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This man doesn't deserve to be president if he can not even honor our Troops. Read on, pass it on and pray for our country. USA!!!
Obama Snubs Nation's Heroes, Becomes the First President to Skip Ball Honoring Medal of Honor Recipients in Over 50 Years… Submitted by Julie on January 21, 2009 - 10:13pm.
2008 News Politics U.S. Government U.S. Politics World Politics

Barack Obama may have stumbled over his words briefly during his inauguration, but he made an even bigger blunder later Tuesday evening. The newly sworn-in President opted not to appear at what should have been one of the most important Balls on his agenda that evening - "The Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball." The Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball was begun in 1953 for President Dwight
Eisenhower's inauguration. The event recognized recipients of the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military award. There were 48 Medal of Honor
recipients in attendance, who were undoubtedly disappointed by the new
Commander-in-Chief's failure to show. Over the past 56 years and 14
inaugurations, no President has skipped this event - until now.

The Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball is sponsored by the American Legion, and co-sponsored by 13 other veteran's service organizations, including those such as the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

Instead of attending this ball honoring our nation's heroes, Obama was busy
making stops at 10 other official balls. Obama and his wife's first stop was at
the Neighborhood Ball. From there they went to the Home State Ball for Illinois
and Hawaii, the Commander-in-Chief Ball, the Youth Inaugural Ball, and the
Home State Ball for Delaware and Pennsylvania. They finished off the night
with brief appearances at the Mid-Atlantic, Western, Midwest, Eastern, and
Southern regional Balls.

Celebrities were a plenty at the balls, with Stevie Wonder, Shakira, Mary. J. Blige,
Faith Hill, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Adam Levine, will.i.am, Sting, Mariah Carey, and
Leonardo DiCaprio in attendance at the Neighborhood Ball. In addition, the other
nine balls also featured a star-studded lineup including Kanye West and Kid Rock
at the Youth Ball, Marc Anthony at the Western Ball, and Cheryl Crow at the Western Ball.

It was the party without all of the celebrities that Obama skipped. The very people who he sought to have support him during his candidacy and campaign, who have fought to protect this country, were snubbed in favor of publicity and the opportunity to rub shoulders - yet again - with the out-of-touch Hollywood elite! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SHAME ON YOU PRESIDENT OBAMA! THESE BRAVE MEN CAME TO RESPECT YOU, YET YOUR BLATANT FAILURE TO RECOGNIZE THEM SENDS THEM AND ALL WHO HAVE FOUGHT TO DEFEND THIS NATION, THE WRONG MESSAG E. MAKE NO EXCUSES MR. PRESIDENT - WE NOW KNOW WHERE VETERANS STAND UNDER YOUR WATCH! This message needs to be sent around the world 100 times and personally to President Obama on a regular basis. Will you assist in getting that done? Don't add or detract anything to or from this, and also be RESPECTFUL, no matter how you feel about it!

He said that he was only going to attend the 10 'official' balls and did so. The VFW knew he wasn't going to attend theirs. He did, however, invite a ton of service men and women to the President's Ball and even put them up in a hotel. So lighten up.

Since its inception in 1953, every new president has attended The Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball – until now.

The ball was created for President Dwight Eisenhower's inauguration to honor recipients of the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military award. The event is sponsored by the American Legion and co-sponsored by 13 other veteran's service organizations, including the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

And while 48 of the nation's 99 living recipients of the Medal of Honor attended the event, reports the Cleveland Leader and various self-attested attendees of the ball, newly sworn-in President Barack Obama became the first president in 56 years to skip out on the ceremony.

Obama's itinerary, however, did include attendance at 10 balls in his honor, many of which were graced by a cast of the nation's biggest music and movie stars.
Numerous papers report this, as well as wnd.com

http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=87049

Because we now have a man in the Oval Office who not only is unfit for the job but who has no clue what sacrifice means in serving his country in the armed services. What a joke for a Commander-in-Chief.

http://www.clevelandleader.com/node/8627

"Obama Snubs Nation's Heroes, Becomes the First President to Skip Ball Honoring Medal of Honor Recipients in Over 50 Years

Barack Obama may have stumbled over his words briefly during his inauguration, but he made an even bigger blunder later Tuesday evening. The newly sworn-in President opted not to appear at what should have been one of the most important Balls on his agenda that evening - The Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball.

The Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball was begun in 1953 for President Dwight Eisenhower's inauguration. The event recognized recipients of the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military award. There were 48 Medal of Honor recipients in attendance, who were undoubtedly disappointed by the Commander-in-Chief's failure to show. Over the past 56 years and 14 inaugurations, no President has skipped this event - until now.

The Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball is sponsored by the American Legion, and co-sponsored by 13 other veteran's service organizations, including those such as the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

Instead of attending this ball honoring our nation's heroes, Obama was busy making stops at 10 other official balls. Obama and his wife's first stop was at the Neighborhood Ball. From there they went to the Home State Ball for Illinois and Hawaii, the Commander-in-Chief Ball, the Youth Inaugural Ball, and the Home State Ball for Delaware and Pennsylvania. They finished off the night with brief appearances at the Mid-Atlantic, Western, Midwest, Eastern, and Southern regional Balls.

obama = terrorist

I have some money, that i've been meaning to pay back to my ex, but he refuses to take it (long story, as to why that money was for originally- this was when we were still together though). anyway, since i have no means of communicating with him, i wanted to donate the money to a veteran's charity organization.
Since he's in the army vet, I thought it would be appropriate to send it to something of that field. However, if all else fails, I was thinking of donating it to Veteran's Paralyzed. I know he has a friend who is now handicapped because of the war.
What do you guys think? I'm not going to keep the money, for my own reasons… so please, just give me your suggestions as to whom I should send this to. Thanks.

I give to Disabled Vets myself. Whatever you decide to do make sure you give it directly to that charity, not a telephone solicitation. The call sites give a small portion and use the rest to fund the phone banks. They make much more than the charities do.

Another issue with small unknown charities is what they actually do with the money. They are only required to spend 15-20% on the "cause" they support. Many make claims, some deliver on them.

Red Cross
Salvation Army
USO
Disabled Vets

All have good track records. This is the Info Age so checking out one that is not well known is not too hard.

The public in general is not aware that:
If a servicemember has 20 years of service, breaks a leg in a softball game (and it affects their mobility), they get *ALL* retirement pay *AND* VA compensation.

But if they fall off a tank while reparing it and are paralyzed, but have less than 20 years of service they are *REQUIRED TO FORFIET* retirement pay if they accept VA compensation. (with some rare insignificant exceptions)

Shouldn't a 25 year-old with, say, six years of service get their six years worth of retirement pay? (about $200 a month)

Private companies are required by law to "vest" employees after participating 5 years in a retirement fund. But not the government.

Doesn't the paralyzed 25 year old NEED the extra money, where the 20 year "full" retiree with a limp could probably get by without the VA compensation ($200-$300 monthly)

The public doesn't know this. Even MOST congressmen don't realize it works this way. If they did I KNOW they would be outraged.
————————
LetMe,
I am trying to "shorten it up", but it is a complicated issue. I thought I did good to reduce it to about 140 words.
—————-
Gilla,
What do you think a petition should say? I have participated in many petitions in my life and the congressmen are only interested in their own constituents.
————————-
vampire13r:
There is no "vesting" after 8 1/2 years. I think you are confusing this with the fact that after 8 years of service the government can't deny a veteran treatment for a "pre-existing" condition. This includes genetic diseases like sickle-cell anemia.
"Very few veterans?" Since most servicemembers don't retire, I suppose that is technically correct, but of 20+ year retirees 100% are eligible for retirement and VA compensation if they disabilities rated at 50% or greater. (estimated 200,000 of 600,000 military retirees)
—————————-
Charles J:
Go to http://www.hadit.com/forums/ for assistance in handling the VA.
————————
Nancy:
My DD214 and my Government issued ID say I am retired. I get all other retired benefits (Exchange, commissary, base lodges, etc.)
The difference is I was TOLD to retire while the 20 year service member has to ASK PERMISSION to retire.
If I worked at McDonalds for 6 years AND paid into their retirement program for that entire time they had better damn well pay me my 6 years of retirement benefits or I can sue them and/or have the government compel them to pay.
Retirement is retirement and VA compensation is like LTD (Long-term disability)

