Deplorable: Stories coming out of VA hospitals should be top priority

It is almost too shocking to believe.

With every passing day, there are more and more stories about veterans waiting years for communication from the VA hospitals around the country, let alone answers to their questions about receiving care.

And now, some employees are coming forward to say that there were secret lists created at some hospitals to give the impression that there were much shorter wait times and that more veterans were being served.

It is hard to imagine a more reprehensible act than lying to people who have risked their lives in defense of this country -- unless it is lying to cover it up.

And what is even more despicable is that no one seems to be being held accountable for it.

The chief is still in place, and a man who was already scheduled for retirement anyway has resigned.

There should be massive firings -- and more than just mouth music from those who are supposed to be representing us. They should demand an investigation immediately -- on both sides of the aisle -- and a definitive plan from the people who are supposed to be in charge.

And we, the voters, should demand not only action, but the full story.

But this story is not just about the veterans, although that should be enough to start a firestorm alone.

It is about a national health care initiative that is about to be put into the hands of a bunch of government bureaucrats.

If they cannot handle the care of the smaller population of men and women who have served this country, how in the world will they balance the needs of millions more Americans?

There is no time to sit around to figure it out, especially as some wonder how the new health care will be apportioned out in the future. Are aging veterans the first examples of who gets pushed aside in the new health care system?

As citizens, we had better make sure we know the answers -- and soon.

Until then, our first priority should be making sure we take care of the heroes who have taken care of us and this great nation. No excuses.

Published in Editorials on May 20, 2014 10:47 AM