Military Health Care System

The PBS broadcast on conditions at Walter Reed returned my thinking to the elimination of military health care for military retirees when they reach Medicare eligibility. It has to be a long-term scheme to discredit Medicare “entitlements.” I propose that the entire boondoggle is a way to transfer military costs to the Medicare budget. If you think about it, it makes sense. Transferring retiree costs to Medicare frees that money to be spent on war and war profiteering. It serves the double purpose of increasing Medicare spending (unjustly) and increases the screams to cut “entitlements” and overhaul the Medicare system.

A day has passed and there was more tonight on Walter Reed. It is an absolute disgrace. I’ve discussed this very subject with my congressional representatives in the past. The two injured soldiers who were discussing the subject on PBS made a three star general and some high-ranking look like the liars that they are. A good point was the lack of use the military has for these soldiers. They’ve served a purpose and are now nothing more than an unnecessary bother.

It was shortly after the start of the Iraq occupation that health care benefits took the hard hit. It didn’t take long for doctors, especially those obligated to the military, to realize the danger they faced. Many, especially civilian contractors and those with limited obligation to the military system, were bailing as soon as they could. I know this because my Medicare doctor is one of them. He wa civilian doctor at Brooke Army Medical Center until the workload became unbearable due to increased patient load and loss of personnel to duty in the Mid-east. He told me the situation was unbearable. The military had reduced their health care budget and released “unnecessary” personnel to the extent that hospitals and emergency medical facilities could not be staffed – a situation that can be a goldmine for contractors. They find personnel who will do anything for the right price. Then, the “fat cat” contractors bill the government on a “cost plus” basis.

I’m making myself sick with anger. Please follow this situation carefully. Address your representatives on their understanding of “Support the Troops.” Are they referring to ALL the troops, or just the ones who are currently useful for spreading conflict in the Mideast. A strong, volunteer military cannot be maintained unless retirees received the benefits they were promised. Maybe a temporary fix (like the draft) will be required?

Thank you for listening.

L8r

The Senator's Response...

The following is Senator John Cornyn's response to my email (see my previous post) questioning the sabre rattling and possible prelude to the invasion of Iran. Though he leads the cheers for the current Iraq policy, I don't see an answer here to my email. Have I missed something?

Please read and offer comments.

Dear Sergeant Price:
Thank you for contacting me regarding the United States' policy toward Iraq. I appreciate having the benefit of your comments on this matter.

Liberation from Saddam Hussein's oppressive rule was Iraq's first step on the long road to democracy. Although there were real disagreements over how to deal with the threat posed by Saddam Hussein, we all agree that a democratic, stable, and prosperous Iraq is in the best interest of its citizens, the region, and the international community. Indeed, the world is safer because this brutal dictator was removed from power.

I remain deeply concerned about the level of sectarian violence in Iraq. Despite the successful 2005 elections and constitutional referendum, in which large numbers of Iraqis participated, violence between Shiites and Sunnis increased dramatically in 2006, due primarily to the Al Qaeda bombing of a sacred Shiite mosque in Samarra in February 2006. Unfortunately, the nascent Iraqi government has been unable to end this wave of sectarian violence.

It is critical that Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and the Iraqi government work aggressively to broker a political settlement among Shiites, Kurds, and Sunnis that ends the violence. Though the United States can help improve Iraq's short-term security situation with additional military personnel, in the end, it is up to the Iraqis to determine the success of their democracy.

I appreciate the efforts of the Iraq Study Group (ISG) to provide recommendations for success in Iraq, and I agree with the ISG assessment that a premature withdrawal of American forces from Iraq would not be in our national security interests. The consequences of failure in Iraq are severe. Indeed, failure to lay the foundation for a stable Iraq would result in a greater terrorist threat to our nation, especially as Iran seeks to extend its influence in the region and Al Qaeda tries to establish an Islamic caliphate that would serve as a base of terrorist operations. Unfortunately, Iran and Syria continue to pursue policies that undermine stability in Iraq, allowing foreign fighters to cross their borders and providing insurgents with weaponry that has been used to kill American military personnel.

