Congress Ingores Keep Our Promise Bill

Congress Ignores "Keep Our Promise" Bill

Is HR-602 Dead?

Will this be allowed with impunity?

20 October 2005

Have we finally realized that Republicans in Congress are purposefully opposing HR 602, Keep Our Promise Bill? Will we allow them to do it with impunity?

Right now there are 158 Democrats, 68 Republicans, and one independent cosponsoring the Keep Our Promise Bill... well over half the US House of Representatives indicate they support the restoration of earned military retiree medical care. (To read the Keep Our Promise Bill go to www.classact-lawsuit.com )

My own opinion is that those Republicans that have cosponsored HR 602 are simply protecting their own back-sides. How many Republican cosponsors do you believe have petitioned the Republican leadership to vote the Bill out of committee and bring it to the House floor for a vote? I suggest the number is "zero"...

Congress plays the military veteran/retiree community to their advantage.....when they need us we get attention, when their "pork" is involved we're ignored...it's nothing short of betrayal.

It would matter little if we had 400 cosponsors..... if the republican leadership is ignoring and opposing HR 602 it will not be brought to the floor for a vote........republicans chair all committees and they won't bring the Bill out of committee.........it is clearly a disgusting "political" issue........

It's time for some tough measures by the Republicans who say they support the Bill...these 68 Republicans could do some considerable damage to the Republican leadership agenda. Opposition by these 68 Republicans to select Bills important to the Republican leadership may bring action to HR 602...but then again, is there commitment and courage in these 68 cosponsors to take the challenge-do what's right? I doubt it, they value their own political future over the troops...always been that way, and I guess it always will be.

Most of us have recognized the Congress as a bunch of self-indulgent, personal focused, confused and disorganized group we could do without...variations of the Keep Our Promise Bill has been in Congress for six (6) years...they have been stringing us along year after year and we allow them to do it...expecting Congress to take some action on an issue owed our warriors is fanciful dreaming.

Our votes in 2006 should not go to a single Congressional Republican currently in office...Congress and the Bush Administration have betrayed America's warriors...we should let them know now!

Harry Riley, COL, USA, Ret

Responses To:

Congress Ignores "Keep Our Promise" Bill

In some several years monitoring and trying to have a input into "retiree" issues I have been blatantly ignored by most of my successor retirees, even condemned, and been conditionally tolerated by you.

That said, this discriminatory, HR 602, bill should and will be defeated. It sure as hell won't help my wife and me who has tolerated retired pay discrimination for "over 41 years", and one who has made over 200 Medicare part B payments plus the same number for my wife of over 57 years who served with General George Patton as a captain nurse in France, Germany and Austria.

I worked hard for the original HR 2966 only to see a 'lemon' delivered in my region. You people simply don't get it.

Currently I figure the pay discrimination costs me over $800.00 per month compared to my successor. Medicare did not even exist when I retired.

I say, "It is IRONIC that it took the collapse of communism in the former USSR with the resultant BRACs of the late "80s and early '90 for most or "all" of you to realize that there was any "health care problem" for military retirees." Structurally Clinton had nothing to do with this dilemma.

At my age I don't even need a military which today is a mercenary military; high pay, allowances and glorious retirement benefits. Looking for "promises." And I still suck! I'd just liked to have had what I had "EARNED" under the laws which were changed.

Most of my 432,000 cohorts who were BETRAYED are now pushing daisies. Have a good day!

W.D. Gray

Sir: Apparently Congress is listening to DOD's side of the Budget Battle vs Promised Healthcare for Retired Veterans? DOD has made it clear to Members of Congress that Retired Military Promised Healthcare is a detriment to the DOD Budget and the Nations Security. We get a 4.1% COLA, but we have to pay additional dollars for Part B of Social Security in addition to increased co-pays for Prescription Drug for 2006. We write our Senator's and Representative's on these issues and get very little or no direct response whether it be Democrat or Republican. Yet these same Elected Officials tell us, the Voters, that our concerns are important to them (Really?).

DOD says they will save Billions of dollars on BRAC over a period of time, Are the Retired Veterans part of DOD's BRAC in reducing Promised Healthcare??

John Clayton, MSgt, USAF Ret

This Congress does not care how many of our troops are killed in action, nor do they want to take care of the wounded that return. It's is about time we voted those out of office that will not let any legislation out of committee that will keep their promises to military veterans and military retirees. They have been playing us all along.

Joe H. Faulk, SMSgt, USAF(RET)

W.W.I, W.W.II, Korea and Viet Nam were all manned mostly by conscripts. Interestingly enough, the W.W.I veterans marched on Washington, DC to claim their promises. You know the rest. Going into the service was thru conscription, I choose 4 years in the Navy rather than two years in the Army. I have been under hostile fire on a number of occasions, both Korea and Vietnam.

Today the service man comes thru the All Volunteer Force(AVF.) Think of the promises that are being made to them.. Those paying back their dues from one of the Academies have been trained to lead our AVF warriors, I think they are doing a great job. In fact all of the active duty are from the AVF, most of the Reserve and National Guard may well fade into the sunset before this is over. The boots on the ground from the AVF was very inadequate to do the job assigned and thus much of the load switched to the Reserve and the Guard, many by this time having multiple tours.

Only when the Majority of the elected officials do their job, can we expect the promises made to us in good faith will be carried out. As long as our elected officials are thinking of their favorite "porkbarrels" and their getting reelected. We do not stand a snow balls chance in hell of realizing our just due.

This war we are now in is a must war We must fight it and we must win. Our national voters must study the issues, and make their choice for the right person, then hold them accountable.

Ed Armstrong MCPO USN RET

Both current major political parties are alike. The Bull principle has overtook both parties!

Never heard of the Bull Principle???

There was a lion who chased down one of a farmers nice fat bulls...killed it and ate his full...then laid up in the shade and began to roar about what he had accomplished...the farmer heard him roaring, found him and shot him dead!

The Bull Principle is..If your full of BULL keep your mouth shut!

Hollis Stanford

CWO US Army, Retired, Missouri

Harry,

I agree with everything you say in your email. And yes, our Government has always treated the military and military retirees as nothing but cannon fodder. What I'm going to say now is probably inflammatory but, I believe that many of our 4 & 5 star officers have provided political cover for the politicians and put their own careers ahead of the good of the the troops and the country. At least they could speak out once they retire. We also have a Secretary of Defense that is a twin to Robert McNamara... All business and no military experience. Anyway, enough of that.

I've only been getting these emails for a short period of time, but It seems to me that this would be a good time to to take these issues to the active duty troops and their families. They need to know the reality of what they face in the future and highlighting that with ads in the military newspapers and Stars and Stripes might pressure the politicians to cut the BS and keep their promises.

I'm torn on this strategy, because it feels like we wouldn't be supporting the troops in a time of war. But they aren't being supported as they are by the powers that be. The "Budget" and getting the "best price" is much more important than supporting the troops.

I will would be the first to donate to a fund to do this.

Let me know what you think.

Doug Keever, LT, LDO, USN, Ret.

703-366-3138

Mr. President and any one else in our government who has the courage to read this page written by so many of our country's BEST, read it and ABSORB it.

Most of them went to a war, or wars long ago so you could go to Washington and make laws that will affect us and our families till we die (then you won't hear from us any more!). You don't care. Admit it. You and your spouses will have the best of health care, dental care (ret. vets have never gotten!), retirement benefits. Oh, by the way, look at the pay increases you get EVERY year..Why not give us the same automatic pay increases.

My opinion of all of you is that you are all cowards. You won't tell the citizens of this country how you have robbed us all. A good example of this is the SBP that we personally have paid. over $50,000 and I will probably never get what we signed up for!

My husband is l00% DAV. In other words he gave this country his best. IT cost him his health. It began in the early 60's when he walked through Agent Orange, getting it all over his shoes and clothes, his hands, etc., not knowing exactly what it was.

You ask and expect this country's finest to risk their lives and fight wars for you and when they come home you don't want to treat them and properly take care of them.

It is no wonder that recruiting soldiers is getting harder every day. One day, this country may not have any one to fight for them.

All we can say is that YOU BROUGHT IT ON YOURSELVES......................................

