Jeff Miller Scott Brown VA Secretary

Next VA Secretary? 84 Percent Veterans Prefer Jeff Miller To Scott Brown

Jeff Miller Scott Brown VA Secretary

One interim survey revealed 84 percent of veterans prefer Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL) over one-term Senator and retired Army Guard JAG Scott Brown (R-MA).

House Committee on Veterans Affairs (HVAC) Chairman Jeff Miller was long believed the favorite for taking over the top job at the Department of Veterans Affairs under President-Elect Donald J. Trump.

On Friday, reports surfaced that former Senator Scott Brown was also being considered for the position. Those were joined by quiet rumors that Mitt Romney is also being considered for the slot, but this seems unlikely given his consideration for Secretary of State.

Sunday, I created an interim survey of veterans on social media to get the conversation started in veteran circles at a grass roots level. My goal was to not only see what veterans think but to also pull our voices into the conversation.

RELATED: About Scott Brown

RELATED: About Jeff Miller

Rather than allow just bureaucrats and DC insiders to push and pull on this vital choice, it makes the most sense to see what veterans think about these two choices. So I wanted to start doing that – – first on social media and then today on the website.

While my assessment is not complete, we can at least discern that veterans likely prefer Miller over Brown in part because most do not know anything about Brown.

[see new poll at bottom of article]

Interim Results Summary

By and large, veterans knew little about Scott Brown while seeming confident that Miller would do a better job given his experience as head of HVAC and strong position against agency corruption. But the feedback was not all roses for Chairman Miller. Some veterans questioned his ability to really get things done and called for an outsider like Allen West.

My Take

VA Secretary Jeff Miller

Personally, I would like to see Jeff Miller get his hands dirty after spending the past six years blasting VA from Congress. He knows the names of the scoundrels and would hopefully put an end to some of the accountability problems within the agency.

He also has a close relationship with the Committee, which I think might increase opportunities for greater deal-making between the Executive Branch and Congress.

Now, I was disappointed by the Committee’s inability to pass legislation that improved on presently lax accountability laws. There is no question more needs to be done, and perhaps within the agency, and Miller could push back against poor union rules that protect bad workers.

But we will need to wait and see if Miller as VA Secretary could successfully navigate those murky waters.

VA Secretary Scott Brown

Brown, on the other hand, is a career Army Guard Judges Advocate (JAG) who spent some time in local politics but did not have a lengthy career at the federal level.

He replaced the last Sen. Ted Kennedy for three years but was unsuccessful at landing a seat when he moved from Massachusetts to New Hampshire in a later Senate bid.

Direct Feedback From Veteran Policy Community

I also reached out to a few policy experts familiar with grass roots issues veterans have been facing for the past few years. These folks have their finger on the pulse of veterans’ sentiment of the majority of veterans who voted for Trump this election cycle.

Chris Neiweem

“Both are strong considerations,” said Iraq war veteran and policy analyst Chris Neiweem. “Of the two proposed candidates, I strongly prefer Jeff Miller based on his proven substantives experience working on veterans issues during his tenure as House VA Committee Chairman.

Neiweem continued, “I have found his engagement to be thorough, passionate, and effective. He is the right candidate to solve the very real problems at VA today.”

Brandon Coleman

Brandon Coleman, a well-known VA whistleblower, had this to say:

“I do like that Scott Brown is talking about using private providers to give mental health treatment because the VA has failed horribly in this area and their failure has resulted in the deaths and suicides of countless untold veterans.

“But I will say Jeff Miller has been a bulldog. He knows how purely evil management at the VA is because they have continued to lie to his face or plead the 5th during his hearings on the subject.

“Whoever President-Elect Trump chooses, I hope he will use outspoken whistleblowers like myself who risked all to continue to tell the truth.”

Veterans Voices On VA Secretary Selection

“I think Scott Brown would be the same old,” said female veteran Christine Totten-Dunn. “Miller would do a better job.”

Another veteran, Sandy Linden, said, “I like Jeff Miller.” He seems to have set a tone for not covering up the dysfunction of the VA.” She continued, “He calls them out for excuses and ongoing poor healthcare and ridiculous benefits system that works against the vet.”

One veteran who would pick Brown over Miller said, “Wow, stuck with these two? I’d be leery of Miller. I wouldn’t want anyone who has been there in the past ten years involved. I’d go with Brown over Miller.” That came from one of the curators of the popular PTSD awareness Facebook pages called Peter the PTSD Penguin.

Some veterans thought both choices were unacceptable. Steve Harrison said, “I pick neither! I don’t want to continue to have the VA in between me and my freedom to choose wherever I want to go for treatment. It’s healthcare on a budget v.s. healthcare for profit. Which one do you think would take better care of all of us?”

VA Is Lying Facebook Group

Veterans on the infamous VA Is Lying Facebook group said:

Ronald Wayne Childers – “JEFF HAS BEEN FIGHTING ALL ALONG. HE KNOWS THE PROBLEM.”

Gordon Bergelson – “Jeff Miller is a known and certainly understands the VA’s problems. I really don’t know anything about Scott Brown.”

Michael Stinfer – “Jeff is a man of words and a critic, not one of action. We need someone as far a way from D.C. as possible.”

Ronald Wayne Childers – “We need someone who comes in and tells all at-will employees he needs a letter of resignation on his desk in 5 minutes and THEN does a review of their actions in office…. Jeff is quite capable of doing that.”

Linda Terry – “I don’t even know who these people are.”

Main Stream Press On Next VA Secretary

On Jeff Miller

New York Times covered the possible selection of Jeff Miller in its article, Under Donald Trump, Harsh Critic of V.A. May Become Its Leader. There, the Times highlighted Miller’s sharp attack against accountability failures but also cited VA insiders who say “most people really like the V.A. The care is very good.”

Here is a telling excerpt:

Leading the House veterans committee, Mr. Miller has pounded on the department, holding many more hearings than his Senate counterpart and accusing the agency of a “rampant lack of accountability.”

His sometimes tense hearings have focused on failings of the agency’s 1,200 health care facilities, including long wait times, overuse of opiates, unsanitary conditions, and executives who dodged discipline and collected bonuses even as scandals unfolded.

Many V.A. employees and veterans acknowledged the system’s problems, but they said critics were cherry-picking negative stories that mischaracterized a health care system that studies had shown was as good as or better than private care.

“The rhetoric does not match up with the reality,” said Dr. Kenneth Kizer, a former under secretary for health at the V.A. who now works for the University of California, Davis, Health System. “There are problems, and you can’t ignore that, but most people really like the V.A. The care is very good.”

Mr. Miller introduced bills making it easier to fire executives, but the measures languished in the Senate after being passed by the House. Disheartened by a lack of progress in Washington, Mr. Miller, 57, announced last spring that he would not seek re-election in his solidly Republican district in the Florida panhandle.

In April, he became one of the first members of Congress to support Mr. Trump, calling him “the only person who has what it takes to shake up the status quo and entrenched bureaucrats in Washington.” He added, “I am more and more convinced that he has the ability to reach in and right the wrongs in the Department of Veterans Affairs once and for all.”

On Scott Brown

The New York Post covered the possible selection of Scott Brown just before the weekend. Its article titled, Trump team eyes Scott Brown for Veterans Affairs secretary, the possible nominee’s relationship with Mike Pence was highlighted.

