Kennedy, Cleland: ’stop messing with vets’ jobs.’
As Americans observe Veterans Day today, Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and former senator Max Cleland note that the federal government has failed in its responsibility to help troops return to civilian life when they come home from battle:
It’s a disgrace that tens of thousands of National Guard troops and Reservists return home and find they’ve been laid off, demoted, or denied salary and benefit increases they should have received. It’s wrong for employers to turn their backs on those who risk their lives for our country. […]
Today, however, the federal government is failing in this responsibility. It’s not even adequately informing returning service members about their rights, and it’s not protecting them when their rights are violated. A study by the Government Accountability Office this year found that when the Department of Labor decided to refer federal cases for litigation, it took an average of 247 days. […]
“Support Our Troops” is more than just a slogan. Americans as individuals and as a nation must guarantee that our brave service men and women can resume their lives as much as possible when they return from battle. We hope this hearing will be a turning point for Congress, the President, and the nation in living up to their responsibility.
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63 Responses to “Kennedy, Cleland: ’stop messing with vets’ jobs.’”
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When I was a manager, that was illegal. Has the law changed?
November 12th, 2007 at 11:21 amEh, just shut up about jobs and medical care and financial assistance and mental health and all that expensive crap — and buy a new “Support the Troops” magnet!!!
/sarc off
November 12th, 2007 at 11:21 amWaltTheMan sez:
It’s still illegal, Walt…I can only imagine they’re getting away with it because vets are not fully appraised of their rights.
November 12th, 2007 at 11:23 amShades of Nam. What a frikkin disgrace.
November 12th, 2007 at 11:24 amIn my book, it is immoral as well. And then there is the matter of the self-employed losing a business.
November 12th, 2007 at 11:26 am“We hope this hearing will be a turning point for Congress, the President, and the nation in living up to their responsibility.”
Fat chance.
November 12th, 2007 at 11:41 am“It’s still illegal, Walt…I can only imagine they’re getting away with it because vets are not fully appraised of their rights.”
Laws are only as good as enforcement. If there’s no will to enforce…
November 12th, 2007 at 11:43 amAnd this how the Draft dodger-in-chief and five deferrment Veep treat the vets. Both nimrods’ slogan to the American people: Support the troops or you are Un-American. Both panhandles to Congress for more money for the troops yet treat the troops and vets with disrespect and like second class citizens. Veterans Day is the day to honor the vets and troops dead and alive of their sacrifice to this country. And this lack of military experience Administration just showed their disrepect for our brave soldiers’ and vets’ duty to this country.
November 12th, 2007 at 11:46 amThis crap is really happening. My son, who is is in the Guard, came back from his 2nd tour to find his employer had “eliminated” his position. So he is now having to job hunt now.
November 12th, 2007 at 11:47 amPolitics aside, this must be said…
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS SERVED THEIR COUNTRY!
November 12th, 2007 at 11:49 amand who would be the secretary of labor… why it’s none other than mrs mitch mcconnell — elaine chao.
November 12th, 2007 at 11:50 amWayne,
We just had a National Guard unit here in MN denied full benefits because they served 729 days, not the 730 needed to qualify for full benefits via active duty status.
Mistake? I think not.
These brave young men & women put their lives on the line for one day short of 2 years, & this is the thank you they get in return.
November 12th, 2007 at 11:52 amWalt, hiring illegal immigrants is illegal too. How many employers have been arrested or fined?
November 12th, 2007 at 11:53 amExcellent NPR piece on this topic aired this morning on Morning Edition.
Attitudes, PTSD Complicate Iraq Vet’s Job Search
by Joseph Shapiro
http://www.npr.org/ templates/ story/ story.php?storyId=16175287
November 12th, 2007 at 11:54 amOf course this administration is not helping the veterans. They want to get rid of the government’s army and replace it with a private army to protect corporations. This is part of the revolution against the American people–make it seem that it’s the American people’s fault by not volunteering.
November 12th, 2007 at 11:56 am“Support Our Troops†is more than just a slogan. - - I’ll say, it’s also a magnetic ribbon on a gas-guzzler SUV.
November 12th, 2007 at 11:58 amAlternet has an article about vetrans against the war being denied the oportunety to march last Saturday in the Long Beach parade…..Vet’s in generla don’t count with this administration except to be used up in bull shit bush’s war or as a back drop photo opp to raise more money for their war machine companies and private armies like Blackwater…Time to flush all this evil….Blessings
November 12th, 2007 at 11:58 amWhen you see veterans standing on street corners with signs begging for work or food, you know this country has gone to shit.