Do what is honorable and keep your promises to us.

Patricia Murray, spouse of a 24 yr. veteran.

The republican party will pay the price for the cheap trick of everyone cosponsoring a bill, then making sure it never gets to a vote. If you want to keep you jobs this bill had best see a "up or down vote" Where did I hear that? Get off your self serving backsides and get it done. E.H.Vanover TMC
USN Ret.

After seeing what the response to HR 602 has been by Republicans, my belief in the honesty of the government of the United States is GONE!, I will now vote accordingly. I will also ask my friends in AARP, NARFE, BoatUS and AOPA to hear my story at our meetings, Reginald E Holden, T/Sgt USAF Retired, Tarboro, NC

If we want to be taken seriously, we need to make our intentions, and our power known.

Where is the Veteran's Party? When we have enough registered voters to make (or break) an election bid, they (both Republicans and Democrats) will notice. Until then, we're whistling in the wind.

Mike Lanphear, Major, USAF Retired

Col. Harry,

I couldn't agree more, with your statement below! Getting people to not vote for an incumbent is easier said than done, party loyalty, too lazy to research the issue(s), let someone else handle it, but mostly flat, out not interested.

But, if someone were to compose a letter, adaptable to each Senator and Congressman, saying how disappointed we are in their support, or lack of, the Veterans issues, and that we do not plan to vote for them in the future, if this continues. If everyone in each family were to send such a letter, individually, I would imagine it would get the attention of some of them. If it don't, then follow thru and vote them out! If we could pull this off, just one time, I believe our voices would be head for a long time.

Jerry McIntosh

Personally, I believe that most of those 227 cosponsors only did so to prevent losing our future vote. What we need to do is get everyone on board - retirees, spouses, family members, sympathizers, etc., and show a profound disgust with all of them by not voting for any incumbent in 2006, and we need to let them know we are going to do this. With the apathy American voters have been showing in recent years, our banding together could well pull this off. Also, we should not wait for their action. We should make our intentions public by the numbers, state by state, in every forum we can reach.

MR. PRESIDENT,

I GUESS MY 31 YEARS AND FIVE TOURS IN VIETNAM MEAN NOTHING TO YOU NOW THAT I AM GONE FROM THE ACTIVE DUTY ROLE. OH HOW YOU NEEDED ME THEN. NOW YOU ONLY SIT BACK AND MAKE IDLE PROMISES. SHAME ON YOU. I VOTED FOR YOU FOR YOUR COURAGE TO TACKLE HARD ISSUES, HUH. SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER. THANKS FOR NOTHING. KEEP TURNING YOUR BACK ON US VETS AND PRETTY SOON AS THE WORD GETS AROUND YOU WILL HAVE NO ONE TO FIGHT YOUR WAR.

VERY RESP. JAMES E. SALE CWO4 USN RET.

Mr. President,

This bill has not even had a hearing by the committees responsible to consider it. It will never be brought to the floor for "an up or down vote" as you so often request for issues and people that you want approved. How fair is that. We are and have always been Republicans. But we feel very left out. The Republicans and your administration have really let us and all military retirees down. It is a shame.

Ambrose & Norma Garavaglia

17382 N. Rainbow Circle

Surprise, AZ 85374

Col. Riley,

You have hit it on the head. Never have I been more disgusted with OUR Representatives, and Senators than I am now. They are all self centered, egotistical, self enduring and all have the mightier than thou attitude. Example my Senator, Edward Kennedy, what a complete disappointment he has been in my eyes. I have sent him many and I mean many Brown Bags and has called his Boston Office. (which by the way is long distance for me) and spoke to his henchman there, explaining that I had sent mail to King Edward and have not heard one word from him. I was assured that I would be gotten in touch with. But lo and behold the wall in my den has said more to me than what I have heard from Mr. Kennedy. He got my vote last time, but you can rest assured that I will not vote for him, but instead will put my heart and soul to defeat him. As far as I am concerned he is only thinking of his self and not the people he represents.

Harry L. Chandler
HMCS USN (ret)

Comment: No disrespect Harry, but you have courage admitting you have voted for slug Kennedy. Harry Riley

Colonel; your analysis is 100% correct! This is a little off the subject but fits nicely. Perhaps we all should do the same in regard to H.R. 602. One thing I do, as do most of my fellow Republicans in this part of Georgia. We respond to every survey the Republicans send out (Actually looking for hand outs disguised as surveys) I respond to each with "Until the Republicans address and correct the illegal immigration issues there will be no money coming." My responses also include reference to H.R. 602. Don Rehwaldt, Georgia

The Repo's leave a lot to be desired. I had hoped these guys and gals would come all out in support of the Military Retirees.....unfortunately I was wrong. Dead wrong. I have the cure and most do not
like it......it is called "Ballot Boxing." If they do not represent us, vote them out. However, I do not trust demo's.
John R. May, MSG, USA Ret

Mr. President, Honorable Sir:

Isn't it time we do something about this tragedy? How long are we going to lie to our military? We can spend BILLIONS to help others, but shouldn't we take care of our own first? Please use your influence to move HR 602 out of Committee so we can keep the promise you said we would.

Thank you Sir,

Robert W. Maurice, Jr.

Chief Master Sergeant, USAF, Retired 535 Dogwood Drive Satellite Beach, FL 32937, (321) 777-4349 BOBJEN73@cfl.rr.com

I have written Senator John McCain re S.407 and asked for a realistic assessment on it passing sometime during the 109th Congress ... I'll let you know ... I am fearful that the 'lip service' by Republicans will be our demise ..... the fiscal environment isn't the best with $$$B going for Iraq and Hurricanes , but I wanted John McC to assess what are our chances ... The MOAA responded to my query to them, why they weren't more vocal with this proposed legislation and they responded that they felt it was a lost cause .... I responded to them .... if it's a lost cause it would be ONLY because groups like MOAA are non supportive !!!!
Best Regards,
Jim R
Maryland 6th

Harry,

I would like to add another comment. It is not criticism....just a comment. I have learned that "words" and how we use them are very important. I don't give a rat's butt what Congress says or how they define something.....but when a military members is being counseled on the advantages of making the military a career, and asks his counselor why he should consider reenlisting when he knows he can make more money using his skill than that skill will pay him in the military and the counselor replies that although his pay in the military may be lower than the same job on the outside, his pay is "offset" by the fact that his active duty service is "earning" him the entitlement to medical care, and that if he serves 20 or more years that will "earn" him the entitlement to lifetime medical care in all Military Medical Facilities.....THAT is an "ENTITLEMENT" just the same as ones pay is an entitlement. It is NOT a "BENEFIT". A benefit is a "gift" or a "perk". An entitlement is something earned and obligated by the one who promised it.

The above example is an accurate typical example of thousands of career counseling's.....this is how the "promise" was made and those Commanders and Supervisors at "EVERY LEVEL OF THE CHAIN OF COMMAND" who made those promises were acting as NO LESS than agents of the government in that capacity. Anyone who would suggest that this was done without the knowledge or approval of Congress is full of crap! This was not only done with full knowledge of Congress; it was funded by Congress and continued to be funded long after that stupid, meaningless 1956 legislation, and throughout the longest period of military conflict our country has ever known (the Viet Nam war). We should NEVER refer to the promise as a BENEFIT, but rather an "ENTITLEMENT"

Sincerely,

George White

Comment: I hear you George. Unfortunately, the Courts/politicians have their own definitions. I think the reason we lost at the en banc Appeals Court is simply one of money...they were aware ruling in our favor would cost the government a big chunk...they caved in to money, ignored principle, truth, honor, and in short betrayed the guardians of our nation. Harry Riley

Mr. President,

You use us, the ones who served during WWII and or The Korean War....We kept our promised & served at least twenty years in the Military....You vote for "Pork Barrel" items and do nothing that YOUR government promised.....I ....as a U.S. Citizen who served 23 years in the military want you Republicans out of office......I will contact everyone I can to insure YOU do not serve another tern in
office !!!! Your Mr. Cornyn touts his Father served in the Military. BUT he will not cosponsor the return of our "Health Care For Life"....You Republicans are USERS of the Military....Having voted
Republican for over FIFTY YEARS. I will vote Democratic from now on.......Words are cheap....Keep following your Republican Party Line RIGHT OUT OF OFFICE !!!!!

