Other Columns by Thomas D. Segel
Thomas D. Segel Bio

Printer-Friendly Version

The Enemy Within
By Thomas D. Segel
February 16, 2004

America's military members, on active duty, in the reserve forces and retired have a homegrown enemy almost as dangerous as the terrorists they fight around the world. This enemy has been responsible for more pain and loss of life than the bullets and bombs of combat zones. Under the disguise of friendship and support, it has kept our military community distracted and has stopped any organized response to the pain and suffering it creates. Added to this, the enemy of our military forces works from a position of power and control, making it next to impossible for those who serve or have served in uniform to win many face-to-face battles. This hidden enemy is the political establishment of Washington.

It matters not what political party is examined, both Democrats and Republicans can be placed on the enemy list, either by their actions or inactions. And it is always the same snake dance. When out of power, the political party attempts to woo active duty service personnel, veterans and retired military with promises of support. Candidates wave the flag, make speeches, and fill the newspapers and television screens with pledges of "promises kept". At the same time, the party in power paints itself as a strong supporter of military issues, while behind the scenes finds every way possible to make sure no promise becomes law.

A look at the current political landscape will prove this point. We have former military officers looking to advance the Democrats by parading the support of their "band of brothers" from Vietnam. The media is lauding their military heroism, medals earned, wounds received and missions accomplished.... All of this for a party trying to regain the seat of power, while ignoring the hard facts of reduced military support while their party was last in the nation's chair of leadership.

The other side of the coin has insider operatives and Washington bureaucrats angry and chastising the few Republican elected officials who have made the political "error" of supporting veteran and military issues. While it is true they are providing weaponry and equipment to fight a war, it is coming at the expense of previously pledged "promise keeping". This is the same party that did everything possible to gain the military and veteran vote while running for national office during the past two election cycles.

While the political double-dealing is taking place, important issues for the military community go unresolved. Issues such as military health care, elimination of the 100% tax on disability compensation for military retirees, loss of paid survivors benefits to military widows, denial of fair treatment and compensation to veterans who served as atomic test forces, closure or reduction of services in VA health facilities and many other concerns are lost in committees, sent back to sub committees, omitted from funding legislation and a host of other "big brother" moves which keep them hidden and assured of non-action.

In truth, those who have serious problems as veterans, those who deserve restoration of benefits in the retired community, and those on active duty looking for a better quality of life have few friends in Washington. This is a situation, which grows more deplorable with each passing election. Where once, more than half of Congress could claim the title of veteran, today lass than a third of that body can boast prior military service. So, for those now in uniform and those who served with honor...the enemy is sitting right in the two chambers of Congress and walking the halls of the White House.

--------------------

Note -- The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, views, and/or philosophy of GOPUSA.