Brown indicated he would accept the position if selected in part because, “The VA is in trouble. Soldiers are dying while waiting, employee morale is low and it needs to be fixed.”

Brown added, “Having served for 35 years in military, last 4 years at Pentagon, serving on Armed Services, Veterans and working on these issues for decades, it would be a great challenge to fix and a great honor to serve if asked. Time will tell.”

Here is an excerpt from the Post:

Trump went on to win the New Hampshire primary — and the Republican nomination.

Brown helped Trump by handing over his fundraising lists from his Senate campaigns, a source said.

And Brown has grown close to Vice President-elect Mike Pence, who is currently leading the Trump transition team, another source said.

Getting Senate confirmation for Brown would likely not be a problem.

“Sen. Brown has a deep concern for military men and women and a commitment to addressing their needs,” Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) told The Boston Herald this week.

“With 35 years in the National Guard and having served on the Senate Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Committees, he would be an excellent choice to run the VA,” he added.

Others in contention for the VA secretary slot include Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Fla.), chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, and Mitt Romney, the former Republican presidential candidate.

Trump made reforming the VA bureaucracy a key element of his presidential campaign.

In comparing the two positions, it is interesting to note Brown highlights veterans’ struggles with the wait list but also highlights the low morale of VA employees. Does this strike you as strange, as though somehow the workers of the agency deserve equal consideration to the veterans the agency is supposed to serve?

This statement alone, which appears to be a couched statement made for the benefit of union employees raised my concerns about his consideration. Immediately, Brown seems focused on the wrong population and reinforces the bias where veterans believe many of the agency’s union employees believe the veterans are the problem with VA.

Now go back to read the excerpt for Chairman Miller. Did you see any statement from Miller where he discusses his concerns about the feelings of VA employees at work?

Honestly, this reminds me of my summer conversation with VA Secretary Bob McDonald. He was supremely worried about the feelings of his employees in a way that at times seemed obsessive and obnoxious.

Beyond this issue, the NY Post article highlights that Brown gave Trump’s campaign access to his New Hampshire supporters list. I would be disappointed if Trump made this selection merely based on Brown’s contribution to his campaign’s success in New Hampshire. Brown needs to have more that he brings to the table than a list of donors.

The future of the Department of Veterans Affairs and our benefits deserves deeper consideration, and I pray we get it.

On Mitt Romney

I do not consider Mitt Romney a serious candidate for VA Secretary. He never served and he had little to no involvement in veteran causes over the past few years.

In my mind, this makes either Miller or Brown a superior candidate.

Nonetheless, his name was circulated by Townhall in its article, Trump Should Hire Turnaround Specialist Mitt Romney to Fix the VA.

According to writer Guy Benson:

“To his credit, Donald Trump made improved treatment of our veterans a centerpiece theme of his campaign since day one. The VA is a big, bloated, dysfunctional entity that is failing far too many people in very damaging ways. Mitt Romney is a widely-renowned turnaround artist whose calling card is hyper-competence.  He’s a patriot and a gifted, savvy technocrat who fixes things. This has been true of the businesses he rescued, as well as his extraordinary work saving the 2002 Winter Olympics. Because of its enduring failings, the VA doesn’t simply need to be run or presided over by someone. It needs root-and-branch reform and repair through excellent, focused management. Mitt Romney would be an exceptional choice to lead that effort. I hope the president-elect considers this as an option, and the two men discuss it on Sunday.”

Donald Trump, if you or your pundits happen to read this, do not select Mitt Romney for this role, because most veterans would see his selection as a slap in the face.

We largely believe whoever comes in to run that agency must be intimately familiar with the veteran experience, either as a veteran or one who works closely with the community.

Mitt Romney is neither.

Speculation On Romney / Brown Consideration

Scott Brown Mitt Romney Donald Trump

Though it is interesting to see numerous photographs with Romney and Brown throughout various election photo ops in the past making me wonder why the Romney / Brown alternative to Miller was presented.

[In a quick Google search, I was able to pull up numerous photos of the two that I posted above with one Trump – Brown photo that snuck in there.]

There are certainly more qualified candidates for the position than either Brown or Romney. The Miller option seemed to be a lock since Miller first stood beside Trump in support of the candidate many months ago.

But now these alternatives are being presented.

Where is the interest coming from and why? Is it being put forth by AFGE Union operatives with the goal of evading accountability under Miller? Why are both Romney and Brown being circulated for VA Secretary suddenly?

Do they have a connection from Massachusetts? Romney was the governor there and Brown was a Senator.

While this is pure speculation, the questions need to be considered.

Your Take?

Be sure to take the quick survey above. I will report on the results and even send them to Trump if he has yet to make his decision by the time I conclude the survey.

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Please take 20 seconds to answer the 4 questions below for the poll I created for this article. Once you click “Send” you will be able to see the results.

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107 Comments

  1. Of the three candidates mentioned, Jeff Miller would be the best choice, but he will be in for one hell of a ride. He’s going to find out very quickly what a mammoth bureaucracy this agency really is. The VA is currently a cesspool which I don’t believe can be fixed. Consideration needs to be made to transfer VHA to the DOD, VBA to Social Security Administration and NCA to the entity currently managing Arlington National Cemetery. This will never happen as there is no political appetite to actually reform anything. This is all simply smoke and mirrors designed to make veterans think something is or will be done. Totally disgraceful.

  2. I think it should be Allen West, he’s a former soldier ( colonel ), former congressman, and good conservative, plus he’s black so liberals could finally shut up about trump’s cabinet lacking diversity if it had two black men.

  3. I am a mental health provider for the military in the Florida Panhandle. We have both active duty and veterans in our area. I have worked exclusively with the military, dependents and veterans since 2002. We need a VA secretary that puts our Veterans first and honors the contributions they have made to this country. Living in this area, Jeff Miller understands the issues our military faces

  4. Plus, if you uncover that you nonetheless have extra area soon after finding all of the required
    furnishings, you can move on to your list of wants!

  5. There is a shortage of psychiatrists in the USA.
    In the private sector, there is a six-month waiting list to get an appointment with a mental health provider.
    To help decrease the suicide rate among veteran’s, the VA needs to put a larger emphasis on Mental health – and give incentives to recruit more mental health providers in the VAMC.

    1. Old neurologists are retiring instead of becoming psychiatrists. And not enough crazies are making it through pre med to find out what makes them crazy.

  6. none of the above. Miller? really. show us what he accomplished “fixing” VA. for that matter, what did “bernie” do to fix the VA? both were on VA committee’s. and Brown won’t fix it i doubt.

    i will say, with obama as prez and the crazy do nothing house & senate we’ve had for a few years, maybe that adds a bit to the why Miller could not get anything done?

  7. I also had to answer the question. What best describes your employment? I checked unemployed. I should have left it blank. In reality I am retired. I do however understand that the younger veterans are the ones that will be affected most by the changes that we all hope are coming. Employment/jobs are paramount to a growing economy. Having accountable leadership in the veterans healthcare system will ensure they can do the their jobs for many years to come.

