Do you ever wonder where veteran issues stand in the presidential race? Throughout election season we have heard discussion on a variety of topics from both major party presidential candidates. Unfortunately, it seems the majority of talk is about improper or unethical behavior, that quickly devolves into name-calling more befitting of reality television than of serious debate on our nation’s most pressing issues. What is even more distressing is that, according to news reports[1], veterans issues were virtually ignored during the presidential debates.
Over the course of three presidential debates, the major
candidates only mentioned veterans twice.
You read that right. Except for a
couple of random endorsement announcements, there was no substantial discussion
of how the next Commander-In-Chief will address issues of importance to
veterans like:
- · How to correct the health care crisis at the Veterans Administration.
- · Show veterans they are valued through more and better job opportunities, not just entry-level positions.
- · Improve transition programs to successfully move warriors into the civilian sector. Too many veterans use their GI Bill benefits for costly programs like the now closed ITT Technical Institute that delivered too little real value.
- · And more….
The candidates appear to have missed a real opportunity here. An easy one to point out is to consider, for
a moment, that the military is one of the most diverse institutions in our
nation. And, then, also consider both
campaigns have focused on either dividing (Trump) or uniting (Clinton) racial
and ethnic groups. The veteran community
could have easily been held up, by both campaigns, as a standard by which to evaluate
issues of concern to every civilian population group.
It also raises another important issue: Where is the leadership? Who’s leading the charge to ensure veteran
issues get a fair hearing in the public debate — and in the next president’s
policies. There’s a real need for people willing to stand up for veterans and
advocate for our causes before Congress and the White House. We have a myriad of organizations that focus
on veteran issues. However, who is seen as the leader of veteran interests?
To whom does the media national leadership
turn for guidance on veteran issues? Maybe that’s the next question that needs to be
addressed…who’s going to be that leader who advocates for our concerns at the
highest levels of national media and with our elected leaders?
Right now, there appears to be a job available.
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