Last week Senate Republicans, as they have done a record amount of times in the last four years, used a legislative procedure to prevent a vote on a bill that had majority support. What was most disturbing about this filibuster was not the fact that it was a jobs bill, but that it was a jobs bill, fully funded and specifically designed for veterans. Senate bill 3457, the Veterans Jobs Corp Act, would have created jobs for over 700,000 unemployed veterans, including the more than 225,000 post 9/11 vets. Only five Republican Senators joined all Democrats in voting to stop the filibuster. War hero, John McCain, was not among them.
If the Republicans were bothered by the fact that the unemployment rate of veterans is over 11 percent, higher than the national average, and that the suicide rate among the military is at record heights it was not reflected in their votes or in their comments on the bill. Nor did they seem to be conscious of the economic sacrifices endured by so many who volunteered to serve their country.
One has to question the moral compass of a political party that consists of members who never miss an opportunity to wrap the flag around their shoulders, who get misty eyed when talking about the sacrifices of the military, but cannot find the will to spend $200 million to help those they eagerly sent into harms way in two unfunded wars. This from a party that has no problem in finding billions in subsidies for the most profitable corporations in the world, many which pay no taxes.
The Republican vote on the Veterans Jobs Corp Act belies that party’s proclaimed support for anything military; it exposes the Republican Party’s core belief that there is no role for government in the lives of those less fortunate, who for whatever reason, need the support of their government.
Mitt Romney, in the now infamous 47 percent video, inadvertently gave us a peek into his heart, and his view of those he thinks have not taken enough personal responsibility for their lives. His distain for and dismissal of anyone who thinks they are entitled to healthcare, food, homes, jobs, whatever was obvious. In a few, stark minutes, Romney gave us his vision of America; two days later Republican Senators manifested that dark vision into reality with their vote that killed the Veterans Jobs Corp Act.
Ron Kurowski
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Everything you said are descriptions of the Republican party not the other side. Can you be so delusional, yes, you can. I would suggest that you completely stop watching Fox, because by virtue of you rant, they are all Fox and TP talking points.
Facts still matter.
Someone once said - "if you cannot afford an Army, don't have one" This quote should be heeded by those of you who have no experience in the Military and those who sit behind a desk having no idea of the sacrifices our military families endure! Don't all of you realize that "WAR is Hell" and our people are maimed, and killed in its performance! Veterans DESERVE the very best that we have to offer, and that should include assisting them in finding them jobs, retraining, and medical benefits! Those of you who wish to cut or eliminate the benefits these hero's have earned by their blood, sweat, and suffering - don't have the right to claim yourself to be an AMERICAN!
I am all for prgrams helping vets get back to work. i have great respect for who they are and what they do. Maybe they should roll what they want with this program into what they already have. If what they have doesn't work...get rid of it and do better. However, how can this administration keep spending money we simply don;t have. My family lives on a budget, our country should too.
FYI - today it was announced 42 Medal of Honor Recipients endorsed Mitt Romney. If the above pseudo-blog were accurate or factual, I doubt this would have happened.
Here are the facts: Republicans Senators voted against spending $200 million that would create jobs for veterans! The bill was fully funded! John McCain voted against the bill! Tens of thousand of veterans are included in Romney’s 47% who he disdains so much. Yes the bill violated budgetary spending guidelines by $200 million. Tell that to the house GOP who just past a budget resolution that violated the guidelines by $30 billion.
The millions of dollars that the Romney's have and the Mrs. still dresses like a cheap corner hooker. What an inappropriate outfit she had on when she appeared on Jay Leno. I guess money doesn't afford one good respectable taste.
Here is the voting record on veteran’s bills for the 111th Congress compiled by Iraq an Afghanistan Veterans of America: http://iavaaction.org/report-card/a_team_d_list The ‘A’ lists contain the names of Congressmen and Senators who consistently voted in support of veterans, and they’re all Democrats. The ‘D’ list contains the names of legislators who consistently voted against veteran’s bills and they are all Republicans. Detect a pattern? Here is a link which will show you how your Congressman/Senator voted on veteran’s bills in the 111th Congress and the bills and why their grade: http://iavaaction.org/report-card?name=McCain+ And here is a conservative’s view on the Senate Republican’s vote on the jobs bill. http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/ad-lib/2012/sep/23/republicans-turn-their-backs-veterans-vote-down-jo/ Ron Kurowski
Veterans deserve the very best, a REAL job, not a government handout. Private employers, please consider veterans when hiring. Yes, give them preferential treatment. They earned it.