James Goodwin

I always understood president bush to be a pro-veteran person. Some of the people that are supposed to be helping him must be keeping him in the dark. He has to be made aware of what is going on, especially things that involve war veterans. I may be the one standing on the white house
lawn, with a sign that says President Bush I need to see you, as you are being kept in the dark about the war veterans of this country. Just waiting on the board of appeals to send my 25 year old disability claim. Already got my sign made. Think this is a joke, better think again.

Marshall Jackson

COLONEL,

I AGREE WITH YOU 100 PER CENT, THE REPUBLICAN PARTY IS FOR THE RICH ONLY, HAS BEEN AND ALWAYS WILL BE. I WILL NEVER VOTE FOR A REPUBLICAN.

I RECENTLY WROTE TO THE DAV TELLING THEM TO TAKE A POSITION ON THIS AND BLAME THE REPUBLICANS. THEY REFUSED, CANT TAKE SIDES.

ANYWAY YOU GOT MY SUPPORT......................

A.D.MARZILLI 1STSGT USMC RETIRED

Mr. President,

As you again do nothing with HR 602, it is time for us the retired military community to rise up and let you know that we are tired of being ignored by you and all you represent. We will insure that this election you will not be counting any votes for you from the retired military community. We have broken our bodies, lost our lives and become the4e homeless for this nation and you continue to play with the minute benefits that we receive, while you take the extreme amounts of benefits without paying a penny for them. You should have to live just like the rest of us poor working Americans and have to pay for your benefits also. The American people should have to vote for your pay raises and approve your benefits just like the rest of us have to listen to the dribble you put out concerning us.

Dr. Robert Gaines Sr

Dear Editor,

Military Retirees now have 227 cosponsors for HR 602 the "Keep Our Promise" Bill. This is enough Congressional votes to pass it. What we need now is someone to pull it out of Committee and place it before the full House for a vote. Unfortunately, it appears as that isn't going to happen without some kind of a miracle. Does anyone out there know a member of Congress well enough to convince him/her to do this for us?

Personally, I believe that most of those 227 cosponsors only did so to prevent losing our future vote. What we need to do is get everyone on board - military retirees, spouses, family members, sympathizers, etc., and show a profound disgust with all of them by not voting for any incumbent in 2006, and we need to let them know we are going to do this now. With the apathy American voters have been showing in recent years, our banding together could force this issue.

As the Google web site has shown, military retirees are constantly being shown as the primary drain on the Congressional budget. The more people view this diatribe, the more we lose valuable support from them. Therefore, we need to take immediate action.

We need to make our intentions public, state by state, in every accessible forum.

Captain Ronald J. Shaw, USAF, Ret.

1008 West 230 North

Orem, Utah 84057

801-226-8240

Who are you going to vote for ? Ms. Clinton ? Do you really think she has the veterans' needs at heart...

Diane

Comment: As I indicated, any current elected official should be thrown out, especially Hillary Clinton...Secretary of State Rice would be a better choice...so far as I know she has never been elected to any office. Harry Riley

Harry, when are we going to learn? The Republican party has embraced the reduction of entitlements as a first priority. Veterans and retiree benefits are seen as clear and unbridled entitlements that must be curbed. Republicans do not see these benefits as “earned,” rather they see them as another Hallowe’en Handout like all the other welfare programs. Why do we continually laud them and vote for them? I’m damned if I know, but there are an awful lot of “knee-jerk” Republican boosters amongst the retired military community. Shame on them! If they are not careful, they will get what they deserve!

Pay particular attention to H.R. 2290, The Family Budget Protection Act, sponsored by Republican Representative Jeb Hensarling (TX 5th). This bill, a House perennial, would sacrifice military retired pay and VA benefits to reduce the budget deficit, yet would spare civil service retired pay (for which members of congress and their staff personnel are eligible) and social security from such cuts. Now, you tell me who our friends are!

Beware, fellow retirees.
--
Warm regards,

Winchell M. Craig, Jr.
Colonel (Retired)
U.S. Marine Corps

I agree wholeheartedly and although a registered republican I will not vote for any republican for any national office until they are all out of office or quit their leading us with their lying promises. Charles Owen

I agree with every word of this assessment -
Rep Gibbons, with his DL background, has never given Age 60 and PPF the time
of day - veterans same-o -
TFL and pharmacy benefit are 2 exceptions that astonish me -
press on - strike, lightning ...

Storrs Warinner Col AF 54-80, Las Vegas 702 256 1062

Harry, I completely agree with you about the Republicans in Congress and the Administration. I have been preaching the same thing to anyone who will listen since before the election, but no one would listen. At least now I am having more positive responses as more and more people realize what we have gotten ourselves into. Hopefully, we can get someone in the House to step forward, but all my letters seem to fall on deaf ears. As always, it seems as though the retired community will wait for someone else to do the work for them. The active duty people don't seem to think what we are going through will ever affect them so we can't count on their help and veterans just don't seem to care one way or the other. Civilians are too busy to pay any attention to our letters to the editors so I really don't know where to go from here. No one has stepped up to do anything at Classact and Floyd Sears got caught in the hurricane and is out of commission so no one is doing anything to even try to keep things going .If you have any suggestions where I can do any more than I have been doing, I would be more than happy to hear them. Wish you were back at the helm so we had some kind of leader.. Thanks for all that you have done and are still trying to do.

Paul Barrett

What a shame.......Millions of tax dollars earmarked to revive an area that is below sea level, but not one "BRAVE" Republican with the courage to insist that a bill to restore the promised free medical care for we retired veterans be introduced in one of the four committees........

Charles Bunner

After reading the several comments on Harry Riley's article on Congress and their non support of HR 602, I wonder if maybe my mind is being patriotic but my plan of action is not appropriate for this great Republic we call the United States of America. The Democrat's screwed over the American People, including Veterans when they were in power for forty years, up to 1994, and since, the Republicans have done even more damage to us and our Constitution. I can't believe anyone would want to do anything but cause them to Reform or get out of our lives. We do have an alternative. Fifteen States have become Certified Veterans Party of America States since August 2003, and with a little effort on the part of more People, we can become a force to be reckoned with. We are not a Party of just Veterans, every American Citizen of voting age can join us with full rights. As I see it,
we either form and take back our Country or turn it over completely to the Socialists on one hand or the Fascist on the other. In other words, lose our freedoms.
Bob Thompson robert0931@comcast.net
www.veteransparty.us

Mr. President,

If the treatment we have received as members of the armed forces retired after 20 or more years of service, is the way you keep your promise to our retired members you should be ashamed to call your selves Americans representing men and woman of the armed forces. We kept our promise to the USA. Why can't you right the wrong that was done to us.
Retired MGYSGT. James Lacefield
Denver, Colorado

We all know how disgusting this matter is. The co-sponsoring never meant anything from the beginning. It was nothing more than "mouth service". Harry is right when he states that he believes it would be no different with a Democratic majority. Too many people forget that most of the gutting of our military and the downsizing and base closures occurred during the Clinton administration. We have been gradually losing our access to military medicine for a long time, but it really disappeared during the Clinton administration, so any of you who think that simply voting the Republicans out will solve the problem, is being naive.

I am a conservative; therefore Republican; and I strongly support the war effort, but I am totally disgusted with the fact that this administration has done nothing to restore our "EARNED' right to cost FREE medical care ( and those who have TFL, and pay part b Medicare are not receiving cost FREE medical care). Part B will be almost $ 90. a month starting the first of next year....that's over a thousand dollars a year even if a member NEVER visits a Doctor. Long before I ever entered the military, and all during my 26 years in the USAF Medical Service, and for a few years after I retired, all a retired member needed to do was present a military ID card to "ANY" Military Medical Facility, and they were insured of receiving care, with no further questions. Anything less than that is denying a "promised, earned, entitlement".

Sincerely,

George A. White

Capt USAF-Ret (Medical Service)

I concur completely that Republicans are against Military Retirees and when they agree with our positions they only say what we want to hear and then forget it. If things go the way they are going they will have two less votes at next election from this family, no change that to four less votes since one of my sons and wife also will follow my voting.

