Veterans Affairs scandal investigated
The VA has been caught with its pants down. VA medical centers all across the country are under investigation for a scandal that should not have happened. Forty-plus veterans died while waiting up to 21 months to be seen by specialist doctors for various life-threatening illnesses at the VAMC Phoenix, Arizona. More deaths are also reported at other VAMCs nationwide. This is blatant mismanagement, if not criminal, under the supposedly watchful eye of VA Secretary Eric Shinseki.
Military veterans organizations are calling for the secretary to be fired and prosecuted for mismanagement, and to answer for these untimely deaths.
Likewise, undersecretary for benefits, Allison Hickey, should resign or be immediately fired. The Inspector General of the United States has been directed to conduct an investigation into the allegations brought upon the VA.
Paul E. Travis, MSgt, USAF, retired, veterans advocate said, “It’s time that all veterans unite to stop the mismanagement atrocity known as Veterans Affairs from further harming veterans.” Mr. Travis is well known amongst the veteran population.
John Paul Rossie, executive director of the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Association, speaks out to Congress to conduct a congressional investigation citing the VA scandal.
Veterans are treated like a piece of meat. Often, they are handed narcotics for pain and antidepressants to calm them down, then shoved out the door. Medically, this sort of action solves nothing. Is this proper care for our veterans at VA hospitals? I think not.
The American people should demand Congress to step in and stop the atrocities that take place at VA medical centers. Demand our veterans be properly cared for. They gave their all for our country, we now need to give our all to them.
John J. Bury
Media
Thanks Comcast, for yanking Phillies games
I want to thank both Comcast and the Phillies for yanking the Sunday games off of Channel 17 this season.
About 30 games have been pulled, and will now only be available on cable. Channel 10 gets about a dozen games this year, and that’s it.
Many people, especially senior citizens, find the ever-spiraling cable prices a luxury item when it costs $3 for an apple and $60 to fill up your gas tank. And Phillies tickets now average about $80 a pair.
You really have to wonder how far greed has to go before the golden goose is cooked — bet we’ll see a lot of empty seats at Citizens Bank Park this summer.
So thank you Phillies and Comcast, for freeing up my Sundays for a good book or a nice walk.
Well, the Eagles season isn’t so far away. That’s one bird they still serve for free.
Richard Iaconelli
Rhawnhurst
Northeast loses a leader
Northeast Philadelphia lost a legend on April 27.
Mike Prendergast, who was for all intents and purposes the heart and soul of the Cardinal Dougherty alumni community, lost his battle with melanoma.
Mike’s life and career benefited young men and women, including both of us, immeasurably. Mike spearheaded fundraising and alumni activities at our alma mater for decades.
He dedicated himself to keep Cardinal Dougherty a great place for city kids to get a quality education. Both of us are extremely appreciative of the opportunity and skills this fine school afforded us.
Northeast Philadelphia remains a great place to work and live because of the people who call it home.
There was no better native son than Mike Prendergast.
State Rep. Brendan Boyle (class of 1995)
State Rep. Kevin Boyle (class of 1998)
