Hagel (R-Ne) finds contrasting conditions at Walter Reed

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=2342171

Published Monday | March 5, 2007
Hagel finds contrasting conditions at Walter Reed
BY JAKE THOMPSON
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

WASHINGTON - After touring Walter Reed Medical Center this morning, Sen. Chuck Hagel said that while "deplorable" conditions existed in one outpatient building, much of the health care offered wounded American soldiers appears "first rate."

The Nebraska Republican and Vietnam veteran said he spoke with four wounded Nebraskans and their families, toured rehabilitation wards, an intensive care unit and looked at other facilities during a two-hour visit.

"Those are remarkably efficient, effective and state-of-the art," Hagel said.

Privately, he asked soldiers and family members about the quality of care they were receiving. He said he did not hear anything other than "they are being treated in a first-class way."

FULL story at link.

[acmavm]

1. Don't trust this snake. He's going to play every angle.

[democracyindanger]

2. Photo op building vs. Non-photo op building.

[TwilightGardener]

4. I don't think

any politicians were taken to Bldg. 18. That's why reporters broke the story--if Dems in Congress knew about Bldg. 18, they would have jumped on it a long time ago.

[Quantess]

3. If Hagel can say all this and still get reelected,

then I'm going to be surprised.

[TwilightGardener]

6. The journalists who broke the story

themselves made the same point Hagel made--that the main Bldg of Walter Reed, where the pres and legislators go to visit, is a clean, state-of-the-art, well-run place where patients were happy with their care. He acknowledges that Bldg. 18 is terrible--not sure why you're condemning him.

[Quantess]

10. I'm condemning him?

My, aren't you the overly sensitive one.

[TwilightGardener]

16. Oops, didn't mean

to come off as overly sensitive, but you were wondering aloud how he could ever get re-elected, and I didn't think he didn't say anything that wasn't truthful. The whole point of the Bldg. 18 story was the HUGE difference in care between the inpatient side, where all of the lawmakers make their pilgrimages, and the shitty outpatient side, where apparently no one cares to either keep up appearnces or make visits. He was basically confirming the point of the story, that there was a sharp contrast between the inpatient and outpatient parts of Walter Reed. So I guess I don't see his remarks as controversial, or that he's defending the administration--he's proven often enough that he's no loyal lapdog, at least in terms of what he says. There, now you've put me in the uncomfortable position of defending a Republican. LOL! I feel the need for a shower.

[Quantess]

17. It's okay. I wasn't thinking clearly on this one...

He's not that bad of a guy, now that I think about it.

[TwilightGardener]

18. Truce! :)

[Omaha Steve]

7. So far no Democrats want to run against him

The party is trying to get Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey to run. I know of no others at this time even thinking of running against Hagel in either party.


Mayor Fahey

http://www.ci.omaha.ne.us/departments/mayor/default.htm

On June 12, 2001, Mike Fahey was sworn in as the 49th Mayor of Omaha, Nebraska.

Although Fahey has always been active in Omaha politics and community affairs, running for the mayor's office was his first time as a political candidate. After a successful career as an entrepreneur and businessman, Fahey viewed public service as an opportunity to give back to the City of Omaha.

In 1978, Fahey started a small title insurance business, American Land Title Company. He sold American Land Title in 1990, but remained at the company serving as CEO and helped guide the growth and direction of the title company, as it became one of the nation's largest. He retired from the company in 1997. Creating a company and running a small business gave him invaluable experience, and, as a business executive, he managed large budgets, met payroll, and created hundreds of jobs.

Throughout the years, Fahey served in a variety of community leadership positions including the boards of Holy Name Housing, The American Red Cross Heartland Chapter, and Creighton Prep High School. For ten years starting in 1981, Fahey served on the Omaha Planning Board and served as chairman for many of those years.

Fahey graduated from Creighton University in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. While Mike Fahey is honored to serve the citizens of Omaha as Mayor, his most rewarding job is his role of father. He has four grown children - three sons and a daughter.

[TwilightGardener]

8. Hey Omaha Steve! I'm a Nebraskan too!

Just givin' you a shout-out...

[Omaha Steve]

19. Nice to meet you

The Nebraska forum isn't very active I'm afraid.

[TwilightGardener]

9. Also meant to add...

I like Mike Fahey. I see no reason why he shouldn't run against Hagel, if Hagel doesn't retire. He may very well win, given that Hagel isn't likely to turn out the Republican vote the way he used to--not exactly Mr. Popular around these parts for speaking out against the war, is he?

[Quantess]

11. I didn't know he was that popular and formidable.

Thanks for setting the record straight.

[Quantess]

12. Never mind! Hagel. Chuck Hagel. Now I remember...

He spoke out against the war. Okay. Got it.

[skypilot]

5. Yeah, that's right...

...keep downplaying the issue, idiot. This kind of thing is even pissing off Robert Gates. Some people just won't learn.

[w4rma]

14. That's exactly what Hagel is doing. He's trying to downplay the situation.

This problem doesn't just exist at Walter Reed, either. This problem exists at most every VA hospital that the Republicans have been defunding and privatizing.

[KittyWampus]

13. they're being treated 1st class? That's only AFTER they've managed to prove their condition

is directly caused by fighting in Iraq.

[AlCzervik]

15. "they are being treated in a first-class way." because they were told STFU.

thats why they aren't talking.