  8. I don’t know a whole lot about Brown, and thanks for giving some insight to him. However, I think Miller is a Blow Hard. He has been in charge of the Comm. that is supposed to ensure the Govt. dept. is run properly, no matter which agency or committee. He says he quit Wash. due to the BS and inability to get things done. I think it more that he already had a deal with Trump. I find it strange that the people driving this govt. are the first ones bitching about how screwed it is. Sounds like an outright admission that “I can’t do my job”. If he, Miller, could not handle the “Dysfunction” in the Fed. Govt. When he was a MAJOR player for over a decade. I sure can’t see him making anything out of the TOTAL DYSFUNCTION of the VA. I do agree we need someone with knowledge of the VA System and The Veteran. But not a stuff shirt that, if he went to VA for medical care, was ushered around with top notch everything. If you can get the opportunity, watch how a veteran with rank above Lt. or Capt. get treated. I understand not many Majors or Generals or Admirals would ever step foot in a treatment room at VA. But if one did, he would get a hell of a lot better care than the rest. We do have a few Commissioned Officers that get their care in Dublin. And believe me, they want for NOTHING!!! Well Ben, you asked for my Two Cents, and here it is. Thanks again for ALL you do for us, Ben.

  9. Private practice shrinks contracted to the V.A. to see veteran patients are often worthless, because V.A. vets and interviews them. It’s a cinch that the interviewer is looking for candidates willing to sabotage vets, and be personal bidets for the Secretary Of Veteran’s Affairs, as well as paid gunslingers for the entire Department Of Veteran’s Affairs! Let veterans go anywhere we WANT, and dismantle the V.A., leaving nothing but a veteran chosen and well qualified panel charged with ensuring that veterans are treated with the utmost fairness, respect, dignity, and competency availabe, and with making it clear to private providers that violations of this policy will make the practitioners subject to swift and severe retribution!

    1. I smell it too. It is that type of rotten cabbage soaked in rancid urine type scent. Really nasty.

  10. Well I voted for this guy Brown, but I think I change my mind on him now. Tell you the truth, I don’t care for any of them. Miller should’ve stepped up to the plate more than he did, but he didn’t. I wouldn’t want to see Romney getting selected either even if he wore his Mormon magic underwear. I spent almost two and a half hours on the phone with the VAMC the other day just trying to schedule an appointment with the PCP. I kept getting run around over the phone from one dead end to the other before finally reaching the scheduling officer. No doubt to me that’s all perpetrated by some of the BLM-AFGE crowd working there who are ticked off over the Trump election and want to make it difficult for vets to make their appointments. There ain’t no use in complaining about that to anyone over there. It won’t go anywhere!

  11. In addition Mr. Krause due to there not being a selection of “none of the above”, I in fact did not take your survey. Might want to consider that as an option next time.

    1. Agree. Jeff Miller was part of the problem. He was a do nothing Rep. And do nothing Committee Chairman.

  12. My opinion, and that’s all any of you have, is to listen and listen closely to what the VA has so kindly labeled “whistle blowers”. They’re not out there putting their necks on the line because of fabrications. I appreciate there courage and respect their integrity to not allow the VA to continue to not follow there own policy. Respect to all.

    1. Darla,

      Most of the regular posters here do listen to Whistle Blowers. But in regards to Opinions well we do share our opinion here a lot we also come her with much more than just opinions. Such as in my post above regarding

      “Regarding Obama’s Legacy”

      “Obama, and his administration, is responsible for more than 64,240 Veterans suicides during his term in office.”

      That is a fact not an opinion. There is a research study that indicates that in fact as many as 22 Veterans per day are committing suicide. The same study found that well much lower prior to 2006 the rate of Veterans suicides has been climbing since then. Of course the 22 per day figures is when you average out all of the Veteran suicides going back to 2000.

      Now if you take the number of 22 veterans per day committing suicide, even though it is very likely more, and multiply it by the number of days Obama has been in office, which is will be 2,920 when he leaves office. You know for a fact that he has been President while more then 64,240 Veteran committed suicide.

      Of course that number would be a lot lower if Veterans where able to access proper mental health care or even if they would answer the phones at the Veterans crisis lines. But that is not happening. Of course Obama could take a few minutes from his busy schedule and call Robert McDonald and say I want those phones answered and I want Veterans to get proper mental health care but he hasn’t.

      I guess with his heavy work load with thing like all the time he had to put in campaigning for Hillary and his new campaign of telling all the news orgs that put the Government propaganda of what they want us to believe that he is going to clamp down on all the new organizations the keep spreading the truth and call them Fake news. He really doesn’t seem to have the time to make the call to Robbie McDonald.

      Those are facts not just opinions. Although we still will welcome your opinion here.

      Also if you read the prior post you will find that Ben had addressed the reason for no selection for None of the above.

      Have a Great Night Bertha!

      1. Oh and Bertha,

        One last thing. If Hillary would have won do you think that Bill would have picked better candidates for Hillary to present for possible consideration for Sec of Veterans Affairs?

  13. Hey Elf,

    Regarding Obama’s Legacy

    Obama, and his administration, is responsible for more than 64,240 Veterans suicides during his term in office.

    1. Regarding Robert McDonald’s Legacy

      McDonald contributed to the Obama Legacy of 64,240 Veterans Suicides on his watch, by also being responsible for 19,800 of those Veterans Suicides.

      1. And yet neither Obama, as President of the Untied States, or McDonald, as Secretary of Veterans Affairs, have the time to ensure that the phones are answered at the Veterans Suicide Help lines.

        ~~~~~~~

    2. Obama and his DOJ still not doing a damn thing that’s outside this ‘peace prize’ winner’s agenda. That even includes continuing to turn a blind eye to cops being outright ambushed out there. Sick of this shit.

      1. Seymore,
        Yep, I agree. Obama and McDonald have lots of veterans blood on their hands.
        Also, so far (7:50 pm today) four (4) cops have been ambushed. One here in Southern Florida.

        The sh!ts getting deep.

  14. Honestly if President Obama had used his authority and directed AG Lynch to pursue the law rather than roll over for the unions that he’s apparently in bed with, we would be halfway to draining the swamp at the VA already.

    The VA has to be cut, whole cloth, from the protections that allow it to exist. We all know what those protections are.

    Civil Service rules
    Union contracts
    SES
    etc

    You cut off supply of blood to the tumor then you excise the cancer.

    1. FAT TURD AFGE PRESIDENT LARD ASS DAVID COXX WILL POP HIS PANTIES FIGHTING FOR AFGE UNION CONTRACTS WATCH VETS YO WILL BE SCREWED AGIN @ AGIN TRUMP DECERTIFY AFGE UNION CONTRACTS IF NOT SAME OLD DOG CRAP BY THE 400,000 VA WORKERS @ AFGE UNION CONTRACTS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  15. Honestly, I have no idea if anyone can help the VA. For a lifetime I’ve been wishing and hoping. Ben, those thieves would eat most people alive. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see what Trump does. I just see Trump as a corporation, and a corporation has no heart. They aren’t built that way.

  16. 11/21/2016

    Dear Benjamin Krause,

    Your readers and followers must have lost memories cells.

    Who has known about this scandal for decades?

    Who has covered up this “Scandal” I call Treason?

    Now you are choosing from “their” pool of employees?

    Why?

    How about a MOFO Attorney? How about an “honest” Congressman?
    How about an Administrator from Mayo Clinic?
    How about a Corporate President who has a great Track Record?
    How about someone who fixes Disasters?