Chief Braga, USAF (Ret.)

Have voted Republican to many years ago to count and heretofore felt it was the wise choice.The present administration have done so many stupid things, made so many promises and have failed to many times...I will not vote this ticket in 06. I think this is our only recourse

John and Mary

Mr. President, During your campaign for election, and after you were sworn in you made promises to the retired military veterans of this country that we would be taken care, that we would received the health care that we have been promised all these years.

Well Mr. President, you have talked the talk but you sure as hell haven't walked the walk. If anything you have put countless others into the same predicament with the under funding of VA health care, the stone walling of H602 and S407..the "Keep The Promise" legislation.

Mr. President, just when are you going to "get around" to doing something about these pieces of legislation that have languished for many months now? When Mr. President are you going to get the testicular matter to TELL congress this is what you want, that this is something that is very important to you. If you don't then the millions of veterans and retired military veterans will know that all your "TALK" was just that 'TALK" and had no substance to it. In short Mr. President, you deliberately lied to us. You never had any intention of keeping your word. Should there be no action on these bills again this year, rest assured Mr. President that EVERY republican in office who is up for re-election best be aware that the millions of veterans will take out their frustrations at the ballot boxes come 2006.
This is not a threat Mr. President, this is a promise.
While you're at it Mr. President, when are you going to kick some back sides of the leadership in both houses and get the NDAA moving again. It too has been stonewalled since last June.

Allan Pilger, USN Retired
6140 Regent Park Rd
Catonsville, MD 21228
apilger@comcast.net

Mr. President,

It seems apparent that the Republican leadership in Congress is stalling and preventing the consideration of HR 602, the Restoration of Military Health Care promised to us when we enlisted to serve our country. All the meaningless crap you handed out during your run for reelection regarding your support of our military and veterans, was just that, CRAP! It is obvious that your administration is willing to sacrifice the Veterans who have served this country loyalty and faithfully, to promote some other politically motivated program, rather then keep the promises made to us years ago, even though we have faithfully kept our part of the bargain. I've said it many times, and I'll say it again, " POLITICIANS AND A SORRY GROUP WITH LITTLE, IF ANY HONESTY. You don't known what the word means.

Lets just go ahead and fund some more Foreign Aid to countries who hate our guts and sponsor terrorists attacks against us. To HELL with the Veterans. Your actions are certainly building a core of dedicated workers who will do their utmost to ensure the Republican Parties tour in power ends with your term. You stab us in the back, we will not forget it.

Le Roy B Hebbard, Jr. Capt. USN (ret). (28 years USN)

Harry: You know my feelings on this subject. As you know I am an elected Officer in several Military and Veterans Organizations and speak often on the need for Reform in both the Democratic and Republican Parties. Neither Party even remotely resembles their former selves and are completely infested with career politicians who owe their allegiance to special interest groups and the Worlds Elite who will, if not stopped create a One World Order of Dictators. The reason they give tax breaks to the wealthy and cut benefits to Veterans and Seniors, is to provide Pork Barrel Funds to their benefactors who paid for their seats in Government.

Veterans of the Nation who still honor their Oath, to protect this great Nation from all enemy's, both foreign domestic, are rapidly forming the Veterans Party of America, that is now Certified in 15 States, all since August 2003 when we first announced in Florida. We will keep working until all 50 States are Certified and we are strong enough to stop and cause the Republicans and Democrats to either Reform their Parties, who are out of control, or take a back seat the Peoples Party, the Veterans Party of America.

Every true American Citizen, over the age of 18 can join our party, hold office in the Party and be a Candidate for every elected Office in the Land. We are the leaders of a peaceful Army of the People who demand the return of our Government to the People and that all Politicians must again abide with the Rule of Law established by our Constitution or get out of politics. Everyone must keep in mind that our Forefathers warned us this could happen and to be prepared to take what ever action is necessary to save this, the greatest experiment ever created. We have been free for 229 years and our freedom is worth fighting for.

NOTHING MORE OR NOTHING LESS IS ACCEPTABLE. WE ARE THE PEOPLE AND WE DEMAND JUSTICE FOR ALL, NOT TO BE CONTROLLED BY LAWYERS, CORPORATE MONEY GRUBBERS, DRAFT DODGERS, AND NON-PATRIOTS, WHO OWE THEIR ALLEGIANCE TO THE ELITE WHO WOULD RULE THE WORLD. AMERICA IS GREAT, AMERICA IS GOOD. GOD GAVE US THIS NATION BY HIS GRACE AND IT IS UP TO US TO EITHER DELIVER IT TO THE DICTATORS OF THE WORLD OR JEALOUSLY GUARD AND KEEP IT FOR THE PEOPLE.

WE ARE NOT A DEMOCRACY, OUR WISE FOUNDERS CREATED A REPUBLIC AS IN, "I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG, OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION, UNDER GOD (added), WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL".

WE EITHER CLAIM THOSE RIGHTS FOR OUR PEOPLE OR DELIVER THEM TO THOSE WHO ARE NOW DESTROYING US. YOUR CHOICE. TIME IS RUNNING OUT, ACT NOW.

Bob Thompson

Panama City, Florida

WWW.VETERANSPARTY.US

Well....I think the next step is for every military retiree to write their members of Congress that "all military retirees are now telling any and all young men and women not....repeat...NOT TO JOIN THE SERVICE BECAUSE OUR GOVERNMENT WILL LIE TO YOU AND NOT KEEP THEIR PROMISES MADE TO THEM. If military recruiters are allowed to go to our high schools then military retiree should be able to go into the high schools and tell the young people that our government can not be trusted to keep their promises made to them so they will join the service. Tom Gould (thomas.gould321@comcast.net)

Colonel Harry Riley, Colonel USA (Retired) writes: I have added my comments in "RED" Paul (Alamogordo).

Subject: HR 602, Keep Our Promise To America's Military Retirees Act - Is it Dead?

Have we finally accepted that Republicans in Congress are purposefully opposing HR 602, Keep Our Promise Bill? Will we allow them to do it with impunity? [For the past several years, the former career military veteran (retiree's), have made several attempts through cooperating representatives in the minority party in the House (discharge petition) to draw the legislation out of committee for a full up or down vote. It takes if my memory serves me right 218 petitioners to draw legislation out of committee. Unfortunately, the majority party (which includes New Mexico District Representative #2 Steve Pearce and New Mexico District Representative #1 Heather Wilson), refused to support the retired military community with their [No Votes]; and HR 602 still remains in limbo in Committee where it will most like stay.

Right now there are 158 Democrats, 68 Republicans, and one independent (227 total) cosponsoring the Keep Our Promise Bill... well over half the US House of Representatives indicate they support the restoration of earned military retiree medical care. (To read the Keep Our Promise Bill go to www.classact-lawsuit.com ).

My own opinion is that most of those Republicans that have cosponsored HR 602 are simply protecting their own back-sides. How many Republican cosponsors do you believe have petitioned the Republican leadership to vote the Bill out of committee and bring it to the House floor for a vote? I suggest the number is "zero"... [To be factual, only one Republican stepped forwrd to no avail].

So far as I know there has not been a single hearing from any of the four committees responsible to consider the Bill...and my gut instinct is that they have no intention of doing anything with the legislation. [It is common knowledge around the Hill that Speaker Hastert, R-Illinois, has sent word that the legislation not be reported out of committee for an up or down vote. It is apparent that no Republication Representative has the guts to say "NO" to the Speaker.

Congress plays the military veteran/retiree community to their advantage.....when they need us we get attention, when their "pork" is involved we're ignored...it's nothing short of betrayal.

