Ted Kennedy misspoke.

[nitpicker]

It is not that the Democrats on the hill UNCOVERED the deplorable conditions at Walter Reed, but that they RESPONDED to news reports. Other reports have surfaced in the past about the deplorable conditions that some med hold patients have been housed in, but where was the outrage then?

To some extent, in the past we have been all singing parts of the Bruce Hornsby song "that's just the way it is, some things will never change". Perhaps things will change now (as opposed to just the window-dressing of firing the new commander of Walter Reed, the civilian who suggested putting the old commander back in charge, etc). But I used to joke that Malcolm Grow (the Andrews AFB hospital) was actually "Malcolm wait-a-week" because one waited and waited and waited to the point where kids just about physically grew while waiting to be seen.

An amusing note: Rumor has it that TPTB are so panicked by the claim that all WRAMC activities will be reviewed that they are relocating at least part of the functions of the medical/dental clinic at Fort Myer into trailers so that the clinic can be "under renovation".

[saltpoint]

1. Do you want us to just shoot Ted Kennedy right now?

George W. Bush is the Commander in Chief. Under his watch Americans were lied into a pointless war. Soldiers in that war were given inadequate armor and other protections. Once back and in VA centers they were given deplorable conditions instead of proper care.

I understand the distinction you're making but it's not the point at hand. Proper care in a clean facility is the point at hand, and under this Commander in Chief's watch this minute, that kind of care and that kind of facility have been denied to people who placed their lives on the line in Iraq.

The person who should be castigated for this is the War President, Mr. Bush, a Republican, and a liar.

The fire is the point, not when it started. Work to put it out.

[gatorboy]

2. Sounds like the OP would like that.

But hey, he's just nitpicking. :eyes:

[saltpoint]

3. At 40 posts I would have hoped for a more pro-Democratic heading.

Bush's war.

Bush's legacy of lies.

I think that's a good starting place for discussions on the Walter Reed situation.

Bush's reaction to our returning soldiers in need of care is about the same as his reaction to American citizens in the wake of Katrina in New Orleans. That is to say, he doesn't give a damn.

[nitpicker]

5. Even Democrats can put their feet in mouths too.

THAT is what I was pointing out. I would have contacted Kennedy's office directly, but with everyone allowing only THEIR constituents to send email to them...

The reporters BROKE the story. The Democrats did spring into action and call hearings. But that is a response, not an uncovering by some Hill staffer in reaction to constituent complaints.

[saltpoint]

6. Dude, if the building's on fire you work to help put the fire out.

You don't smear a Democrat who has done more for health care than almost anyone in Senate history in your subject line.

And that's what you did.

[Richard Steele]

4. Thank you for sharing your CONCERNS. nm

[trumad]

7. A quote from Kennedy's prepared statement.

"Like all Americans, I was appalled to learn about the horrible living conditions at Walter Reed and the way our wounded soldiers are being treated. The Washington Post performed a real service to the nation by breaking this story. The burden of the war falls on the shoulders of less than 1% of Americans, and it is up to the rest of us in the other 99% to show our respect and gratitude to them. For each and every one of the troops who come home wounded, sick or injured, we have an obligation to care for them and their families".
http://www.allamericanpatriots.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=20710

[saltpoint]

8. Thank you.

Kennedy focus is on the soldiers' needs.

And that's where it belongs.

[Richard Steele]

9. That makes it very clear who "misspoke" here, doesn't it? Thanks for posting that. nm

[notadmblnd]

10. in the past, congress was controlled by republicans

There was no outrage then because they simply don't care to do anything but smear democrats. You know.. sorta like what you're trying to do here?

[Richard Steele]

11. Yeah, sorta like that.

As has already been pointed out in this thread, the OP
is simply NOT TRUE.

You'd think someone calling themselves "nitpicker" would
take some time to actually check their FACTS, wouldn't you?

It is to laugh.

[Avalux]

12. Did Democrats not hold hearings?

Did they not drag Walter Reed's generals in for questioning? That would be considered uncovering, IMHO, and has prompted inspections of other facilities including Brooke Army Medical Center here in San Antonio. When I have more time, I'll tell you about working at Beach Pavilion in the 1980's; deplorable was an undestatement.