    Why the Blinders?

    Think outside the Box. You and your readers/followers have to rethink.

    In “Three” years this Scandal has gotten worse, not better.

    Choose your next VA Secretary with wisdom.

    Sincerely,

    Don Karg
    Why not Regional VA Secretaries?

  17. Here’s how I see it, all these problems with the VA have been going on under Jeff Millers watch. Now has anything really improved with the VA? To me he’s just like Sen. John McCain, does absolutely nothing until he’s up for re-election. McCain talks the talk, says he’s all for the veterans, but yet the Phoenix VA is still in turmoil. Honestly Jeff Miller is only on a case-by-case basis. He will help veterans when they contact him to work on the case at hand, but not the VA as a whole.
    Face it guys, the VA system is still in shambles and far from being corrected. Jeff Miller was and still is in the house while all this was taking place.
    Sorry to say, but we need someone in there that is much more tougher, and a no nonsense type of leader.
    I watched this well educated man on Tomi the other night, and I thought to myself and said to my husband….”Now wouldn’t this Allen West make a great VA Secretary!?”

  18. I wonder how many severely wounded veterans are really online . I don’t think anybody speaks for veterans with mental problems . Other than you Ben. I admit, I am a mental patient . I have had absolutely no help with the VA . The VA as joyfully shut me down on everyone of my ailments . I have been misdiagnosed , and treated for a misdiagnosed situation . I have believed for years the VA just wants us dead . I don’t see Trump changing anything . I wish I did . Oh , I like hickory also .

  19. I am trying hard to leave the VA and go Medicare now ,,, MOney is the stopping block on how to fund it,,, I as of today have no Doctor for PTSD after 27 years of a Doctor that I trusted has disappeared into the corrupt VA system,,, he won’t call or communicate with me,,, I and him had a bound that I thought was not to be broken but as of know its gone,, totally,,, NO MEDICENE CAN BE RECEIVED any longer without a shouting match and many phone calls,,, my mental state,, is so rattled today that I just wonder if I will make it through another day,,,, I am a victim of this crap it wasn’t any good 27 years ago or even back 47 years ago but now ,,, its nothing more then a bunch of crap,,, I sit here and need help,,, but can’t figure out how,,, The VA mental health area needs to be abanded and replaced today,,, Pulling people off the street and calling them mental health Doctors,,, is killing us faster then the war did,,, Put someone with BALLS in Please ,, before another one dies,,,, Strugeling PTSD Person,,,,

    1. Steve I know exactly where your at bro.

      Since you’re on the computer you can google state assistance programs for mental health, hope you don’t live in a red state. You should see a list of local resources available to help you. You may also want to contact your state reps/senators and federal reps/senators office and get them on the ball to get you some help. If all else fails then you walk your happy little ass into the local ER and tell them you’re a danger to yourself and others. Get your affairs in order first before they commit you so your dog if you have one doesn’t starve for the next 3 days while they hold you. This should get you some immediate help as well as start a paper trail with, hopefully, a correct diagnosis which will become evidence in your favor when you have to interact with the VA. I know it’s not ideal but it’s what I got off the top of my head and I sincerely hope it helps.

      Regards

      WyldeChylde

    2. Steve, my advice is exactly the opposite of that offered by W.C. Use civilian and private resources ONLY! They are not secretly or OPENLY allied with the government to defeat veterans, and if your mental disabilities are caused by combat stress, (as my PTSS is) private sector shrinks won’t have a vested interest (brownie points, promotions, etc.) in defeating any current or future claims you may open, and will be MORE likely to document your statements and help you with current or future claims and appeals. Nor are they likely to do what the V.A. ALWAYS does to combat vets, which is try to steer the narrative away from war and combat issues, and instead, try to drive the convo in the direction of mommy, women, etc., so they can claim that your challenges go back to childhood, and had nothing to do with war and combat! Be GLAD if you live in a red state! I am from the totally red state of California, and all the liberal retards there have ever done is try to defeat veterans. Start with a free clinic first, if you have to. Get cozy in a respectful and genuine way with the receptionist, and once you sense that you have an in with her, tell her that you are a disabled vet trying to document your disabilities for SC monthly comp.purposes. Then, ask her if she can set you up with a shrink known to be sympathetic to male and veterans issues.It is VERY important that you key on SC disabilities, and not let them go on a tangent about the cute girl who rejected you in 11th grade, or whatever. STAY on issue!

      1. Another option is to study V.A. regulations and case law, as I did. I first filed for SC in 1979, and my POA was Disabled American Veterans. Their S.O. representing me was a joke, and appeared in the hearing room with a tiny one quarter inch thick medical file. Problem is that when I separated in 1972, my medical records were five and one quarter inches thick! His testimony was incomplete, sketchy, and BUMBLING at best! Even a FOOL could see he was unprepared! 29 years and four appeals later, I fired DAV, and represented myself. I handled all the legal and medical briefs myself. On what WOULD have been my mom’s 83rd birthday, my appeal was approved 70/30, and I am now being paid zt 100%. Their diagnoses were WAY off! But when you need m8ney and justice, you are sometimes forced to go with what you have to work with. YOU the veteran are your best advocate!

      2. Rick do me a favor, post your sources that say EVERY private sector hospital, clinic, community health center, is in league with the VA please.

      3. You need to REAE, W.C.! In league is commonly used to infer or openly state that somebody is conspiring with one or more parties to cause harm. I also did’nt come even CLOSE to saying that. I said (and always WILL say) that the private sector is infinitely superior to the V.A. hospitals and clinics! In any event, I rarely say ALWAYS, because there are usually exceptions to almost EVERYTHING. Please read more carefully.

      4. Only for those who can afford to pay. And because you can afford to pay are you sure you need that surgery.

        In 1965 I was working nights at a hospital in Waukegan, IL. During my break I went to the canteen. A couple of physicians walked in. One was saying to the other, “I saw this beautiful boat at the marina last Saturday. I just had to have it. But I didn’t have enough for the down payment. Would you believe it, Monday I had 3 hysterectomies walk into my office?”

        The physician he was talking to looked over his shoulder and mirrored the same look I had of dubiousness about the “hysterectomies”. I wonder if the gynecology surgeon who had just finished an emergency cesarean would have done those hysterectomies if he hadn’t had the financial need. I’m sure, in his mind, they were needed. But how would you have liked the surgeon doing a hysterectomy on your wife in your pay to play world.

        You’ll find that I have repeated this story many times since 1965. And it is the reason I support a plan like the original “Secure Horizons” that made its money on preventive health care, took only Medicare patients and charged them no part “B” premium or co-pays and delivered dental and optometry in addition to first rate medical care. Plus it was a co-operative and you could pick your physician and hospital which was likely to be near you in Southern California. Those who were a part of the co-operative were paid a monthly sum no matter how many visits they had and they were encouraged to practice preventive care to elongate the lives and minimize the sick days of their clients so that the co-operative could maintain a healthier financial position.

        Secure Horizons still exists but its financial model has changed, since being bought out by an HMO, to that of a hybrid HMO with some Fee based service and cuts services to make money the way most HMOs do.

      5. Unless you mean the generic “you,” I don’t know what makes you think I could afford it. All medicine and pharmaceutical services are expensive! One major surgery, and evn with six figures, I am TAPPED! Some elements of the plan you described are good or adequate, but others need work, and each case must be judged on it’s merits and elements.