It is clear the majority of our cosponsors are democrats...token republicans are cosponsoring the Bill as a "political protection" measure but take no action to push the Bill....the republican leadership is responsible for bringing the issue to the floor and our Republican cosponsors do nothing...make no mistake, I view the same condition if Democrats were the majority in Congress. [I can't agree with Colonel Riley regarding the statement "I view the same condition if Democrats were the majority in Congress". Democrat's are in the minority now and if they expect to gain control in either the House or Senate, they are going to have to have alot of folks make a turn around on how they vote. Former career military

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Current Blog	Congress Ignores "Keep Our Promise" Bill Is HR-602 Dead? Will this be allowed with impunity? 20 October 2005 Have we finally realized that Republicans in Congress are purposefully opposing HR 602, Keep Our Promise Bill? Will we allow them to do it with impunity? Right now there are 158 Democrats, 68 Republicans, and one independent cosponsoring the Keep Our Promise Bill... well over half the US House of Representatives indicate they support the restoration of earned military retiree medical care. (To read the Keep Our Promise Bill go to www.classact-lawsuit.com ) My own opinion is that those Republicans that have cosponsored HR 602 are simply protecting their own back-sides. How many Republican cosponsors do you believe have petitioned the Republican leadership to vote the Bill out of committee and bring it to the House floor for a vote? I suggest the number is "zero"... So far as I know there has not been a single hearing from any of the four committees responsible to consider the Bill...and my gut instinct is that they have no intention of doing anything with the legislation. Congress plays the military veteran/retiree community to their advantage.....when they need us we get attention, when their "pork" is involved we're ignored...it's nothing short of betrayal. It is clear the majority of our cosponsors are democrats...token republicans are cosponsoring the Bill as a "political protection" measure but take no action to push the Bill....the republican leadership is responsible for bringing the issue to the floor and our Republican cosponsors do nothing...make no mistake, I view the same condition if Democrats were the majority in Congress. It would matter little if we had 400 cosponsors..... if the republican leadership is ignoring and opposing HR 602 it will not be brought to the floor for a vote........republicans chair all committees and they won't bring the Bill out of committee.........it is clearly a disgusting "political" issue........ It's time for some tough measures by the Republicans who say they support the Bill...these 68 Republicans could do some considerable damage to the Republican leadership agenda. Opposition by these 68 Republicans to select Bills important to the Republican leadership may bring action to HR 602...but then again, is there commitment and courage in these 68 cosponsors to take the challenge-do what's right? I doubt it, they value their own political future over the troops...always been that way, and I guess it always will be. Most of us have recognized the Congress as a bunch of self-indulgent, personal focused, confused and disorganized group we could do without...variations of the Keep Our Promise Bill has been in Congress for six (6) years...they have been stringing us along year after year and we allow them to do it...expecting Congress to take some action on an issue owed our warriors is fanciful dreaming. Our votes in 2006 should not go to a single Congressional Republican currently in office...Congress and the Bush Administration have betrayed America's warriors...we should let them know now! Harry Riley, COL, USA, Ret Responses To: Congress Ignores "Keep Our Promise" Bill In some several years monitoring and trying to have a input into "retiree" issues I have been blatantly ignored by most of my successor retirees, even condemned, and been conditionally tolerated by you. That said, this discriminatory, HR 602, bill should and will be defeated. It sure as hell won't help my wife and me who has tolerated retired pay discrimination for "over 41 years", and one who has made over 200 Medicare part B payments plus the same number for my wife of over 57 years who served with General George Patton as a captain nurse in France, Germany and Austria. I worked hard for the original HR 2966 only to see a 'lemon' delivered in my region. You people simply don't get it. Currently I figure the pay discrimination costs me over $800.00 per month compared to my successor. Medicare did not even exist when I retired. I say, "It is IRONIC that it took the collapse of communism in the former USSR with the resultant BRACs of the late "80s and early '90 for most or "all" of you to realize that there was any "health care problem" for military retirees." Structurally Clinton had nothing to do with this dilemma. At my age I don't even need a military which today is a mercenary military; high pay, allowances and glorious retirement benefits. Looking for "promises." And I still suck! I'd just liked to have had what I had "EARNED" under the laws which were changed. Most of my 432,000 cohorts who were BETRAYED are now pushing daisies. Have a good day! W.D. Gray Sir: Apparently Congress is listening to DOD's side of the Budget Battle vs Promised Healthcare for Retired Veterans? DOD has made it clear to Members of Congress that Retired Military Promised Healthcare is a detriment to the DOD Budget and the Nations Security. We get a 4.1% COLA, but we have to pay additional dollars for Part B of Social Security in addition to increased co-pays for Prescription Drug for 2006. We write our Senator's and Representative's on these issues and get very little or no direct response whether it be Democrat or Republican. Yet these same Elected Officials tell us, the Voters, that our concerns are important to them (Really?). DOD says they will save Billions of dollars on BRAC over a period of time, Are the Retired Veterans part of DOD's BRAC in reducing Promised Healthcare?? John Clayton, MSgt, USAF Ret This Congress does not care how many of our troops are killed in action, nor do they want to take care of the wounded that return. It's is about time we voted those out of office that will not let any legislation out of committee that will keep their promises to military veterans and military retirees. They have been playing us all along. Joe H. Faulk, SMSgt, USAF(RET) W.W.I, W.W.II, Korea and Viet Nam were all manned mostly by conscripts. Interestingly enough, the W.W.I veterans marched on Washington, DC to claim their promises. You know the rest. Going into the service was thru conscription, I choose 4 years in the Navy rather than two years in the Army. I have been under hostile fire on a number of occasions, both Korea and Vietnam. Today the service man comes thru the All Volunteer Force(AVF.) Think of the promises that are being made to them.. Those paying back their dues from one of the Academies have been trained to lead our AVF warriors, I think they are doing a great job. In fact all of the active duty are from the AVF, most of the Reserve and National Guard may well fade into the sunset before this is over. The boots on the ground from the AVF was very inadequate to do the job assigned and thus much of the load switched to the Reserve and the Guard, many by this time having multiple tours. Only when the Majority of the elected officials do their job, can we expect the promises made to us in good faith will be carried out. As long as our elected officials are thinking of their favorite "porkbarrels" and their getting reelected. We do not stand a snow balls chance in hell of realizing our just due. This war we are now in is a must war We must fight it and we must win. Our national voters must study the issues, and make their choice for the right person, then hold them accountable. Ed Armstrong MCPO USN RET Both current major political parties are alike. The Bull principle has overtook both parties! Never heard of the Bull Principle??? There was a lion who chased down one of a farmers nice fat bulls...killed it and ate his full...then laid up in the shade and began to roar about what he had accomplished...the farmer heard him roaring, found him and shot him dead! The Bull Principle is..If your full of BULL keep your mouth shut! Hollis Stanford CWO US Army, Retired, Missouri Harry, I agree with everything you say in your email. And yes, our Government has always treated the military and military retirees as nothing but cannon fodder. What I'm going to say now is probably inflammatory but, I believe that many of our 4 & 5 star officers have provided political cover for the politicians and put their own careers ahead of the good of the the troops and the country. At least they could speak out once they retire. We also have a Secretary of Defense that is a twin to Robert McNamara... All business and no military experience. Anyway, enough of that. I've only been getting these emails for a short period of time, but It seems to me that this would be a good time to to take these issues to the active duty troops and their families. They need to know the reality of what they face in the future and highlighting that with ads in the military newspapers and Stars and Stripes might pressure the politicians to cut the BS and keep their promises. I'm torn on this strategy, because it feels like we wouldn't be supporting the troops in a time of war. But they aren't being supported as they are by the powers that be. The "Budget" and getting the "best price" is much more important than supporting the troops. I will would be the first to donate to a fund to do this. Let me know what you think. Doug Keever, LT, LDO, USN, Ret. 703-366-3138 Mr. President and any one else in our government who has the courage to read this page written by so many of our country's BEST, read it and ABSORB it. Most of them