Do you think veterans are well represented in politics, or need more involvement?

SSG Harper Peterson — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 15:44:13 -0400

What are your thoughts on Veterans in politics? Do you feel we are currently represented well enough or do we need more involvement in the way local government is conducted?

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 3:45 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 15:45:18 -0400

The more the better! I feel their experience aids them greatly in not only representing the military, but also in international affairs.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 3:45 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 15:45:48 -0400

We definitely need more in office!

Response by LTC John Shaw made Apr 29 at 2015 3:46 PM

LTC John Shaw — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 15:46:08 -0400

We badly need more Veterans in all political parties.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Apr 29 at 2015 3:55 PM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 15:55:36 -0400

It would be wonderful to see more veterans in office as we have learned to do battle in all manner of situations and been trained to respect the lives of those around you, even if you do not agree with them. If all politicians had served honorably I think we would have a large upswing in government efficiency and competency.

The issues are that most of the population does not understand us as we are a rare entity to them and many of us are tired of fighting by the time we could run for office.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 3:55 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 15:55:09 -0400

I was adamantly opposed to a 3rd party not too long ago, but, with everything going down as of late, I think we need to start looking that way: preferably towards one that has veteran's best interests in mind.

What I see now on the political landscape is a tremendous disconnect. Not only has veteran representation in Congress dwindled substantially, but, I'm not so sure that veteran issues are being given the care and thought that they should be....it seems the people most involved in making decisions about veteran's issues were never actually veterans themselves.

Worse, I see 'leaders' who wholly refuse to make any kind of sacrifice for us.

"Support the Troops" only seems to become a relevant mantra when those politicians have something to personally gain from it.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 3:57 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 15:57:13 -0400

We honestly need more people with "real world" experience. Many of those on The Hill have been there for life & are so out of touch w/ everything that they will believe what their lobbyists/assistants tell them.

Get some vets in there w/ real leadership skills & prioritization experience. Get some common sense (bad word, I know) back in there!

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Apr 29 at 2015 4:07 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 16:07:02 -0400

IF every elected official was a Veteran, we could still use more. In truth, the real problem is that we do not have enough veteran voters.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Apr 29 at 2015 4:17 PM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 16:17:14 -0400

24% of the population is Vet .. are 24% of the pols vets?
http://www.gallup.com/poll/158729/men-women-veterans.aspx
You might be surprised!
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/by-the-numbers-veterans-in-congress/

In U.S., 24% of Men, 2% of Women Are Veterans

On this Veterans Day, 13% of U.S. adults are veterans, including 24% of men and 2% of women. Veteran status is above 60% among men 75 and older, but no more than 12% for men younger than 35.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Apr 29 at 2015 4:17 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 16:17:32 -0400

We NEED more veterans in office..... but I know that I am not going to be one of them!! I have NO interest in politics. I would not be good at it, have no interest in it, and therefore, will do my duty by voting....

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Apr 29 at 2015 4:21 PM

SPC Christopher Smith — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 16:21:54 -0400

Veterans are very unrepresented, although a great amount of money is spent on the military it is not really spent on the troops. Equipment is the name of the game, we can waste billions on a jet, but we want to kick out troops, and reduce promised benefits for vets. We need more representation badly.

Response by LCpl Brett McMeans made Apr 29 at 2015 4:25 PM

LCpl Brett McMeans — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 16:25:24 -0400

We need a stronger, fresher, "Veteran" voice in Washington.

Response by 1SG Frank Boynton made Apr 29 at 2015 4:40 PM

1SG Frank Boynton — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 16:40:48 -0400