      6. I did intend the generic “you”. As in if anyone is wealthy are they sure they are getting the best care or are they just transferring their wealth to their medical providers.

      7. Actually Rick perhaps you need to read, I offered him advice on how to obtain local STATE resources to get himself immediately stable.

      8. Dude, are you trying to troll me!? I told him that I was giving him what I think was far better advice, and can be done with far less trouble and abuse in the private sector! You don’t go to any organ of the V.A. for a solution, when the V.A. is so OBVIOUSLY the problem! You also asked me to cite my sources stating that the private sector was ALWAYS in league with the V.A., when I said exactly the OPPOSITE, which is that they are NOT likely to be in league with the V.A. Again, it is YOU who need to read the comments more carefully!

  20. To all Minnesota Veterans: received the following info via email.

    “”””””””””
    Veterans – We need your input!

    The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is working with Wilder Research to assess the mental health needs of veterans in Minnesota.

    Please help us by filling out the Veterans Mental Health Survey. You can also help by sharing the survey with your veteran friends and family. Responses are completely confidential and participants will receive a $10 gift card in appreciation of their time. The survey will close December 4th.

    Participants can call (651)-280-2748 with questions, to request a paper copy of the survey, or to complete the survey over the phone.

    We want this final report data to be useful and inclusive, so please take a few minutes to complete the survey. Thank you in advance for your time!

    “https://na2se.voxco.com/se/1145/MDVAVETS/”

    “”””””””””””””””””””””””””””

    1. Such surveys require more trust than I care to give out, let alone my contact info. I simply refuse to do any more surveys in this life as they always come back to bite me with scam calls, mailing lists, et al.

  21. Shut it down, SHUT IT DOWN, SHUT-IT-DOWN!!! I will NEVER trust the fucking VA again! I have been lied to while being called a liar myself. I have had Opiates shoved at me like they are candy, all medication and no treatment. Threatened repeatedly with the Almighty Veterans Administration. I have been given drugs that don’t have any thing to do with my condition. I have played the VA Shell Game with PAs (A new one every time). And even my liver doc has lost my trust over taking the VA position over my well being. This means that there are no one in my local VHA that I trust. C’mon Trump, Get me the fuck out of here!

    1. Sorry Ralph but if Paul Ryan has his way if your a Veteran then the VA is where you belong. I strongly suspect this is coming down the pipe once he dismantles Medicare/Medicaid/SS. Honestly with The President-Elect’s choices for cabinet members it wouldn’t surprise me in the least to see Mr. Trump sign off on Ryan’s Plan. Just an opinion, but I’d watch for it.

  22. Ben, your survey did’nt include “none of the above!” Why? Nor was there a place to give our reasons for not wanting either fool, without going to the comments. Veterans who are’nt “V.A. babies,” and have received private care AND V.A. “care,” want the entire V.A. monstrosity and gargoyle dismantled! We want for profit care, and we need to go when and where we want. For profit care is much smaller, homier, and more competent than V.A. care, which makes it infinitely superior in every way. In regard to private mental health care, it is ALSO infinitely superior. Private psychiatrists and psychologists will never twist what you say or even outright lie so they can turn you into the feds as an incompetent, dangerous, or mentally challenged veteran. At that point, you are appointed a financial conservator against your will, and you are stripped of your Second Amendment rights. No thanks!

    1. I did not include additional questions or answer options because longer polls don’t get answered and the 3 potential candidates are the only 3 options floated right now by Trump.

      Keeping it simple.

      1. Ben, Trump will nominate who he wants, but I don’t think think it get’s a lot more simple than “none of the above.” There should be an option for somebody who does’nt want any of the three. To make it simple, we could have had a write in option that could have been relayed to the appropriate party. When one clicks on any of those three, it is implied one might actually be satisfactory, because there is no “none of the above” option. This is crucial, and it is my belief that veterans that can’t handle a little longer and more involved survey for a crucial question, might want to think about a different site, or maybe a coloring book and some crayons! It is hard to imagine us making much progress without veterans getting deeply involved! I am disabled AND very busy, but if it involves my life and health, I FIND time to participate!

      2. yea NON OF THE ABOVE were is that button dang does that not compute in your head,,, not any of these will do anything to stop the crap in the VA,,,,

      3. It has been and is being reported that Democrat, Representative Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, an Iraq war veteran and former Bernie Sanders supporter, may also be in consideration for the position as Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

    2. Way off base Rick. Only if you have the money and I mean more than a Cadillac Health Insurance policy do you get that kind of dream care from a psychiatrist anywhere but being lucky on the draw at the VA. One in 10 until they started riding the good ones out.

      In the 1980s, after they got rid of Dr. Gordon (who was probably o k in his youth but couldn’t manage and was beyond his years of service) the VA Mental Health Clinic in Downtown LA was good except for 2 of about 12. Wadsworth you never knew who you were going to see next. No continuity. Hot Springs, SD in 2012-2014 was a shuffle and then a computer screen. And VA mental health care has been down hill for a long time.

      I had a decent therapist in DC in the late 1990s.

      But nothing from the VA contracted psychiatrists was any good. And the purse strings doesn’t let you walk out on a therapist and demand a different one the way you could at the Down Town LA VA Clinic. Haven’t seen anything like that since Reagan.

      1. Not off base at ALL, Lem! You are talking apples and oranges. YOU said “contracted,” I DID’NT! I said PRIVATE, and OUR choice! Contracted means the same old V.A., because they decide WHO you can “choose” from, and they are ALL cookie cutter! Choosing within the V.A. is also a joke and futile because most V.A. private mental health providers are also cookie cutter. They are put there for their willingness to be government stooges and subservient to the feds in return for a cushy job, and a nice salary and retirement package.

  23. Jeff Sessions has voted against everything for Veterans.. All I can see in this administration so far, is Trump 1, Veterans 0. Let alone the Racist agenda. We now have an all White Racist Governing body at OUR WHITEhouse. Maybe I’m just seeing things, or I’m still dreaming….

  24. Seymore,
    Check out this Utube video.

    “Breaking! Obama FAKE ID UPDATE! (Forged Birth Certificate) Fraud GOING PUBLIC!”

    Published on Nov 17, 2016
    -(10:46 minutes)

    There’s a radio program from “Open Mic” 1330 AM WEBY With Mike Washburn. Guest – Carl Gallops

    It’s definitely worth watching/listening to! The “exposure” of everything is set to take place before Jan 1st. That’s the day “Sheriff Appiao (sic) of Arizona leaves office!”
    Evidently they have proof!

      1. @Rosebud
        All the “Fake News” has come from ALL the main stream medias.
        Like CNN, aka: Clinton News Network. ABC, CBS, NBC, MSNBC, etc., etc.!
        If you’ve followed any of these, then you’ve been lied to constantly.
        That’s not opinion, it’s FACT!

  25. If Senator Jeff sessions is any indication at all at who Trump is going to pick , I think we’re in trouble . Why not Bannon, or Christie ? I’m not happy so far with any of Donald Trump’s pics . God bless Veterans, because, we’re going to need it .

