I've Got Mine

Jim Fausone

Veterans Disability Lawyer

Maybe it’s just human nature, but it ticks me off when someone has their's and then wants to deny others the opportunity to get the same.  I have seen it with people on property rights -  I have a swimming pool, deck, boat dock, etc and now the city should deny any more permits.  I have seen it with retirement pay from government employees -  I have mine now the city, state, etc should tighten up the retirement rules.  Here is a story of a Washington State legislator who has a 40% VA disability. 

 He now is the champion of cutting benefits because he does not want to encourage a life style that is premised on government benefits. State Sen. Joseph Zarelli  said the people in the state system were making poor lifestyle choices — such as drug and alcohol addiction.  "What I do know from those types of so-called disabilities is that aiding and abetting them does not make them better," Zarelli said. "If you enable people to participate in that type of a lifestyle — you support it and make it more comfortable for them — all you are doing is aiding in their demise."   It sounds like political rhetoric to me.  Those programs — Medical Care Services and Housing and Essential Needs — provide medical care to thousands of residents, along with temporary housing and other noncash assistance, such as toiletries and bus passes. About 60 percent of participants in the Medical Care Services program are primarily incapacitated because of a mental issue, while 40 percent have primarily physical problems, according to data from the Department of Social and Health Services. About 40 percent are homeless. The program is designed for people who are unable to work because of their incapacity.

You would hope that a veteran receiving disability compensation for a back problem would have a little more compassion for those in need.  There a people on disability or government programs that are scamming the system.  But the focus should be on weeding them out not ripping up the safety net for those who truly need it.  You can read more about this dilemma brewing in Washington State at :   http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2017919518_zarelli06.html