my editor loves me-second editorial printed this week on veterans

[w8liftinglady]

http://www.thedailylight.com/articles/2010/10/26/opinion/doc4cc707ecc7eae388461545.txt
LETTER: ‘On our veterans’
Published: Tuesday, October 26, 2010 12:16 PM CDT

In recent editorials, I have seen more discussion of continuing tax breaks, rolling back federal taxes and “taking my country back.” As the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan enter year 10 and the mid-term elections approach, it is critical to see the end result of repeated battle. Today, let’s focus on diseases contracted by Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. A FOIA request by Veterans for Common Sense has yielded the following information (current as of Dec. 2008) ��” 981,834 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have become eligible for VA benefits and 51 percent are formerly active duty, 49 percent are National Guard and Reserves. Of these veterans, 425,538 have sought VA treatment.

While many disorders, including cancers and blood diseases have presented themselves, there are five specific groups that dominate. As some of these diseases overlap, the number may exceed 435,000. Diseases of the musculoskeletal/connective tissue system have been reported by over 200,000 troops. This involves arthritis, muscular disorders and non-specific connective tissue disorders. Mental disorders affect over 193,000 veterans. These include PTSD, depressive and neurotic disorders and substance abuse.

Nervous system disorders affect over 159,000 veterans. These include non-penetrating traumatic brain injury, exposure to toxic chemicals and infectious diseases. Diseases of the digestive system affect over 130,000 veterans. This includes peptic ulcers, colitis and pancreatitis. Finally, “Symptoms, signs and ill-defined conditions” affect 182,000 troops. These are morbidities that have not had a source identified-yet. “Disease” is something America chooses not to mention when talking about war because these veterans will also require long-term treatment from a grateful nation.

As we discuss tax cuts, let’s focus on the war, not the warrior. Bring a swift end to these perpetual wars, where the only winners are private corporations. Let’s focus on supporting our troops from this and former wars and rebuilding THIS nation.

[MineralMan]

1. Nicely done.

[w8liftinglady]

2. Thanks,man...we'll see if the neighbors agree

[w8liftinglady]

3. as I suspected...multiple negative votes..no comments

these people will vote against the troops to spite ME...same with the 2010 elections...which is why we need to stay focused.

[denbot]

4. Thanks for the post w8liftinglady

I have been hospitalized due to pancreatitus a half dozen times in the last 8 or 10 years. I don't have any of the usual causes like heavy drinking etc. I did not spend much time in the Persian Gulf (6 months) so I don't know if there was a connection, but now I know my case is not isolated.

[w8liftinglady]

5. I have done a crapload of writing on Gulf war One vets...the forgotten vets...

I have a lot of resources..
You can try these.
http://www.91outcomes.com/
http://www.gulfwarvets.com/index.html
many of the troops saw little "action"..their illnesses were due to depleted uranium and vaccines.
good luck,man.I'll keep fighting for you.

[w8liftinglady]

6. of all my editorials,THIS received the lowest votes...no comments,of course