November 12th, 2007 at 11:59 amThis is shameful. Bushco makes a lot of lip service for supporting the troops, but once the cameras stop rolling, servicemen and women can just go to h*ll.
Hopefully Kennedy and Cleland will shine the spotlight on this issue enough that 1) Americans will get enraged enough that something is done, 2) employers will be reminded that this is illegal AND they will eventually be held accountable, 3) the DoL will start greasing the tracks for quicker processing of complaints, and 4) that veterans will realize they have rights.
Happy Veterans Day to all veterans, and for everyone who has had a loved one killed, missing, or wounded in action in service to our country.
November 12th, 2007 at 12:00 pmWhile Veterns represent 11% of total adult population,they represent one in every four of homeless.
If ‘Support Our Troops’ is indeed sincere and not just a slogan,then why are we having that many thousands of Veterans still ‘homeless’.
What did these people who use this slogan daily’Support Our Troops’…do to help ‘homeless Veterns”..?!!
November 12th, 2007 at 12:02 pmWalt, hiring illegal immigrants is illegal too. How many employers have been arrested or fined?
Comment by Wayne — November 12, 2007 @ 11:53 am
The current administration listens to corporate America and nobody else. As long as employers enjoy hiring and firing as they like, expect nothing to be done about either illegal immigration or reservists losing their jobs.
It will take America getting enraged and motivated to action before anything is done. I am hopeful we will see a lot of enraged and motivated Americans on Election Day 2008.
November 12th, 2007 at 12:05 pmZimzone sez:
Zimzone, that’s the same tactic many employers use when they employ people for only 39 hours a week - because if they break 40, they would be entitled to health benefits.
It’s one thing to see a fast-food establishment perpetrating this sort of shenanigans…it’s another thing entirely to see our nation flimflamming our young soldiers in such a disgraceful fashion.
November 12th, 2007 at 12:05 pmI stood at our town’s Veteran’s day ceremony yesterday. The town’s population is over 18,000. No more than 65 people were at the ceremony. Veterans are swept under the rug. They are the dirty secret that’s never discussed.
I took solice in looking into my daughter’s eyes and seeing how much see values these brave veterans.
To all who served I give thanks. They have given up their freedoms so others may keep theirs. A sacrifice that isn’t fully understood until it’s given.
November 12th, 2007 at 12:07 pmSpeaking of magnetic ribbons:
“Stick Magnetic Ribbons On Your SUV”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmsOIjzQ1V8
November 12th, 2007 at 12:09 pmWe just had a National Guard unit here in MN denied full benefits because they served 729 days, not the 730 needed to qualify for full benefits via active duty status.
Mistake? I think not.
These brave young men & women put their lives on the line for one day short of 2 years, & this is the thank you they get in return.
Comment by Zimzone — November 12, 2007 @ 11:52 am
This is similar to a tactic also being employed by the VA - they are tweaking the disability ratings to lower or even eliminate benefits for injured soldiers returning home…
I find that morally reprehensible.
November 12th, 2007 at 12:13 pmTo all who served I give thanks. They have given up their freedoms so others may keep theirs. A sacrifice that isn’t fully understood until it’s given. -Comment by hellinabucket
Well said. I remember hearing my Dad talk about 4 yrs. in New Guinea during WWII. He had earned the Bronze Star & 2 Purple Hearts. I was proud of him as a warrior, but I didn’t ‘get’ the part about standing up & serving your Country.
Well, along came Viet Nam. Even though it wasn’t ‘popular’, like WWII, I quickly learned & understood the pride associated with serving one’s Country.
November 12th, 2007 at 12:18 pmWhat’s the big deal with “supporting the troops”? These are not stupid people (well, maybe some are). They’ve enlisted through their own choice, and have made a bargain. They have gained from it - experience, thrill, a college education, etc. What more do the “troops” want? Stop whining and get on with your life. Oh, and Kennedy knows a lot about what troops want. Huh.
