  To drastically
reduce, or eliminate, our health care extends far beyond the pale.

Certainly there are other portions of the defense budget where cuts can be
made without reducing veterans and retirees health care.

And then, to make things drastically worse, tell a retiree upon retirement
that (s)he will have to seek health insurance from a "future employer". 
There simply are not that many employers, reflected in the current
economic picture, willing to hire (and provide health insurance to)  a 40+
year-old disabled vet.

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

"The Pessimist complains about the wind, the Optimist expects it to change
and the Realist adjusts his sails."

- Unknown