I won't rant, but I will ask - Re veterans, jobs, discrimination

[matt819]

My kids are recent college grads, applying for jobs.

In one case, one of said children applied for a federal government job, passed the first round of assessment, into the second round. In that round, he was only one of two non-veterans in the room. I don't know what the specifics were, but the gist of it was that the veterans started with an advantage - a number of points, or some such - and thus had a shorter way to go to make it to round three. Child didn't make the cut.

In another case, same child applied for job with a government contractor. Contractor gets a $10,000 tax credit for hiring a veteran, a significant disincentive to hiring non-veterans.

One observation is regarding the obvious discrimination.

The second observation is that this practice has the potential of contributing to the militarization of otherwise civilian agencies.

Comments?

[MADem]

1. Title V, US Code--it's the law.

http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/

Go Navy?

[upaloopa]

2. Speaking as a Viet Nam war vet, I got those same kinds of preferences. I got part of my college

paid for. I got no down payment VHA loans home loans. I could go to a VA hospital but so far I haven't though I think I have some effects from agent orange. I had a bad case of PTSD back in the late 60's when I came home. I was a drug and alcohol abuser and homeless in San Diego for a spell. I still suffer from chronic depression and anxiety. I am not sure but I think a lot of my mental and abuse problems stem from the time I spent in war.

Do I think vets deserve some benefits that your kids don't get? FUCK YES!

[sinkingfeeling]

3. Oct. 2011 Obama announced 'Hire a Veteran' program.

http://www.wvec.com/my-city/hampton/President-Obama-to-speak-in-Hampton-Wednesday-morning-132130218.ht

[Ganja Ninja]

4. It's not the law that's the problem.

It's the piss poor job market and the people that keep it that way on purpose.

There are plenty of veterans that can't find jobs either. We shouldn't allow ourselves to be divided between veterans and non-veterans.

[matt819]

5. So much for not being divisive

Your point is taken - things suck, and all are paying the price.

And yet another poster, pointing to his experience in Vietnam, says, "Fuck yes" there should be a preference.

And, to another post, yes, I know it's the law. The point I'm raising is whether it should be. And is it all that black and white.

[upaloopa]

8. Do you not see that veterans have paid a price that your kids didn't?

You seem to not get that point. Why is that? There could be 4% unemployment or 14%, the idea that some people risked their lives in service to their country doesn't change. It's not just a law it is being grateful and not selfish self centeredness.

[sarge43]

6. Right. Go to your local VA hospital and serve that whine or better yet

if you're living in a fairly large city, go to one of the overpasses and under it you'll be sure to find some vets living the good life.

As for the discrimination, your kids can't join the service? If they want points, sign up.

Militarization? The last thing we want once we're off the leash is more of the same.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

7. As a vet I think that draftees should get some perks. Volunteers shouldn't.

I was a volunteer that did absolutely nothing beneficial to society for 4 years, but I asked for the job. Draftees didn't and, usually, put in their time against their will. I got points when I applied for my job but doubt that that had any effect on others applying for the job. Crappy job...until we struck.

[limpyhobbler]

9. Start a WPA-style program

where the government will function as employer of last resort. End unemployment forever. Guarantee employment and a minimum income for all Americans. Then this will be a non-issue.

I understand your concern about militarization of government agencies. But we also can not afford to have a large amount of unemployed vets. Many will be tempted to take jobs as hired mercenary security for corporations and other such smarmy things. So I understand the rationale behind hire-a-vet programs.

They only way to solve this really is ending involuntary unemployment forever. And it would be pretty simple to do.

People have a right to meaningful work if they want it. Working class people should not have to be fighting over scraps while 1% of the population live like royalty.