November 12th, 2007 at 12:21 pmAlso, thank you, Lt. Ehren Watada, a TRUE PATRIOT who DID serve his tour, and now stands as the symbol of resistance to the AWOL Bush.
http://www.google.com/ search?hl=en&q=ehren+watada&btnG=Google+Search
Sincerely,
NRA Gun Nutes
November 12th, 2007 at 12:22 pmHits, you don’t deserve any more attention and won’t get any more from me than this. There is absolutely nothing greater than serving your country. You haven’t the slightest understanding of this and think they are whiners. Nothing could be farther from the truth. It’s the veterans that have been let down by this country for not holding them to the highest regard in which they so richly deserve. Defense of this country is something you don’t hold an infant’s understanding. No debating you in this. You have proven your stupidity time and time again.
This country owes all veterans so much more than what we have given them.
Hits, you disgust me. It’s pukes like you that are allowed to continue to have a myopic view because of the veterans.
Sacrifice is something you have yet to understand. Freedom is something you abuse.
You are dismissed.
November 12th, 2007 at 12:32 pmI was wondering what was taking some idiot like shits so long to show up and spout something stupid. Not long enough apparently. Hey shits it’s your side that always accuses Democrats for not supporting the troops. To Republicans supporting them means you tell them to go fight and then forget they exist if they get back. There’s a special place in Hell reserved for your type.
November 12th, 2007 at 12:33 pmWhat more do they want?
Well, for starters, the US government keeping up THEIR end of the bargain…jobs, education, and adequate healthcare when they get back…not having to worry about their families losing their home while they’re dodging bullets and IEDs…
Oh, and adequate body armor couldn’t hurt.
November 12th, 2007 at 12:33 pmWhat more do the “troops†want? Stop whining and get on with your life. -shits
-Maybe it was the Morphine they put me on during my surgeries that started my dependency, I’m not sure.
-Maybe it was because everyone else was drinking everytime we had a weekend off.
-Maybe it was the fact my Wife divorced me while I was over there that got me into Heroin.
-Maybe it was the blast concussion scrambling my brain that makes me quit caring about the things I used to care about.
-Maybe it was the sight of most of the kid’s brains all over the ground that won’t allow me to sleep until I’m totally inebriated.
-Maybe it I started using when I realized I’m just a number, & they don’t care if I live or die.
Hits, this list could be read & understood by any soldier. Bear in mind that few soldiers join to become homeless; they become homeless because they served!
November 12th, 2007 at 12:34 pmThe veterans don’t whine and they don’t complain and that’s why it’s so easy for the administration to abandon them. That’s why it’s the responsibility of all those who haven’t served to make sure these noble people are treated fairly for their sacrifice. Of course for peabrained, self-centered Republicans the only thing that matters is how if affects them and thats how you get somebody saying something as stupid as shits just said. What a tool.
November 12th, 2007 at 12:36 pmhellinabucket,
Your finger pointing, spit flying post doesn’t disguise the fact that you haven’t offered an iota of intelligence to dispute the point I make. “The country owes its veterans” - now do you even understand what that means?
Hits
November 12th, 2007 at 12:38 pmShayne,
You make too many assumptions that ultimately render your post irrelevant.
Hits
November 12th, 2007 at 12:39 pmKestrelBrighteyes,
If the US Govt. promised something specific to the troops and didn’t keep its end of the “bargain’, the troops have every right to pursue the legal course of action to get it back. Nothing more, mind you.
Hits
November 12th, 2007 at 12:40 pmZimzone,
Everything you articulate is possible. Your point is?
Hits
November 12th, 2007 at 12:41 pmShayne,
If the veterens don’t whine and complain, then there’s nothing to talk about, is there? They seem content, and if so, what are you concerned about?
Hits
November 12th, 2007 at 12:43 pmZimzone, Everything you articulate is possible. Your point is? -Hits
Just the fact you have to ask proves my point.
November 12th, 2007 at 12:44 pmZimzone,
You have not made a point. Maybe you don’t have one?
Hits
November 12th, 2007 at 12:49 pmHits - do you have a job…?
November 12th, 2007 at 1:03 pmObviously, you have no life.
November 12th, 2007 at 1:03 pmrespect. They are owed respect. They are deserving of the highest standards of healthcare. They deserve to be looked after, not thrown to the streets, not to loose their jobs after serving.
They are not whining, they are asking for what had been promised but not fufilled.
November 12th, 2007 at 1:03 pmOh, and Kennedy knows a lot about what troops want. Huh.
Comment by hits — November 12, 2007 @ 12:21 pm
U.S. Army - 1951-53.
suck it, hits.
November 12th, 2007 at 1:13 pm“Your finger pointing, spit flying post doesn’t disguise the fact that you haven’t offered an iota of intelligence to dispute the point I make.”