went to a war, or wars long ago so you could go to Washington and make laws that will affect us and our families till we die (then you won't hear from us any more!). You don't care. Admit it. You and your spouses will have the best of health care, dental care (ret. vets have never gotten!), retirement benefits. Oh, by the way, look at the pay increases you get EVERY year..Why not give us the same automatic pay increases. My opinion of all of you is that you are all cowards. You won't tell the citizens of this country how you have robbed us all. A good example of this is the SBP that we personally have paid. over $50,000 and I will probably never get what we signed up for! My husband is l00% DAV. In other words he gave this country his best. IT cost him his health. It began in the early 60's when he walked through Agent Orange, getting it all over his shoes and clothes, his hands, etc., not knowing exactly what it was. You ask and expect this country's finest to risk their lives and fight wars for you and when they come home you don't want to treat them and properly take care of them. It is no wonder that recruiting soldiers is getting harder every day. One day, this country may not have any one to fight for them. All we can say is that YOU BROUGHT IT ON YOURSELVES...................................... Do what is honorable and keep your promises to us. Patricia Murray, spouse of a 24 yr. veteran. The republican party will pay the price for the cheap trick of everyone cosponsoring a bill, then making sure it never gets to a vote. If you want to keep you jobs this bill had best see a "up or down vote" Where did I hear that? Get off your self serving backsides and get it done. E.H.Vanover TMC USN Ret. After seeing what the response to HR 602 has been by Republicans, my belief in the honesty of the government of the United States is GONE!, I will now vote accordingly. I will also ask my friends in AARP, NARFE, BoatUS and AOPA to hear my story at our meetings, Reginald E Holden, T/Sgt USAF Retired, Tarboro, NC If we want to be taken seriously, we need to make our intentions, and our power known. Where is the Veteran's Party? When we have enough registered voters to make (or break) an election bid, they (both Republicans and Democrats) will notice. Until then, we're whistling in the wind. Mike Lanphear, Major, USAF Retired Col. Harry, I couldn't agree more, with your statement below! Getting people to not vote for an incumbent is easier said than done, party loyalty, too lazy to research the issue(s), let someone else handle it, but mostly flat, out not interested. But, if someone were to compose a letter, adaptable to each Senator and Congressman, saying how disappointed we are in their support, or lack of, the Veterans issues, and that we do not plan to vote for them in the future, if this continues. If everyone in each family were to send such a letter, individually, I would imagine it would get the attention of some of them. If it don't, then follow thru and vote them out! If we could pull this off, just one time, I believe our voices would be head for a long time. Jerry McIntosh Personally, I believe that most of those 227 cosponsors only did so to prevent losing our future vote. What we need to do is get everyone on board - retirees, spouses, family members, sympathizers, etc., and show a profound disgust with all of them by not voting for any incumbent in 2006, and we need to let them know we are going to do this. With the apathy American voters have been showing in recent years, our banding together could well pull this off. Also, we should not wait for their action. We should make our intentions public by the numbers, state by state, in every forum we can reach. MR. PRESIDENT, I GUESS MY 31 YEARS AND FIVE TOURS IN VIETNAM MEAN NOTHING TO YOU NOW THAT I AM GONE FROM THE ACTIVE DUTY ROLE. OH HOW YOU NEEDED ME THEN. NOW YOU ONLY SIT BACK AND MAKE IDLE PROMISES. SHAME ON YOU. I VOTED FOR YOU FOR YOUR COURAGE TO TACKLE HARD ISSUES, HUH. SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER. THANKS FOR NOTHING. KEEP TURNING YOUR BACK ON US VETS AND PRETTY SOON AS THE WORD GETS AROUND YOU WILL HAVE NO ONE TO FIGHT YOUR WAR. VERY RESP. JAMES E. SALE CWO4 USN RET. Mr. President, This bill has not even had a hearing by the committees responsible to consider it. It will never be brought to the floor for "an up or down vote" as you so often request for issues and people that you want approved. How fair is that. We are and have always been Republicans. But we feel very left out. The Republicans and your administration have really let us and all military retirees down. It is a shame. Ambrose & Norma Garavaglia 17382 N. Rainbow Circle Surprise, AZ 85374 Col. Riley, You have hit it on the head. Never have I been more disgusted with OUR Representatives, and Senators than I am now. They are all self centered, egotistical, self enduring and all have the mightier than thou attitude. Example my Senator, Edward Kennedy, what a complete disappointment he has been in my eyes. I have sent him many and I mean many Brown Bags and has called his Boston Office. (which by the way is long distance for me) and spoke to his henchman there, explaining that I had sent mail to King Edward and have not heard one word from him. I was assured that I would be gotten in touch with. But lo and behold the wall in my den has said more to me than what I have heard from Mr. Kennedy. He got my vote last time, but you can rest assured that I will not vote for him, but instead will put my heart and soul to defeat him. As far as I am concerned he is only thinking of his self and not the people he represents. Harry L. Chandler HMCS USN (ret) Comment: No disrespect Harry, but you have courage admitting you have voted for slug Kennedy. Harry Riley Colonel; your analysis is 100% correct! This is a little off the subject but fits nicely. Perhaps we all should do the same in regard to H.R. 602. One thing I do, as do most of my fellow Republicans in this part of Georgia. We respond to every survey the Republicans send out (Actually looking for hand outs disguised as surveys) I respond to each with "Until the Republicans address and correct the illegal immigration issues there will be no money coming." My responses also include reference to H.R. 602. Don Rehwaldt, Georgia The Repo's leave a lot to be desired. I had hoped these guys and gals would come all out in support of the Military Retirees.....unfortunately I was wrong. Dead wrong. I have the cure and most do not like it......it is called "Ballot Boxing." If they do not represent us, vote them out. However, I do not trust demo's. John R. May, MSG, USA Ret Mr. President, Honorable Sir: Isn't it time we do something about this tragedy? How long are we going to lie to our military? We can spend BILLIONS to help others, but shouldn't we take care of our own first? Please use your influence to move HR 602 out of Committee so we can keep the promise you said we would. Thank you Sir, Robert W. Maurice, Jr. Chief Master Sergeant, USAF, Retired 535 Dogwood Drive Satellite Beach, FL 32937, (321) 777-4349 BOBJEN73@cfl.rr.com I have written Senator John McCain re S.407 and asked for a realistic assessment on it passing sometime during the 109th Congress ... I'll let you know ... I am fearful that the 'lip service' by Republicans will be our demise ..... the fiscal environment isn't the best with $$$B going for Iraq and Hurricanes , but I wanted John McC to assess what are our chances ... The MOAA responded to my query to them, why they weren't more vocal with this proposed legislation and they responded that they felt it was a lost cause .... I responded to them .... if it's a lost cause it would be ONLY because groups like MOAA are non supportive !!!! Best Regards, Jim R Maryland 6th Harry, I would like to add another comment. It is not criticism....just a comment. I have learned that "words" and how we use them are very important. I don't give a rat's butt what Congress says or how they define something.....but when a military members is being counseled on the advantages of making the military a career, and asks his counselor why he should consider reenlisting when he knows he can make more money using his skill than that skill will pay him in the military and the counselor replies that although his pay in the military may be lower than the same job on the outside, his pay is "offset" by the fact that his active duty service is "earning" him the entitlement to medical care, and that if he serves 20 or more years that will "earn" him the entitlement to lifetime medical care in all Military Medical Facilities.....THAT is an "ENTITLEMENT" just the same as ones pay is an entitlement. It is NOT a "BENEFIT". A benefit is a "gift" or a "perk". An entitlement is something earned and obligated by the one who promised it. The above example is an accurate typical example of thousands of career counseling's.....this is how the "promise" was made and those Commanders and Supervisors at "EVERY LEVEL OF THE CHAIN OF COMMAND" who made those promises were acting as NO LESS than agents of the government in that capacity. Anyone who would suggest that this was done without the knowledge or approval of Congress is full of crap! This was not only done with full knowledge of Congress; it was funded by Congress and continued to be funded long after that stupid, meaningless 1956 legislation, and throughout the longest period of military conflict our country has ever known (the Viet Nam war). We should NEVER refer to the promise as a BENEFIT, but rather an "ENTITLEMENT" Sincerely, George White Comment: I hear you George. Unfortunately, the Courts/politicians have their own definitions. I think the reason we lost at the en banc Appeals Court is simply one of money...they were aware ruling in our favor would cost the government a big chunk...they caved in to money, ignored principle, truth, honor, and in short betrayed the guardians of our nation. Harry Riley Mr. President, You use us, the ones who served during WWII and or The Korean War....We kept our promised & served at least twenty