Veterans: Trump order calls for better accountability in VA

President Donald Trump took steps last week to improve accountability within the Department of Veterans Affairs.

We applaud his actions. Something akin to his executive order creating an accountability and whistleblower protection office at the VA should have been done a long time ago.

The purpose of the office, officials say, is to help identify barriers that make it difficult to fire or transfer employees deemed unfit to serve our nation's veterans. It also will shield from retaliation employees who step forward with information on shabby treatment.

For too long, this nation has failed on its promises to veterans. They sacrificed for their country and were promised to be treated with the respect they earned. They deserve an agency that is responsive to their needs. Trump's order might not solve all ills within the department, but it can go a long way toward improving the service that has been so criticized over the years.

Published in Editorials on May 2, 2017 10:04 AM