    1. As I’m passionate about the cannabis movement, you can imagine where I stand on Jeffery “Bigot” Sessions.

      I figured cannabis was safe once I learned that Christie was pretty much on the outs he’d never get near the AG office. Then we get Sessions… All I can say is if he thinks people are just gonna roll over for even more DEA raids he’s got another fucking thing coming.

    2. Just wondering are you basing your opinion of Jeff Sessions on news coverage by the main stream media?

      Personally when I check out his back ground and Voting record I think he is a near perfect match for some one I would like to see as AG. His weak spot is that he is against cannabis legalization.

      1. Not only would Sessions insure the Clintons and their foundation are investigated and prosecuted, but he would also investigate wrong doing by Lynch and Comey concerning their handling of the investigations that cleared the Clintons.

      2. Sessions is dangerous because he obstinately refuses to update his world view on things. In his mind Henry J. Anslinger was the second coming of Christ. I don’t want somebody so blinded by party ideology, and let’s not forget personal bigotry, that he just rides rough shod over everything because hey I’m Jeff Sessions I don’t have to be right.

  26. With all due respects to the Congressman from FLA who I don’t know that much about, I’VE BEEN HEARING ALL THIS SINCE THE VIETNAM WAR. I don’t know how many grass roots efforts I’ve been involved in to try to reform the VA.
    The verdict is in: IT CAN’T BE FIXED. All of the Congressman’s good intentions aside, how does he plan to fix
    decades of systems corruption ?
    If I were to completely loose my mind and go on board with your assessment of who is the better candidate I would choose Congressman Chris Smith of New Jersey. He paid the price for standing up against the system…

    1. We had Derwinski in the Clinton Administration. Paying the price means shit. What means shit is reform and being a reformer real time.

      Forget Brown. He is a wanna be not a wanna doer. Our only hope is that Trump will live up to his words and get on top of who ever he puts in the VA. Without the President the military industrial complex is in control and money for troops doesn’t by what they are selling. And they want it all. Not willing to share a bit with anyone with an “entitlement”.

  27. Personally I voted for Trump because I believed that he would see that the problems with the Veterans Administration would be fixed. The fact that he is considering three career politicians who are all currently or soon to be out of work politicians, for the position of Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs deeply disturbs me.

    In fact I had hoped that President Elect Trump would be looking at people such as Susan M. Webman who is the Executive Director, of the Commission on Care. Another great pick to consider would be our own Ben Krause who has achieved some very great accomplishments for Veterans.

    If President Elect Donald Trump appoints a failed career politician as the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs he is not draining the swamp he will be merely changing out swamp creatures.

    1. With respect,

      Grandma always said not to borrow grief. Let’s see if the VA heads need surgery to remove boots from butts before we judge Trump on how effective he will be. Perhaps we can transplant chilled experimental asses into those executives butts too badly damaged to poop?

      1. Dennis,

        If the only people he is considering is failed career politicians for the job then it is very clear there is not going to be any meaningful changes at the VA. Just more of the same old sh–.

      2. I’m all for giving Trump/Pence a small bit of time to start some major overhauls of the VA I mean, honestly we don’t really have a choice. We need to be as vocal as hell with our warnings on all alligators in the swamp both old and new.

    2. Seymore,
      It’s still too early to tell.
      Remember, Reagan didn’t even select his “cabinet” until mid December. Even then, there were many who were changed out after his inauguration.
      I think President Elect Trump is not showing his true “hand”, as in poker, until after 20 Jan 2017!
      At least that’s my hope and prayers!

    3. Good assessment of the current scramble. I was an early follower/supporter in New JERSEY for his effort to outsource the VA, got off the bus when I became involved in the grass roots efforts.
      Trump is shape-shifting as we speak. The Trump Agenda is unfolding and we won’t know the real Trump until it is too late.
      Trump is a Lone Wolf Preditor who is adept at shedding off those around him that are no longer useful to the cause.
      The VA corruption goes back to the Nixon Administration and WATERGATE and NO VA appointment is going to unravel that mess.
      Jusat make sure you have enough cold beer and just sit this one out.

      1. It goes back to the Revolutionary War. It has been the same for all veterans up through the present. Promises on paper never meant to be kept for real. It is money making money from buying the Warrants from the Revolutionary War to stiffing veterans on so many fronts today.

        You can get a VA loan if you buy a house first. Otherwise no realtor will sell you and wait for approval from a VA lender in many areas. If you are having trouble in this are there are two ways to circumvent. Go Home Path and then refinance with the VA or get the seller to rent to you so you are all ready in for a VA approval. It is worth a couple of months rent to get by the VA appraiser who is taking money under the table to get you to buy an overpriced developers match box. Unless “New” on small lots is what you want.

      2. I am of a different opinion. If a leader who saw to it that the code of federal regulations, federal and local laws are followed at the VA. 90% of the problems with the VA would be corrected.

        Additionally implementation of the use of polygraphs for all SES employees would remove the majority of the remaining 10% of the problems with the VA. Given they should be required anyway for their security clearances.

      3. I’d like to see another “Hoover Incident” occur in the Oval office between President Trump and McDonald, aka: McDuck!
        Remember what Hoover did to “his pocket buddy” back in the early 1920’s? I did some digging last year and found an interesting article in the “Library of Congress”!
        Seems the ‘poker buddy’ Hoover put in charge of the VA back then, was ripping off the taxpayers. Plus he “…made an illegal 99 year contact with a floor wax company in Indiana!”
        When Hoover learned all the sordid details, he was caught choking his friend in the Oval Office.
        Hoover wasn’t a small man either. That’s the kind of President we need today. Someone who will carry a big stick and take no prisoners. Also, someone like Teddy Roosevelt or Andrew Jackson might be good.
        That’s my opinion, brothers and sisters.
        Lastly, Let’s give Trump time to do what he’s going to do! Patience!

    4. I think the ” Draining the Swamp ” reference is hyperbole for the State Department. Look up were the State Department is located. He’s already brushed them off for briefing’s.

  28. Back in the Marine Corps boot camp I went to, when a friendly difference existed between two recruits we all agreed the best thing was to stage a civil excersize of the Uniform Code of Military Justice which allowed for a venerable tradition known as a “Smoker Match”. I learned three things at the one I got invited to;

    1) The human head when struck hard enough on the chin can actually turn the body around.
    2) Words said to your opponent before the match have absolutely no influence on how fast the head snaps around thusly.
    3) The tougher guy wins.

    Then, when the body of the loser awakens and remembers who he is again – they shake hands sort of, or if it was a Muhamed Ali type win they just shake but not out of meanness at all. After all we are on the same side.

    I suggest a smoker match between the two men because we need somebody capable of really turning heads at VA even if the body is bloated and takes time to catch up with it. Right?

    The smoker match can be funded by VA Lies, Vets Die assuming Brother Nesler gets the billboard rights and revenue for advertising the match… Nesler deserves something for being singular in history as a veteran who was likely instrumental in changing the face of America.

    Win win for everyone – heck before they pass out even the losers of those matches get a strange Marine Corps smile on their face. Semper Fi!!!

    1. Or even better – assign a Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps to carry a personal message from POTUS to the Director of each facility. Each Sgt. Major will have three things to ENSURE the process of accountability move forward at a Marine Corps pace;

      1) A big stick
      2) An “Do Or Die” attitude
      3) A Blanket Presidential Pardon

      I have always said I favor the Constitution and what more creative use of it? Nothing above is illegal unless the Big Stick is recording conversations or screams without consent. I favor Maple Wood myself.

