Letters to the Editor 06/01/2011

To The Editor,

On May 27, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a landmark case, ruled against the Veterans Administration (VA), citing "consistent incompetence" against veterans in delaying, postponing, and denying claims.

In Sisters there is a small cadre of veterans helping veterans get through the VA process. They are led by Tom Salgado, who is not a veteran but has been honored by the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars for his longstanding efforts to help veterans.

Over the years we have witnessed numerous transgressions against veterans. One 92-year-old World War II veteran has been repeatedly denied his claim from exposure to nuclear fallout both at Hiroshima, Japan, and the Marshall Islands. Another veteran was seriously wounded four times in Vietnam, and it took 40 years and 28 surgeries before he was deemed to be 100-percent disabled. Unfortunately these men are no exception but the norm for VA treatment.

VA benefits are not budget entitlements, they have been earned the hard way by those who sacrifice and serve when called by their country. According to the VA, the primary reason for delays in heath care for veterans is their budget. If we cannot afford to care for those who serve, maybe we shouldn't go to war in the first place.

Bill MacPhee

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To the Editor:

As I read of the new school board elections, I was left with some annoying questions ("Gorayeb, Jones win seats on school board," The Nugget, May 25, page 1).

Just what is entailed in preparing students to get "good scores" on SAT tests? I thought the idea was to have them LEARN the subject matter, not just get good test scores which make the teacher look good!

Next: what is meant by "embracing the system as it is"? I thought the goal was to break away from the system as it is, with its poor performance ratings.

Next: Mr. Gorayeb says that "his activism in the system is to revamp and streamline the way sports activities are funded; this will give kids the option for their future." Huh? As I see school buses traveling the state, consider the cost, for the benefit of the few kids involved going to sports activities, I must question that whole concept! I noted about six pages of The Nugget devoted to school sports; just one small article devoted to culinary programs - the only one of all of them which may contribute to an economic

future!

Mr. Gorayeb wants to see "Class-A facilities and arts camps which will benefit the community by bringing in visitors." He would like us to "take a leadership role in the economic life of the community." I think he has confused his role in education with the Chamber of Commerce!

In summary, this sounds to me like more of the same old "stuff," not any new views on solving our young peoples' economic future. I would like to hear a few more views on this!

Russell B. Williams