At this time of year, the internet and papers are full of stories about needy families and persons receiving “holiday cheer.” They range from food pantry volunteers, who, by the way, work all year long but never get this attention, to packing Then, of course, there’s Operation Shoebox that packs items like leftover Halloween candy and toiletries for U.S. military personnel overseas.
Leftover Halloween candy and toiletries? Don’t you think our military personnel deserve more than that? We still have homeless veterans, and the VA needs more funding and staff. But, no, wait! Project 2025 proposes slashing veteran benefits, including medical, housing allowances, and pensions. What is wrong with these people?
I have to wonder if the Heritage Foundation conservative icons have ever served in the military. The men and women who volunteer to serve in the military give up a lot. They need more than a “Thank you for your service” comments, and certainly more than being used to round up people from their own communities in a proposed draconian immigrant deportation scheme.
Prayer for the Day
In this Season, we want to celebrate peace,
But do not know who to respond to the violence around us;
The realities of the world force us as a Nation to have a military,
For we fear that good words and works are not sufficient.
Help us, O Lord, to discern how to use power and set limits,
So we neither abuse our strength nor those upon whom we depend.
In the name of the One who helps us to discern,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Project 2025 also calls for privatizing the Department of Defense’s TRICARE system for military members, which will increase healthcare costs for military families by forcing the “option” of private insurance.
From the Better Neighbors Network, published July 2024
We veterans are sick of being used as political props, welcomed in campaign ads and press conferences, but having our needs ignored by politicians more interested in tax giveaways to the rich and powerful.
Chris Deluzio, Congressman, U.S. Navy Iraqi war veteran
Yes, all who are incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced;
Those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall parish.
Isaiah 41: 11