Well I woke up to a mess. Calls pouring in from veterans on how this firing of Shinseki is not going to help. They are angry at the regional level of VA operations and privatizing is NOT the answer. Oversight from congressional leaders and those oh so concerned I support the troop republicans who were notified years ago are the problem.. One of many.
The no bid contracts and no contracts in Gainesville has proven chaotic !!! Who do we see about that ?????? Not Shinseki. These regional managers at local areas have lied, farmed out and covered up their shenanigans for bonuses. How was one man to know all of this. Hundreds of thousands of vets returning and local VA's IMO said, " Let's look like we have funding for staff and treatment and no one will know". Threats to whistle blowers were made !!!! At Regional levels. Congress....Listen up... The general gave orders and expected them to be carried out.. They weren't and the private hospitals they were sent to were worse than VA healthcare by a long shot.
We the people who truly care for our veterans need to demand accountability from those who are finger pointing to privatize. It is just another way to make the ACA look bad and being politicized while veterans are paying the price for their politics.
I gave the folks complaining a list of to do and I will post it here.
1. Document and present documentation to the Inspector General
2. Write your story and send it to the Media
3. Express your concerns to your congressional representation and demand an investigation at all of these places of bonus receipents.
4. Tell the stories of what happened under private care when the VA was underfunded and understaffed.. THE ABUSE received in those private hospitals.
The bottom line........Obviously the problem was not Shinseki. Something many of us have been saying.. Now the vets want a government VA with oversight but not from Corporate America. The phone has rang 9 times on VA issues and it is just past noon.
Here is a sample ..I was told to use for an example here.
Keep in mind, this is the very first time I had ever heard of this veteran was this morning and my phone was ringing. I have sent some of this to the media. I am posting things here.
Amanda,
I just finished watching the video "Death and Dishonor: Crisis at the VA" It not only makes me physically ill, it angers me to the point of shaking.
XXXXXXXXX is the woman I spoke to you about this morning regarding special mode transportation and the time it takes them to transport her from Ocala to Gainesville, and also who has had numerous problems with being illegally Baker Acted at 5E at MRMC and the Vines. She is more than willing to speak out publically about what she has gone through. She said to give you her phone number: (352) XXXXXXXXXX She is more than willing to speak with you. When she was put in the Vines, she too was refused her medications and she has got a severe heart valve problem.
I am writing everything up for you regarding our situation and will get it to you as soon as humanly possible..
I personally can only advise...
I do this because I care.. I don' get bonuses. I don't even get paid. Everyone who cares for vets should actually try to help because THEY CARE.
Ahhh the Vines.......yes... Private owned hospital I have griped and screamed about forever. A Place where vets die and get abused as well as children ...IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR
This NFSG VA Medical Center has the largest intake of veterans in the country.
They by Shinseki were put under investigation. Then suddenly all the calls for resingation begin...
I could make my own thoughts on that timing !!!!! 3 were suspended in management at that facility. This facility has huge problems and been known to privatize many things which make things much worse. Give the VA ..VA healthcare...properly funded and staffed, forget the private nonsense, I have seen how that works, and congressman and women, take responsibility for wars created and lack of oversight on your own watch !!!
The scapegoat has fallen on his sword, the problems continue and you want to make it worse.