While driving around town the other day, I saw a car that caught my eye. It had a plethora of bumper stickers plastered all over the back, one of them stating that the driver was a Vietnam vet. As I got closer, I noticed that the man driving was an older gentleman, like myself.
While I served my time overseas in Germany, this man had been sent to fight in the jungles of Vietnam. As fate would have it, as I was nearing the end of my service, I would have been due to rotate to Vietnam just as the Russians invaded Czechoslovakia. Consequently, I remained in Germany for the rest of my time in the Army.
As a fellow veteran, I feel a certain kinship with those who have served our country. I am sympathetic to many's struggles, particularly those of my era. I know that many of them were exposed to toxic chemicals like Agent Orange and the poisonous smoke from burn pits, which have had lasting effects on their health. To add insult to injury, the government refused to acknowledge its responsibility for many years.
But as I observed the man driving that car, I couldn't help but notice his political leanings. According to his bumper stickers, he was a fan of Trump and the Republican Party and hated Biden and the Democrats. This was not an uncommon sight, as I have seen many others like him before.
Rinse and Repeat
This is a story that plays out time and time again in rural America, particularly in the Southern states. I once lived in one of the poorest counties in Florida, where Trump won by a margin of 6 to 1. These people had next to nothing, yet they put their faith in a man who promised them the world and delivered nothing. It's a sad reality that I have seen firsthand.
As a young man growing up in Florida in the 1950s, I remember a saying we had: "Thank God for Mississippi, or Florida would be last." It was a nod to the fact that Mississippi was often ranked last in many national metrics, and Florida was not far behind.
But as I look around today, I can't help but feel a sense of sadness and frustration. We live in a country where the rich get richer, and the poor get poorer. We live in a country where politicians make promises they can't keep and deceive the very people who put them in power. We live in a country where corporations have more rights than individuals, and money talks louder than the people's voices.
In a speech given in 2002, George W. Bush altered the phrase "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me" to "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice; shame on you." He continued, "Fool me — you can't get fooled again." Well, that's obviously false.
But despite all of this, I still have hope. We can come together as a nation and work towards a better future for all. We can hold our elected officials accountable and demand that they work for the good of the people, not just for the wealthy and powerful. And I believe that we can create a country where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act
On a final note, it was Biden and the Democrats that finally righted this wrong to veterans.
In a momentous move, the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act was signed into law on February 18, 2022. This landmark legislation aims to benefit veterans exposed to Agent Orange, burn pits, and Camp Lejeune toxic substances.
One of the most significant features of the PACT Act is the expansion of the list of presumptive conditions for veterans exposed to toxic substances. This means that veterans with these conditions will be presumed to have been exposed to toxic substances during their service, making accessing VA health care and benefits easier.
Furthermore, the PACT Act creates a new research program to investigate the long-term health effects of exposure to toxic substances. This is a crucial step in understanding the full scope of the impact of toxic exposure on veterans.
The PACT Act also requires the VA to establish a process for veterans to file claims for benefits related to toxic exposure and provide training to employees on the health effects of toxic exposure. Additionally, the VA will be required to create a website to provide information to veterans about toxic exposure.
The PACT Act is a significant victory for veterans and their families who have been fighting for years to get the recognition and support they deserve. It will provide much-needed assistance to veterans affected by toxic exposure and expand access to health care and benefits.
The passing of the PACT Act is a significant step forward in the fight for justice and recognition for veterans exposed to toxic substances. It is a triumph that brings hope for a better future for those who have served our country with honor and sacrifice.
So let us continue to fight for what is right and just. Let us continue to stand up for the voiceless and marginalized. And let us continue to work towards a brighter future for all.
In the following video, progressive talk show host Thom Hartmann breaks down the long history of GOP thievery and deceit, particularly in their treatment of the working poor and middle class. He covers nearly all the misdeeds that the Republican Party has pulled over the past 50 years and more. It's a sobering reminder of just how much they have taken from those who have so little. - Robert Jennings
GOP…Grifters Only Party?
Nobody ever accused Republicans of not knowing how to make a buck or BS-ing somebody into voting for them. Lying to people for economic or political gain is the very definition of a grift. Thom Hartmann exposes the Republican Grift Machine
Thom Hartmann
About the Author
Robert Jennings is the co-publisher of InnerSelf.com, a platform dedicated to empowering individuals and fostering a more connected, equitable world. A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Army, Robert draws on his diverse life experiences, from working in real estate and construction to building InnerSelf with his wife, Marie T. Russell, to bring a practical, grounded perspective to life’s challenges. Founded in 1996, InnerSelf.com shares insights to help people make informed, meaningful choices for themselves and the planet. More than 30 years later, InnerSelf continues to inspire clarity and empowerment.
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