Mandating private insurance reimburse VA healthcare
This is utter freaking despicable unconscionable madness.
Commander David K. Rehbein of The American Legion (and numerous other Vet organizations) stated in a letter regarding Obama’s proposed policy:
There is simply no logical explanation for billing a veteran’s personal insurance for care that the VA has a responsibility to provide. While we understand the fiscal difficulties this country faces right now, placing the burden of those fiscal problems on the men and women who have already sacrificed a great deal for this country is unconscionable.
Commander Rehbein also stated after meeting with Obama, Shinseki, et. al:
“This reimbursement plan would be inconsistent with the mandate ‘ to care for him who shall have borne the battle’ given that the United States government sent members of the armed forces into harm’s way, and not private insurance companies. I say again that The American Legion does not and will not support any plan that seeks to bill a veteran for treatment of a service connected disability at the very agency that was created to treat the unique need of America’s veterans!”
It is disgusting Obama is allowing such a policy to grace a sounding board and clearly illustrates the contempt he harbors for our military.
UPDATE (03/18/09): Obama drops the idea. Smooth move.
St. Patty’s Day (the actual day)
Arseblog’s St. Patty’s Day diet:
…And that’s that. I’m off to have my breakfast of Guinness, with a Guinness topping, a side of Guinness, followed by Guinness Crumble and a pint of Jameson 12 as a little digestif.
My St. Patty’s (observed Saturday) was:
, 
, (ham ‘n swiss sammich), 
, .
But the best best best best best best part of the day (other than meeting with dear friends) was before the pub…
Worst thrashing at Ol' Trafford since '92.
Lovely day.
alex asunder 