Just because YOU quit at 10 years and are "now" disabled does not address people that were TOLD to retire short of 20. Don't you think Jessica Lynch should get her 2 years of retirement pay? About $100 a month, in addition to her VA compensation?
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jeeper_peeper321
The DAV and VFW (and USDR and most all the Military Coalition member organizations) want to get benefits for 10% disabled 20 year retirees BEFORE they get benefits for 100% disabled 19 year retirees. I think that is bassackwards.

But I never said 20 year retirees should stop getting any benefits. Why do you say I did? I campaigned long and hard to get the benefits they now have. I only get annoyed at 20 year retirees that say, "I got mine, see you later."
———————————

Well considering Concurrent Receipt has only been the law since 2002.

It's not like 20 year retirees have been double dipping for very long.

You have to start somewhere, it took long enough to get concurrent receipt passed the way it is.

DAV and the VFW are still working to get Concurrent Receipt passed so that all retirees, whether 20 year or medical retirees can draw both thier retirement pay and VA Disability pay.

,
And why would you want to stop 20 year retirees from getting both ?

It's not like, just because they are now finally getting both, that means the medicial retirees cannot get it.

Your blaming the wrong horse there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

.
So get out and join your local DAV or VFW and start doing something about it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dr. Phil Iam a 56 year man and I have NEURO-FIBROMA-TOSIS. I have Multiple tumore on my spine,I have to take METHADONE for pain also I have tumors inside & outside my body there is not a day that goes by that I might awake up and I want be able to get out of bed that I might be Paralyzed,I read something in the paper about CYBER-KNIFE. is that something that could help me I want the pain go away, I can no longer work because of the pain killer's I have to take , also have ADD-ADHD DYSLEXIA
I am a Vietnam Veteran, and I have been trying for ever to get VA Disable,and all I get is IT is a genetics disorderand they want give VA Disabilities. NOW I was working and when I was working and when I started to take my METHADONE I wasent able to focus,on my work so I had to quit working and I had to get a Lawyer to get my Social Security Disablilities, I had no Doctors to see but I had the VA Doctors, and the ss use the va medical records to give me SS dis. my need is the VA to give me disabil

Dear woodjunkie,

I have a 5 yr. old nephew with neurofibromatosis. It is a bad genetic disorder. His mother recently got him diagnosed with ADHD and is trying to get him labeled an autistic child. I disagree with most of these modern neuro logical disorders but not NFM.

The VA will give disability for diseases caused or aggravated by military service. Your best bet is to get some one who is conversant with the VA appeals system to write up your applications and appeals for disability. Try the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or AMVETS; they have much experience in processing claims and will work with you till you get it resolved. The local chapter of both these organizations can usually be found in your local phone book or use the e-mail links given below.

Good luck, good health, peace and love!
A vet of 40+ years experience with the VA

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orange County deputy who was struck by a hit-and-run driver on Interstate 4 on Tuesday died Wednesday night.

Orange County Sheriff Kevin Beary announced that Deputy Michael Callin was removed from life support and died at 7:25 p.m., WESH 2 News reported.Beary also said that in addition to his severe leg injuries, Callin suffered serious brain damage from the collision.Police arrested a man on Wednesday who they said ran down Callin on Tuesday.The suspect left the Orlando Police Department just before 5 a.m. to be transported to the Orange County Jail. He was found just after midnight and officials said he's responsible for running over Callin at I-4 and Kirkman Road near Universal Studios.
Officials said on Wednesday that Callin's leg was amputated below his knee.

Before Callin's death, Allan Barahona, 19, of Orlando, was facing charges of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest. He was found at an address in the 5500 block of Cortez Drive in Pine Hills.