years in the Military....You vote for "Pork Barrel" items and do nothing that YOUR government promised.....I ....as a U.S. Citizen who served 23 years in the military want you Republicans out of office......I will contact everyone I can to insure YOU do not serve another tern in office !!!! Your Mr. Cornyn touts his Father served in the Military. BUT he will not cosponsor the return of our "Health Care For Life"....You Republicans are USERS of the Military....Having voted Republican for over FIFTY YEARS. I will vote Democratic from now on.......Words are cheap....Keep following your Republican Party Line RIGHT OUT OF OFFICE !!!!! James Goodwin I always understood president bush to be a pro-veteran person. Some of the people that are supposed to be helping him must be keeping him in the dark. He has to be made aware of what is going on, especially things that involve war veterans. I may be the one standing on the white house lawn, with a sign that says President Bush I need to see you, as you are being kept in the dark about the war veterans of this country. Just waiting on the board of appeals to send my 25 year old disability claim. Already got my sign made. Think this is a joke, better think again. Marshall Jackson COLONEL, I AGREE WITH YOU 100 PER CENT, THE REPUBLICAN PARTY IS FOR THE RICH ONLY, HAS BEEN AND ALWAYS WILL BE. I WILL NEVER VOTE FOR A REPUBLICAN. I RECENTLY WROTE TO THE DAV TELLING THEM TO TAKE A POSITION ON THIS AND BLAME THE REPUBLICANS. THEY REFUSED, CANT TAKE SIDES. ANYWAY YOU GOT MY SUPPORT...................... A.D.MARZILLI 1STSGT USMC RETIRED Mr. President, As you again do nothing with HR 602, it is time for us the retired military community to rise up and let you know that we are tired of being ignored by you and all you represent. We will insure that this election you will not be counting any votes for you from the retired military community. We have broken our bodies, lost our lives and become the4e homeless for this nation and you continue to play with the minute benefits that we receive, while you take the extreme amounts of benefits without paying a penny for them. You should have to live just like the rest of us poor working Americans and have to pay for your benefits also. The American people should have to vote for your pay raises and approve your benefits just like the rest of us have to listen to the dribble you put out concerning us. Dr. Robert Gaines Sr Dear Editor, Military Retirees now have 227 cosponsors for HR 602 the "Keep Our Promise" Bill. This is enough Congressional votes to pass it. What we need now is someone to pull it out of Committee and place it before the full House for a vote. Unfortunately, it appears as that isn't going to happen without some kind of a miracle. Does anyone out there know a member of Congress well enough to convince him/her to do this for us? Personally, I believe that most of those 227 cosponsors only did so to prevent losing our future vote. What we need to do is get everyone on board - military retirees, spouses, family members, sympathizers, etc., and show a profound disgust with all of them by not voting for any incumbent in 2006, and we need to let them know we are going to do this now. With the apathy American voters have been showing in recent years, our banding together could force this issue. As the Google web site has shown, military retirees are constantly being shown as the primary drain on the Congressional budget. The more people view this diatribe, the more we lose valuable support from them. Therefore, we need to take immediate action. We need to make our intentions public, state by state, in every accessible forum. Captain Ronald J. Shaw, USAF, Ret. 1008 West 230 North Orem, Utah 84057 801-226-8240 Who are you going to vote for ? Ms. Clinton ? Do you really think she has the veterans' needs at heart... Diane Comment: As I indicated, any current elected official should be thrown out, especially Hillary Clinton...Secretary of State Rice would be a better choice...so far as I know she has never been elected to any office. Harry Riley Harry, when are we going to learn? The Republican party has embraced the reduction of entitlements as a first priority. Veterans and retiree benefits are seen as clear and unbridled entitlements that must be curbed. Republicans do not see these benefits as “earned,” rather they see them as another Hallowe’en Handout like all the other welfare programs. Why do we continually laud them and vote for them? I’m damned if I know, but there are an awful lot of “knee-jerk” Republican boosters amongst the retired military community. Shame on them! If they are not careful, they will get what they deserve! Pay particular attention to H.R. 2290, The Family Budget Protection Act, sponsored by Republican Representative Jeb Hensarling (TX 5th). This bill, a House perennial, would sacrifice military retired pay and VA benefits to reduce the budget deficit, yet would spare civil service retired pay (for which members of congress and their staff personnel are eligible) and social security from such cuts. Now, you tell me who our friends are! Beware, fellow retirees. -- Warm regards, Winchell M. Craig, Jr. Colonel (Retired) U.S. Marine Corps I agree wholeheartedly and although a registered republican I will not vote for any republican for any national office until they are all out of office or quit their leading us with their lying promises. Charles Owen I agree with every word of this assessment - Rep Gibbons, with his DL background, has never given Age 60 and PPF the time of day - veterans same-o - TFL and pharmacy benefit are 2 exceptions that astonish me - press on - strike, lightning ... Storrs Warinner Col AF 54-80, Las Vegas 702 256 1062 Harry, I completely agree with you about the Republicans in Congress and the Administration. I have been preaching the same thing to anyone who will listen since before the election, but no one would listen. At least now I am having more positive responses as more and more people realize what we have gotten ourselves into. Hopefully, we can get someone in the House to step forward, but all my letters seem to fall on deaf ears. As always, it seems as though the retired community will wait for someone else to do the work for them. The active duty people don't seem to think what we are going through will ever affect them so we can't count on their help and veterans just don't seem to care one way or the other. Civilians are too busy to pay any attention to our letters to the editors so I really don't know where to go from here. No one has stepped up to do anything at Classact and Floyd Sears got caught in the hurricane and is out of commission so no one is doing anything to even try to keep things going .If you have any suggestions where I can do any more than I have been doing, I would be more than happy to hear them. Wish you were back at the helm so we had some kind of leader.. Thanks for all that you have done and are still trying to do. Paul Barrett What a shame.......Millions of tax dollars earmarked to revive an area that is below sea level, but not one "BRAVE" Republican with the courage to insist that a bill to restore the promised free medical care for we retired veterans be introduced in one of the four committees........ Charles Bunner After reading the several comments on Harry Riley's article on Congress and their non support of HR 602, I wonder if maybe my mind is being patriotic but my plan of action is not appropriate for this great Republic we call the United States of America. The Democrat's screwed over the American People, including Veterans when they were in power for forty years, up to 1994, and since, the Republicans have done even more damage to us and our Constitution. I can't believe anyone would want to do anything but cause them to Reform or get out of our lives. We do have an alternative. Fifteen States have become Certified Veterans Party of America States since August 2003, and with a little effort on the part of more People, we can become a force to be reckoned with. We are not a Party of just Veterans, every American Citizen of voting age can join us with full rights. As I see it, we either form and take back our Country or turn it over completely to the Socialists on one hand or the Fascist on the other. In other words, lose our freedoms. Bob Thompson robert0931@comcast.net www.veteransparty.us Mr. President, If the treatment we have received as members of the armed forces retired after 20 or more years of service, is the way you keep your promise to our retired members you should be ashamed to call your selves Americans representing men and woman of the armed forces. We kept our promise to the USA. Why can't you right the wrong that was done to us. Retired MGYSGT. James Lacefield Denver, Colorado We all know how disgusting this matter is. The co-sponsoring never meant anything from the beginning. It was nothing more than "mouth service". Harry is right when he states that he believes it would be no different with a Democratic majority. Too many people forget that most of the gutting of our military and the downsizing and base closures occurred during the Clinton administration. We have been gradually losing our access to military medicine for a long time, but it really disappeared during the Clinton administration, so any of you who think that simply voting the Republicans out will solve the problem, is being naive. I am a conservative; therefore Republican; and I strongly support the war effort, but I am totally disgusted with the fact that this administration has done nothing to restore our "EARNED' right to cost FREE medical care ( and those who have TFL, and pay part b Medicare are not receiving cost FREE medical care). Part B will be almost $ 90. a month starting the first of next year....that's over a thousand dollars a year even if a member NEVER visits a Doctor. Long before I ever entered the military, and all during my 26 years in the USAF Medical Service, and for a few years after I retired, all a retired member needed to do was present a military ID card to "ANY" Military