Which was what? That being a soldier is its own reward?
OK, so when are you enlisting?
November 12th, 2007 at 1:17 pm1 in 4 homeless are American Veterans.
Now buy your bumper sticker, attach it to your car and say that you support the troops.
Please say it 4 times with me:
1 in 4 homeless are American Veterans.
1 in 4 homeless are American Veterans.
1 in 4 homeless are American Veterans.
1 in 4 homeless are American Veterans.
November 12th, 2007 at 1:32 pmWhat’s the big deal with “supporting the troops� These are not stupid people (well, maybe some are). They’ve enlisted through their own choice, and have made a bargain. They have gained from it - experience, thrill, a college education, etc. What more do the “troops†want? Stop whining and get on with your life. Oh, and Kennedy knows a lot about what troops want. Huh.
Comment by hits — November 12, 2007 @ 12:21 pm
Your ignorance is astounding. Do you get out of your basement much? Let me dispell a few of your myths:
1) Do you truly think it’s right to tell a serviceman who gets a leg blown off that it’s his fault for signing up? I suppose you also think that a high-rise window washer whose safety harness breaks deserves his fall to the ground, because in the immortal words of Superchicken, “you knew the job was dangerous when you took it!” If you advocate that America treat its military in this manner, then we deserve what we get when nobody volunteers.
2) Thrill? THRILL??? Do you think military service is thrilling? Let me tell you — military service is NOT like it appears in the Sgt. Rock comic books. The “thrill” novelty quickly wears off when you see your buddies getting blown up and dismembered.
3) It’s true that the G.I. Bill helps many veterans pay for college tuition they otherwise might not be able to afford. But it’s not a guarantee of college — it doesn’t cover all tuition costs in most cases, and the serviceman has to accept a pay reduction to even qualify.
At least you aren’t being too hypocritical — not only do you not support the troops, you don’t even pretend to.
November 12th, 2007 at 1:33 pm1 in 4 homeless are American Veterans.
1 in 4 homeless are American Veterans.
1 in 4 homeless are American Veterans.
1 in 4 homeless are American Veterans.
Oh wait apparently it is ok, because as they joined they apparently made a bargain to be cheated out of their benefits, cheated out of their healthcare rights, cheated out of their status as heroes.
Oh I understand it now. The kindler, gentler America.
Hey veterans - go f**k yourselves!
America, love it or leave it!
Great attitude no?
November 12th, 2007 at 1:42 pmI recall during Viet Nam, while serving in the Air Force, there was a program that gave members an opportunity to internship at a civilian job in their last six or twelve months of service. All those PMC’s doing business with the Pentagon, and all those business that surround military bases should be asked to participate. The military could continue to pay the enlisted troop, while the civilian company gives training under an internship.
November 12th, 2007 at 1:50 pmPosters like “Hits” really doesn’t have a position except to gain attention with off the wall ridiculous statements. Obviously knows NOTHING about the military.
I would love to say how come you don’t join up but it would be a detriment to have the likes of him backing up a real soldier.
November 12th, 2007 at 1:53 pmShayne,
If the veterens don’t whine and complain, then there’s nothing to talk about, is there? They seem content, and if so, what are you concerned about?
Hits
Comment by hits — November 12, 2007 @ 12:43 pm
So if that little boy you molested doesn’t talk about it, then there’s nothing to talk about? BAHAHAHA, you ‘abusive-child’ republicans and your ‘enabling’ is so classic! Get some therapy, you sick, disgusting POS!
The LAW REQUIRES the protection of the Veterans. They shouldn’t HAVE to complain you unamerican little filthy pervert!
November 12th, 2007 at 1:53 pmKestrelBrighteyes,
If the US Govt. promised something specific to the troops and didn’t keep its end of the “bargain’, the troops have every right to pursue the legal course of action to get it back. Nothing more, mind you.
Hits
Comment by hits — November 12, 2007 @ 12:40 pm
You’re actually retarded enough to say that these veterans should have to SUE to receive what it’s the OBLIGATION UNDER LAW for the government to provide? BAHAHAHA, with what, MONOPOLY MONEY? We’re talking about a working person’s job, with a work person’s salary, and they aren’t receiving that, and they have to find the vast sums of money to sue the US government to enforce the law?
YOU ARE AN IDIOT michael!