"He is from Honduras, but he has been living in the States for quite awhile. His driving record, from what I understand, is pretty bad, and he has multiple suspensions. I don't know how many, but from what I understand, quite a few," Orlando Police Department Lt. Brian Gilliam said.

Barahona was booked into the Orange County Jail.

The incident closed down I-4 at Universal Orlando on Tuesday afternoon and armed officers searched every car leaving the park while they looked for the driver.

"I just got off of work, and all I want to do is go home but I can't," one driver said.

"It's a little odd to see the guns drawn and everything, but I can appreciate what they're doing," another driver said.

Law enforcement officials have been keeping a vigil at Orlando Regional Medical Center, where Callin, 26, underwent two surgeries. Adam Pierce, who was shot and paralyzed while searching for a drug suspect last October, stopped by to offer his support.

"From the times that we did work together, he was a hard-working guy. He's not one of these typical gung-ho cops that everyone sees. He's a laid-back guy. He does his job. He works hard, and he's a good guy. We're all hoping that he can come out of this better than I did and make it back to work full-time," Pierce said.

Callin was a four-year veteran of the Orange County Sheriff's Office, and he came from a law enforcement family. His father is a 27-year veteran of the department and his sister is a student at the police academy. http://www.wesh.com/news/9613306/detail.html
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They kill people all the time, mainly with drugs sold, we need to regulate the border so we know who the heck is coming here. I don't want durg dealers, gangs, rapists, murderers, and pedofiles coming here. I don't care if 99% are hard working law biding people, it would still worry me about that 1%. People are so backward on here, I earned the right as a citizen so I should have the right to know who the heck is coming in my country.

What if one was a pedofile? I wouldn't know until its too late and thats the issue, stuff like this is happening everyday but nothing is being done to prevent it. Regulate the borders.

There was a 26 year shot by illegals not too long in my town. They were deported.

Saw the pilot on Wed, it definately got my attention. Granted there are some… veteran actors on board (Tim Daly, Kim Raver, Scott Wolf, the paralyzed guy from CBS' "the unit" is on this new show).
Just want to see how people think/felt about it. Thanks!

I liked it. It was a little slow but it got my attention. I am really curious to know what happened in there. 52 hrs is a long time to be stuck in a bank. They all seem super traumatized and the fact that the little girl doesnt even remember what happened. I wanna know what the heck happened. I will keep watching for sure.

I just read the following news item on yahoo news:

Ron Kovic, a paralyzed Vietnam veteran and anti-war activist who led a peaceful march the day before, hurried to the scene in his wheelchair from his downtown hotel after he heard about the confrontation.

“We must remain nonviolent. We must have the high moral ground,” he told the crowd.

“There’s a powerful police presence here. The chill of 1968 is in the air of Denver,” said Kovic, whose story was chronicled in the book and movie “Born on the Fourth of July.”

‘The chill of 1968 is in the air’?? Are you kidding me?? I actually feel sorry for these old hippies, who try to harken back to the 60’s. It’s the 21st century for crying out loud,
GET OVER IT! There’s no draft to protest, get on with your lives already. I guess old hippies never change, the ponytails may have turned silver, but the RAGE is still there….

Okay, so why then were the loudest protesters of that era the ones who were immune to the draft due to their staus as exempt because they had student deferments? Certainly Ron Kovics protest, of that time, was justified as he was disillusioned about that unjust war. Iraq is a different story. Iraq was a preemptive strike to rid the world, and America of a guy who had the means to terrorise on a global scale. As far as going back to my ipod and all that, I served my country, never listened to an Ipod, or listened to all the whiners out there bad mouthing the state of affairs. Know whats really wrong?? All the people out there that feel ENTITLED to rights that they EXPECT the Government to supply. We have the God given right to EARN what we get, not get supported by the government. So, when you see these proitests, it's laughable, but SAD when you see people who protested a war 40 years ago, justly, try to somehow equate the current situation.

You should really go back and brush up on history. If we don’t learn from history we are destined to repeat it. Kovic understands this and don’t forget that you are living free in a country that was built on the backs of most of these “old hippies”.