Medical Facility, and they were insured of receiving care, with no further questions. Anything less than that is denying a "promised, earned, entitlement". Sincerely, George A. White Capt USAF-Ret (Medical Service) I concur completely that Republicans are against Military Retirees and when they agree with our positions they only say what we want to hear and then forget it. If things go the way they are going they will have two less votes at next election from this family, no change that to four less votes since one of my sons and wife also will follow my voting. Chief Braga, USAF (Ret.) Have voted Republican to many years ago to count and heretofore felt it was the wise choice.The present administration have done so many stupid things, made so many promises and have failed to many times...I will not vote this ticket in 06. I think this is our only recourse John and Mary Mr. President, During your campaign for election, and after you were sworn in you made promises to the retired military veterans of this country that we would be taken care, that we would received the health care that we have been promised all these years. Well Mr. President, you have talked the talk but you sure as hell haven't walked the walk. If anything you have put countless others into the same predicament with the under funding of VA health care, the stone walling of H602 and S407..the "Keep The Promise" legislation. Mr. President, just when are you going to "get around" to doing something about these pieces of legislation that have languished for many months now? When Mr. President are you going to get the testicular matter to TELL congress this is what you want, that this is something that is very important to you. If you don't then the millions of veterans and retired military veterans will know that all your "TALK" was just that 'TALK" and had no substance to it. In short Mr. President, you deliberately lied to us. You never had any intention of keeping your word. Should there be no action on these bills again this year, rest assured Mr. President that EVERY republican in office who is up for re-election best be aware that the millions of veterans will take out their frustrations at the ballot boxes come 2006. This is not a threat Mr. President, this is a promise. While you're at it Mr. President, when are you going to kick some back sides of the leadership in both houses and get the NDAA moving again. It too has been stonewalled since last June. Allan Pilger, USN Retired 6140 Regent Park Rd Catonsville, MD 21228 apilger@comcast.net Mr. President, It seems apparent that the Republican leadership in Congress is stalling and preventing the consideration of HR 602, the Restoration of Military Health Care promised to us when we enlisted to serve our country. All the meaningless crap you handed out during your run for reelection regarding your support of our military and veterans, was just that, CRAP! It is obvious that your administration is willing to sacrifice the Veterans who have served this country loyalty and faithfully, to promote some other politically motivated program, rather then keep the promises made to us years ago, even though we have faithfully kept our part of the bargain. I've said it many times, and I'll say it again, " POLITICIANS AND A SORRY GROUP WITH LITTLE, IF ANY HONESTY. You don't known what the word means. Lets just go ahead and fund some more Foreign Aid to countries who hate our guts and sponsor terrorists attacks against us. To HELL with the Veterans. Your actions are certainly building a core of dedicated workers who will do their utmost to ensure the Republican Parties tour in power ends with your term. You stab us in the back, we will not forget it. Le Roy B Hebbard, Jr. Capt. USN (ret). (28 years USN) Harry: You know my feelings on this subject. As you know I am an elected Officer in several Military and Veterans Organizations and speak often on the need for Reform in both the Democratic and Republican Parties. Neither Party even remotely resembles their former selves and are completely infested with career politicians who owe their allegiance to special interest groups and the Worlds Elite who will, if not stopped create a One World Order of Dictators. The reason they give tax breaks to the wealthy and cut benefits to Veterans and Seniors, is to provide Pork Barrel Funds to their benefactors who paid for their seats in Government. Veterans of the Nation who still honor their Oath, to protect this great Nation from all enemy's, both foreign domestic, are rapidly forming the Veterans Party of America, that is now Certified in 15 States, all since August 2003 when we first announced in Florida. We will keep working until all 50 States are Certified and we are strong enough to stop and cause the Republicans and Democrats to either Reform their Parties, who are out of control, or take a back seat the Peoples Party, the Veterans Party of America. Every true American Citizen, over the age of 18 can join our party, hold office in the Party and be a Candidate for every elected Office in the Land. We are the leaders of a peaceful Army of the People who demand the return of our Government to the People and that all Politicians must again abide with the Rule of Law established by our Constitution or get out of politics. Everyone must keep in mind that our Forefathers warned us this could happen and to be prepared to take what ever action is necessary to save this, the greatest experiment ever created. We have been free for 229 years and our freedom is worth fighting for. NOTHING MORE OR NOTHING LESS IS ACCEPTABLE. WE ARE THE PEOPLE AND WE DEMAND JUSTICE FOR ALL, NOT TO BE CONTROLLED BY LAWYERS, CORPORATE MONEY GRUBBERS, DRAFT DODGERS, AND NON-PATRIOTS, WHO OWE THEIR ALLEGIANCE TO THE ELITE WHO WOULD RULE THE WORLD. AMERICA IS GREAT, AMERICA IS GOOD. GOD GAVE US THIS NATION BY HIS GRACE AND IT IS UP TO US TO EITHER DELIVER IT TO THE DICTATORS OF THE WORLD OR JEALOUSLY GUARD AND KEEP IT FOR THE PEOPLE. WE ARE NOT A DEMOCRACY, OUR WISE FOUNDERS CREATED A REPUBLIC AS IN, "I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG, OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION, UNDER GOD (added), WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL". WE EITHER CLAIM THOSE RIGHTS FOR OUR PEOPLE OR DELIVER THEM TO THOSE WHO ARE NOW DESTROYING US. YOUR CHOICE. TIME IS RUNNING OUT, ACT NOW. Bob Thompson Panama City, Florida WWW.VETERANSPARTY.US Well....I think the next step is for every military retiree to write their members of Congress that "all military retirees are now telling any and all young men and women not....repeat...NOT TO JOIN THE SERVICE BECAUSE OUR GOVERNMENT WILL LIE TO YOU AND NOT KEEP THEIR PROMISES MADE TO THEM. If military recruiters are allowed to go to our high schools then military retiree should be able to go into the high schools and tell the young people that our government can not be trusted to keep their promises made to them so they will join the service. Tom Gould (thomas.gould321@comcast.net) Colonel Harry Riley, Colonel USA (Retired) writes: I have added my comments in "RED" Paul (Alamogordo). Subject: HR 602, Keep Our Promise To America's Military Retirees Act - Is it Dead? Have we finally accepted that Republicans in Congress are purposefully opposing HR 602, Keep Our Promise Bill? Will we allow them to do it with impunity? [For the past several years, the former career military veteran (retiree's), have made several attempts through cooperating representatives in the minority party in the House (discharge petition) to draw the legislation out of committee for a full up or down vote. It takes if my memory serves me right 218 petitioners to draw legislation out of committee. Unfortunately, the majority party (which includes New Mexico District Representative #2 Steve Pearce and New Mexico District Representative #1 Heather Wilson), refused to support the retired military community with their [No Votes]; and HR 602 still remains in limbo in Committee where it will most like stay. Right now there are 158 Democrats, 68 Republicans, and one independent (227 total) cosponsoring the Keep Our Promise Bill... well over half the US House of Representatives indicate they support the restoration of earned military retiree medical care. (To read the Keep Our Promise Bill go to www.classact-lawsuit.com ). My own opinion is that most of those Republicans that have cosponsored HR 602 are simply protecting their own back-sides. How many Republican cosponsors do you believe have petitioned the Republican leadership to vote the Bill out of committee and bring it to the House floor for a vote? I suggest the number is "zero"... [To be factual, only one Republican stepped forwrd to no avail]. So far as I know there has not been a single hearing from any of the four committees responsible to consider the Bill...and my gut instinct is that they have no intention of doing anything with the legislation. [It is common knowledge around the Hill that Speaker Hastert, R-Illinois, has sent word that the legislation not be reported out of committee for an up or down vote. It is apparent that no Republication Representative has the guts to say "NO" to the Speaker. Congress plays the military veteran/retiree community to their advantage.....when they need us we get attention, when their "pork" is involved we're ignored...it's nothing short of betrayal. It is clear the majority of our cosponsors are democrats...token republicans are cosponsoring the Bill as a "political protection" measure but take no action to push the Bill....the republican leadership is responsible for bringing the issue to the floor and our Republican cosponsors do nothing...make no mistake, I view the same condition if Democrats were the majority in Congress. [I can't agree with Colonel Riley regarding the statement "I view the same condition if Democrats were the majority in Congress". Democrat's are in the minority now and if they expect to gain control in either the House or Senate, they are going to have to have alot of folks make a turn around on how they vote. Former career military