      1. I don’t know if any of you guys are Walking Dead fans but the season 6 finale/season 7 opener was pretty spot on for what I’d like to see happen to the current VA management and executive teams as well as the VA AFGE union leadership. I’d suggest you go youtube it and imagine all these fucks who got fat from living high off the hog on their goddamned knees pissing themselves with fear while some Veteran they have not only failed to serve but have outright denied justice to, walks around with a ball bat wrapped in barbed wire playing eeni meeni miny moe. Brings a fucking smile to my face it does. Happy holidays meh.

  29. Scott fucking Brown…

    Let me tell you a little bit about Scotty fucking Brown.

    He ran in MA against Martha Coakley the then MA AG. Coakley was a vapid idiot of a Dem but it was her race to lose and lose it she did to this moron, who campaigned on a promise to go to washington and oppose the ACA. Apparently Brownie boy didn’t do too much in the Senate because we got rid of him in the next election and went back Democrat with Warren. So this guy tools around for a couple years or so and the next thing you here from Scotty sandbagger Brown is “Oh hey, Since I got a taste of the easy life in congress, and liked it so much, I think I’ll pack up the model wifey and we’ll move to NH, maybe those poor bastards will vote me back into my spot at the feeding trough.” This tool is for sale to whomever is willing to elect him. Scott fucking Brown. I noticed the blurb where it says he’s been spending time around Mike Pence. I wonder if he spits.

    It says Scotty fucking Brown has 35 years in the military as a JAG. I’d like to ask Scotty exactly how many times did he have to go to the range to qualify with his rifle? I bet you could count that on one hand and still have fingers left over. Where has Scotty fucking Brown deployed too? How many combat situations was this guy in.

    I’m sorry but Trump considering this guy for the VA Sec. position is cause for concern. Nobody should be rewarded with the chance to screw over more veterans for handing over a couple of fucking voter lists.

    1. @WyldeChyde,
      I didn’t want to say anything about Brown, because I’ve never heard of him.
      From what you’ve described, it’s a wonder he was ever voted back into any “elected position”! No matter which state he went to.
      I also have a problem with someone who’s;
      1.) Never served in combat. Is there any record of him serving out of CONUS? If not, then “thumbs down” to Brown!

      2.) Been, or wanting to be, a “career politician”. Seems like all he wants is to have a “sit on ones ass job!”
      (I believe all politicians should have been in the labor force, starting out as “laborers”, for a minimum of 10 years before wanting to be in politics!)

      3.) Someone who’s military career was in JAG! Never trusted JAG officers, never will!!!!!!
      A Jag officer’s job is to screw all enlisted personnel. That’s been my opinion for decades!

      Can y’all think of anything else?

      1. Hey Elf,

        The link Ben provided above leads to the Wikipedia on Scott Brown.

        His only out of country experience is: “He spent ten days to two weeks with the Guard in Kazakhstan and a week in Paraguay.” “On May 2, 2011, Brown announced that he would soon go to Afghanistan for training as part of his Army National Guard service. When deployed in August 2011 for a week of training, he spent most of his time in Kabul.”

        Mostly Brown’s Guard service has been to look good for voters for the state offices that he has held since 1992.

        You can go back up in Ben’s article to and click the link that will take you to Wikipedia about Brown or the link is listed below.

        “https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Brown_(politician)”

      2. I don’t have a problem with somebody who’s never served in combat serving in office. I do have a problem with draft dodgers serving in office but that’s an entirely different conversation. And Mr. Klearly here is also spot on about Browns “service” being merely for show and looks I mean seriously 35 years pushing a fucking desk and you spend aprox 3 weeks in a couple places where your chances of getting shot rise a little higher than the average american inner city? This guy is exactly the type of alligator Trump needs to put a 12 oz deer slug into before we get another 30 fucking years of Scotty fucking Brown or didn’t we learn anything from fucking Kerry?

  30. Do y’all remember Jon Stewart? Remember how he tore into the VA, over the “travel issue”?
    Well, here’s a great article, with video, from “NewsMax (TV Live)”.
    Titled:
    “Jon Stewart Slams Liberal ‘Hypocracy’ in Calling Trump Supporters Racists”

    By: Cathy Burke
    Sunday, 20 Nov. 2016 2:37PM

    The article has a number of ‘comments’, (37?), which conflict with each other. Some agree, some don’t!
    Yet, it’s what Americans are, sometimes!

      1. Jon Stewart knows quite bit about the problems veterans have with the VA and has been a serious spokes person for Veterans.

        Here is a link to one of his clips which includes an appearance of Paul Walker, one of Ben’s clients, who with Ben’s help was able to change the laws involving the crow fly’s requirement of the Veterans choice program.

        “The Department of Veterans Affairs launches an initiative to better provide health care to veterans, but wait times remain long and many veterans are denied service. (7:38) ”

        “https://www.cc.com/video-clips/b8rw1k/the-daily-show-with-jon-stewart-doctor-when”

        If you Google “Jon Stewart Veterans Administration” you will find a lot of times Jon Stewart has stood up and drawn attention to Veterans problems even when the Main Stream Media has blown us off.

  31. I received this today from: “military.com- Daily News”
    Titled;
    “Gulf War Vets with Brain Cancer Denied Fast-Track to Compensation”

    19 Nov 2016
    Stars and Stripes | by Nikki Went long

    It seems “…the White House [made the] decision this fall prevented it!”
    So, does this not show how the current (White House) administration really feels about the veterans serving this great nation? They’ve done everything they can to deny anything from veterans. Including Compensation and proper healthcare!
    Hopefully, whomever is “appointed” as the next Secretary of VA will do everything possible to right the wrongs against veterans!

  32. Hi just would like to tell you my take on Jeff he is just like all the VA government non working type. He was told by me about vets dyeing waiting for appointment in SC a year before Phoenix broke for the same reason. I personal sent him and my Senator Gram a long letter showing how to save over $56 billion in VA spending, give all the vets what they truly want and what was told by the government they would have free care for them and they died waiting for it but those who had the job to look after them got rich, got better care and gave us the worst care. I told Jeff if they gave all the vets what Obama got for his family and killed the Medical side of the VA giving vets what they need care in their own towns with better care and they would have free care for all vets not just ones like me 100% but all the savings would be like I told them but I got 3 people on Jeff commodity call me back and all said the same things ( we don’t like vets having or talking about having their own insurance at all ) I got a letter from Jeff, he said send it to my Senator Gram but in my letter I told him I did already so why would I want the same person at the of the VA when he would be no different than the others WHY!!!! Get a Vet incharge who has the balls of Ronnie and the love for his own and the common cent to do what is right for all.

    1. I prefer anyone with a working knowledge of the VA, and impact of service for our Vets. For that reason I can not suggest Jeff Miller would be a good choice. He represents the problems not the solutions. There is more than one example, but here is one that sums it up.

      Bill HR 969 was given to a sub-committee chaired by Jeff Miller Mar 2015. It has over 300 co-sponsors (supporting) HR 969, However Jeff Miller is holding it up from a vote because he says Science is undecided if Vets serving on ships (blue water) were exposed to Agent Orange.