We all want our troops home as soon as possible, but our military strategy in Iraq must be based on clear national security considerations. We owe it to all Americans to establish a strategy for victory, and to support it,with one voice. I look forward to working with President Bush and my congressional colleagues in a bipartisan manner to establish a way forward in Iraq that will lead to a safer world for us all.

I appreciate having the opportunity to represent the interests of Texans in the United States Senate. Thank you for taking the time to contact me.
Sincerely,

JOHN CORNYN United States Senator

l8r

My Jr. Senator on Iran and Iraq

There is a Republican-led minority screaming about "new" evidence that Iran is supplying weapons to Iraqi Shite Militia and Sunni Insurgents. Why are they making such a big deal about this? We've known for more than two years where the weapons were made and how they are supplied. This really frightens me. Is the Bush Administration preparing to expand the conflict in the Middle East? Is it part of another "intelligence based boondoggle?"

There should soon be a huge need for mercenaries. Is War Profiteering the reason for continuing this conflict? I wonder how much Halliburton has made from this? What was their place in the twelve billion dollars that disappeared?

Following is a copy of my email to John Cornyn. Perhaps you would like to contact your representatives?


Senator Cornyn:

Why are you wailing about Iran? Are you part of the effort to spread conflict in the Middle East?

I prefer dipolmacy, Senator. Have you polled your constituency? I think the majority of Texans would prefer a negotiated settlement and withdrawal of our forces from Iraq. Please represent the people.

I understand that Iran's actions are provocative. I don't see that they are any more provocative than the actions we took by supplying weapons to Iraq during the Iraq/Iran conflict or our support of the rebels fighting Russia during their occupation of Afghanistan.

Many lives continue to be lost in support of corporate profits in this conflict. Please stop the sabre rattling and support a diplomatic solution. Perhaps then profits could be realized from the oil and reconstruction. Wasn't that the original plan?

Thank you for listening.

Warren Price
MSG, US Army (Retired)

Motocross Photography

I spent a wonderful weekend photographing a motocross race. The weather returned to what is expected in Central Texas ... beautiful. The morning was cool, crisp and sunny. By noon I was stripping layers.

It is my good fortune to know some people who publish this stuff. That gave me the credentials to find the prime spots on the motocross track. I like working the starts. Starts are the most exciting part of a motocross race ... for riders and fans. I've downsized several pictures to post in an effort to share that excitement. At least from a fan's perspective. I don't know how to share the feeling of being in that melee of bikes: engines screaming, dirt flying, balls to the wall for the first turn. It's a huge rush. Maybe you can see it in these photos.

This is the start of a 125 Beginner Race. Probably the most exciting of all, crashes are common place.

These riders are more polished. It doesn't take a crash to make starts exciting.

I like taking pictures of individual riders too. But, another "motojournalist" once told me, "One rider is riding. Two riders is racing. Three or more riders is A Race!" These are RACE pictures. :-)

What a blast. I can hardly wait for the next race.

l8r

Muslims and Christians

I wish I was smarter. If I were, I would know whether to use "was smarter" or "were smarter" in that sentence. Anyway, I find it confusing when I read about Muslims. I understand much more about Christians. I am one. I don't attend church because I am a Democrat, but I consider myself a Christian, maybe. Or, maybe I'm not? I'm liberal and I believe in evolution. Am I eliminated?

Do Muslims believe in evolution? Christians document creation in the Old Testament (the Jewish bible?). I wonder if Islam (which is 600 years younger than Christianity by the way) documents the creation. Is there an english version of the Q'ran?

When Christians speak of Muslims, they usually emphasize the differences. Like any prejudicial remark you will hear Christians say, "They are different." Is different bad? I suppose Muslims say of Christians, "They are different." I wonder if the differences outnumber the similarities? I've never met a Muslim Missionary. I've read, however, that any Muslim who converts is subject to beheading? That's radical. There must have been a lot of chopping going on during the Crusades.

There have been a few blog discussions on whether radical Islam is more dangerous than radical Christianity. I don't know that I've read a definitive answer to the question. I wish I were smarter. Maybe Will Rogers would have an answer. I bet he would say, "Radical is radical."

It seems a simple solution would be to "live and let live." But, Christians and Muslims are required to offer salvation to the entire world. They kill in the name of God. That's radical. Is there no room for negotiation? Where do the Jews stand on evolution? :-)

l8r