November 12th, 2007 at 1:56 pmThe saddest of all is the National Guard returning to a home that is being foreclosed on, a job that legally was supposed to be kept and was abolished. AND IF YOU ARE IN THE GUARD good luck trying to get hired when the employer knows you could get recalled any moment. Right, this administration has really appreciated our veterans right into the poor house.
November 12th, 2007 at 1:56 pmBushCo support our troops?!? HA! Chickenhawks! Name one thing BushCo has done to support the troops. I just wish the military would quit voting for the party that abandoned them long ago.
November 12th, 2007 at 1:57 pmHomeless and out of a job - not to mention maimed and psychologically damaged. So what else is new in Bush’s “reign of terror”?? This is Vietnam all over again.
November 12th, 2007 at 1:57 pmConnect the dots on elements of this story…
The Department of Labor no longer recognizes it’s mission to protect workers… of any classification. This department, like so many others has been turned completely on it’s head under this Secretary of Labor, ELAINE CHAO. Secretary Chao is Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s wife and the longest serving member of Bush’s original Cabinet. Chao has gutted the enforcement division at Labor just like AG Gonzo turned over the Civil Rights division at Justice.
November 12th, 2007 at 2:08 pmThe saddest of all is the National Guard returning to a home that is being foreclosed on, a job that legally was supposed to be kept and was abolished.
Comment by texaslady — November 12, 2007 @ 1:56 pm
And don’t forget — for some of them, their right to vote has been revoked as a result of voter caging. Thanks, Bushco!
November 12th, 2007 at 2:13 pmMy sister in law was due to get out of the Army after serving in Iraq on an honorable discharge. A week before she was to get her papers, the Army told her that her discharge was changed to a general discharge citing a verbal argument she had with her NCO 3 years ago. A general discharge severly limits her government benefits and job opportunities after she gets out including getting care for broken vertebraes she sustained after her HUMVEE flipped in an IED attack. We called our Senators and believe it or not, we got immediate responses from both Repub Senators. They both wrote the Pentagon and her discharge has now been changed back to honorable (or so we have been told). Both Senators have stated that they do this often.
I think that this exemplifies the standard that the military is employing to cut benifits post service. This is simply shameful.
November 12th, 2007 at 2:32 pmThe Bush supporters are correct in one area, we don’t have to fear outside terrorism when we have the Bush terrorismn regime in place, he is destroying America and freedom for them….Bin Laden should be sending Bush congratulations every day for doing his job.
Bush does make one believe in the Manchurian Candidate syndrome tho.
November 12th, 2007 at 2:33 pm#59 Good for you to fight it all the way ! We hear about cases every day that have to fight and argue for their benefits. Got to save the money for Iraq you know.
November 12th, 2007 at 2:35 pmHits - do you have a job…?
Comment by Leftside Annie — November 12, 2007 @ 1:03 pm
Of COURSE. A government PSYOPS who is PAID to “muddy the waters” and obfuscate the TRUTH (i.e. the ENEMY of TRAITORS like GW Bush).
Please note the exchange yesterday from “Darryl” (and link):
http://thinkprogress.org/ 2007/ 11/ 11/ black-military-enlistment-drops-under-bush/ #comments
Wayne, I support our nation in a different manner (DoD Contractor). You do not have to be a military service member to support our nation.
Comment by Daryll — November 11, 2007 @ 6:48 pm
and
You will not deter this mission. Jesus’ will shall prevail.
–by DoD PSYOPS Darryl
(look at #33 as PROOF of being a PSYOPS)
MY reply:
Yes, Jesus WILL prevail.
And MURDERERS and LIARS like TRAITORS Bush, Cheney and YOU will BURN FOR ETERNITY…
Praise God and Jesus!
Sincerely,
NRA Gun Nutes
November 12th, 2007 at 3:30 pmhits wins another round. All this moron has to do is jump on a thread like this, spew the most insane crap he can think of and totally derail any & all rational discussion. And every single time he attracts at least a dozen posters who forget anything relevant they have to say in order to try & correct the moron. hits knows that the crap he spews is crap. He’s not reading your responses. His goal is to divert the discussion. He’s winning. You lose by responding. Every time. Every thread he participates on he chalks up a victory.
November 12th, 2007 at 5:18 pmhits wins another round. Comment by Dave C — November 12, 2007 @ 5:18 pm
If you find his posts unacceptable, then click the Report Abuse. If the blog masters see it enough, they’ll do something. You only have yourself to blame if you don’t do this!
November 12th, 2007 at 8:38 pm