I know this, when I was serving we only had one CIC that wasn't prior service - Jimmy Carter. But I was part of the Vietnam experience so we weren't exactly represented by the majority of politicians. There was more cover-up of our problems (Agent Orange) and our trials and tribulations, than there was providing for those who needed the promised - after combat support we were promised. I didn't see anything change from the 60's until President Bush and the 1st Gulf War (Desert Shield/Storm). People coming home were hero's. They were given these great welcome home parties and parades marching in their combat fatigues. There are more programs for returning veterans than you can count. The VA hasn't changed at all, in fact the problems they are having have always been there, but with the number of returning vet's with disabilities, it's just contributed to mis-management that's always plagued the VA. Hell when I came home from Nam, I was strictly forbidden to wear my class "B's" or "A's". They didn't want anyone recognizing you as a soldier. So in that respect, Yes I think the atmosphere has gotten a lot better. However, we absolutely do currently have a lack of representation in the upper echelons of politicians. Less than 20% of the Senators and Congress Persons in Washington have seen any kind of military service. And unfortunately even some who served honorably have forgotten us. I'm talking about the likes of that RINO - Senator John McCain who for all intent and purposes has outlived his usefulness and should silently slip into a permanent retirement.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 4:55 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 16:55:59 -0400

I wish I could say I wouldn't vote for somebody who hasn't served, but I'd be stuck without a candidate these days

Response by PO2 Steven Erickson made Apr 29 at 2015 6:10 PM

PO2 Steven Erickson — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 18:10:51 -0400

[Politics is no place for Veterans]

Let me expound on that...

Military experience - in my opinion - should be (almost) mandatory for public service, BUT the ideas that drove us day-to-day when in uniform may be handicaps for a veteran in politics.

I believe that the "military mindset" of 100% commitment to the completion of the assigned mission can be (and all too frequently, IS) diametrically opposed to the "compromise-your-position-to-get-part-of-what-you-want" nature of politics.

Look at those politicians who are lauded by their peers... they're eulogized with comments like "He was a true gentleman who knew when to compromise..." and "She was an honorable colleague who wouldn't let ideology stand in the way of progress"... show me that I, for one, would lose my freakin' mind as a politician. If something is "the right thing to do" on Tuesday, how can be "not quite the right solution" on Wednesday?

Just sayin'...

Response by SPC David Shaffer made Apr 29 at 2015 8:40 PM

SPC David Shaffer — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 20:40:20 -0400

I believe we need more veteran representatives, but more importantly, we need more representatives that are for the people. The ones that don't just claim to be for the people until they get their office. That's what our country needs. I hope I am in a position to someday run for office.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 8:52 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 20:52:57 -0400

WE as a group can and will become the main driving force behind a great American re-newel and i plan to be there. But it is my point of view that we are being attacked and splintered by the Establishment so we never understand. Nor do we attempt to take a active in Politics. We are feared and will be attacked from behind using any means possible. Including the government. Now just what do we do about it ???..,

Response by SSG Everett Wilson made Apr 30 at 2015 4:06 AM

SSG Everett Wilson — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 04:06:03 -0400

I find that my elected officials could careless about me and other veterans. My Congresswoman held a Q&A where she wanted Vet's to ask her questions. She only took a few and ended the Q&A before any hard questions came along and for my 2 Senators, since I live away from their hometowns, they refuse to answer any questions.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Apr 30 at 2015 10:34 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 10:34:35 -0400

Only when the politics involve veteran affairs, or defense, unless the veteran has extensive experience in other aspects of politics.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Apr 30 at 2015 12:43 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 12:43:23 -0400

To be specific, we are talking about "military veterans", correct? We already have too many veteran politicians...

Response by CW2 John Brookins made May 8 at 2015 2:33 PM

CW2 John Brookins — Fri, 08 May 2015 14:33:34 -0400

Yes, but as has been stated, we need more veterans in our citizenry. More people who have had to adjust their egos and find a way to accomplish the mission.

Response by SPC Corbin Doades made Dec 28 at 2015 6:32 PM

SPC Corbin Doades — Mon, 28 Dec 2015 18:32:08 -0500

http://www.veteranspartyofamerica.org

Veterans Party of America

Being a Veteran is not required. A desire to fix America is required. We are founded by Veterans, for ALL Americans. Join with us.

Response by SCPO Charles Thomas "Tom" Canterbury made Dec 29 at 2015 6:46 AM

SCPO Charles Thomas "Tom" Canterbury — Tue, 29 Dec 2015 06:46:54 -0500

That's a mixed bag. While I would like to see more of our brothers and sisters in public office, Olivia's is a dirty business. After a career working for the government it would have to be for love of Country that folks would want to head to public office. Not sure I want that for those who have stood the watch for our Nation...