      The Public Health VA said in their report HMD’s report Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans and Agent Orange Exposure was released in May 2011. The report concluded that the committee was unable to state with certainty whether Blue Water Navy personnel were or” were not exposed to Agent Orange.” – See more at: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/locations/blue-water-veterans.asp#sthash.MsVAY88I.dpuf

      Again they are not undecided they say…” the committee was unable to state with certainty whether Blue Water Navy personnel were or” were not exposed to Agent Orange.”

      HR 969 following the receipt of this finding should (opinion) returning it to the floor for vote, and state clearly that Science can not say Vets were or were not exposed… then it goes to vote. 50/50 goes to Vets. I think…; However Jeff Miller sits on it, and from the time his sub-committee has held up HR 969

      There was an attempt to “hotline” the bill, which means ask for a unanimous consent. The intent was to then pass the bill in the House under a suspension of the rules which would have bypassed the VA Committee (aka Rep. Jeff Miller).

      So I say again this is only one example I would say no to Jeff Miller.

      How many Blue Water Vets have died due to Agent Orange exposure since it has been held up by Jeff Miller?

      Also in no way does this reflect the work of Jeff Miller in service of the VA

  33. Take it from me. I have experience with three VA contract mental health providers which occurred because of VA shortages. All three were worse than the VA psychiatrists. And one was an inpatient suicide prevention provider. They are not Beverly Hills providers. They are government contractors which means even less supervision than the VA. If you write to OIG your response is essentially use the courts to get redress. We have no authority.

    YOU ARE NOT GOING TO GET AN UPSCALE PSYCHIATRIST ON A GOVERNMENT CONTRACT. SAME WITH CHOICE. YOU ARE WORSE OFF THAN MEDICARE RECIPIENTS.

    1. Actually, Medicare is leaps and bounds better than VA Healthcare. I know because I jumped ship to Medicare only 9 years ago and never looked back. Perfect? Hardly, but what is? But I definitely feel safer with my healthcare specialists than any VA witch Dr.

      1. FYI– Not everything is rosy with private Mental Healthcare either…because quite a few have research/training connections with…the VA. The VA corrupts all it gets it’s grimy fingers on.

      2. I agree. My wife is much better off with Medicare and her Japanese National Health Plan to pick up the slack in charges. We see exactly the same Dr. It is not the Dr. that is the problem with choice. It is the hoops and ending up paying when I’m 70% and supposed to be totally covered.

        When it comes to mental health only the well healed get the best. The VA does well with inpatient care if you can get in. But the VA is short of Beds, not physically, but short of psychiatrists to cover the physical beds they have.

        And the contract facilities are terrible. Don’t hope for privatized mental health care. Unless you think talking to a shrink on the internet will help you. Private contractors are seeing veterans for mental health care now. Over the internet even if you go to the VA for your appointment. If they don’t fix VA mental health care you’ll get “blue collar” mental health care which is worse and has a higher rate of suicides because it is “Medicaid” health care. No $ therefore minimum to no care.

  34. Hands-down, Rep. Jeff Miller. He knows what lies where in the need to be drained swamp. If he’s all talk with a limp stick, you’re fired!

    Let me say this, I would gladly take my Maine Coon Cat as VA Secretary before allowing Mitt Romney anywhere near it. Romney is part of the establishment in that he’s one big political slut…$lut. Also, although I DO prefer that whomever is made VA Secretary has some military service experience, I feel Miller at least has hands-on experience attempting to wrangle the hungry, hungry hippos from the need to be drained swamp, making him a veteran of the VA psychic wars.

    Why does the VA Secretary have to be selected from these political dinosaurs? Why not a hardened, leatherneck retired drill instructor or someone from the enlisted trenches like a disabled veteran?
    Why?
    I worry that Miller may already be compromised by the hungry, hungry hippos in that they would not listen to him anyway. Cleaning-up the VA will require MAJOR BALLS. I worry Miller may be only hot air, no balls.
    What do I know?
    My Cat for VA Secretary. let’s start a petition, protest, block traffic…. 🙂

    1. Oh…Scott Brown is like a Mitt Romney in better clothes but if push came to shove, I still would take Brown over Romney any day but still prefer my cat for VA Secretary. Catnip for all Vets!!!! Legal catnip. 🙂

  35. I feel Rep. Miller is the best choice out of the three so far.
    What needs to be done first and foremost, is the AFGE needs to be GONE! Get them out of the VA completely. Just as President Reagan did with the Air traffic controllers union.
    The B/S they have spewed about their dues paying members and veterans is abhorrent, to say the least!
    If David “little” Cox were to threaten the next Secretary of VA, as he did to McDonald, will charges be brought? I doubt it very seriously! I feel IF the next Secretary of VA were to ‘break the AFGE’s strangle hold’ over VA, we might see something good come of it.
    I’d like someone to go into this position who will defend veterans vs. VA employees! If a veteran is harmed in any way by a VA employee, they need to be fired! This isn’t happening so far!

    1. P.S.
      I want to add. IF a VA employee breaks ANY laws, (federal, state, county or city), they need to be FIRED!

    2. Yes, I prefer Jeff Miller over the other individuals. As mentioned previously in the message that I am replying to, I do agree we the vets need a leader who will take no crap and totally stand up for the rules be followed.
      I am speaking about accountability, quality health care in VHA and quality educational retraining programs in VBA. We need a leader and I had rather call this leader a Five Star CEO to REVAMP the veterans affairs. It was mentioned previously in message about hiring a prior Drill Sergeant. I agree with this.
      I like Allen West. It would even be great if we had a retired Marine General hired to be the leader of the VA with Jeff Miller as a assistant leader of the VA. I am only throwing out my input. As far as another individual to oversee the VA is Dr. Ben Carson. Let’s have a three some – a retired Marine General to enforce accountability and rules – Dr. Ben Carson to over see all medical – and then Mr. Jeff Miller to get new regulations initiated and get rid of old existing regulations that are not effective. With this being mentioned, the VA is so overregulated that nobody can breathe. We need to decrease the time it takes to get tasks accomplished in the VA. The VA overevaluates itself to death and provides plenty of lip service or does not respond at all. We need a leader who will get down to the nitty -gritty -fight Fight and Fight for all veterans. I do care about employees as well as they are human beings too; however, if everyone did their small part with applying good and honest ethical behavior in this humongous bureaucracy, we as veterans and employees could unite with great strength to achieve in our VA system a dimension beyond anyones wildest dreams.
      Even though the VA is a socialist system, we could create a health care system leading more towards a capitalistic view. If this could happen, the environment would be above and beyond quality. It would be so superb that we would have world class medical professionals knocking at the door and begging to come aboard instead of leaving with the way it is currently.
      Anyway, I pray that Mr.Trump and his administration will research the VA closely and not just make a decision on what he is being told by VA leadership or by people who are in the limelight. The less verbalized issues need to be considered as well such as: Vocational Rehabilitation Chapter 31 for disabled veterans, Independent Living, Job Retraining programs, Educational programs that will lead to careers in demand. VBA is rarely discussed and needs to be revamped as well. We not only need new leadership for VHA but we need new leadership for VBA.
      The bottom line is I will be praying for Mr. Donald J Trump to decide what is best for the vets and decide who is best to lead the VA so we can all have tremendous sucess.

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