I find myself compelled to discuss a matter that I never thought could be a problem at the Veterans Administration; but it appears that the Biden Administration is hell bent on making it one … Racism.
The latest edition of US Veterans Magazine republished an article that appeared in Military Times on January 11, 2023 titled: VA plans to waive medical copays for Native American vets … written by Leo Shane III.
The article is straight forward in its messaging --- Veterans Affairs officials soon will waive most copayments related to medical care for American Indian and Alaska Native veterans in an effort to encourage more of them to use VA health services. Officials detailed the effort in a proposed rule released in the Federal Register on Tuesday. They have not yet released a timeline for exactly when the copayments will be ended, but the final rule is expected to be approved in coming months. The department has already pledged to reimburse all eligible veterans for any copayments made between Jan. 5, 2022, and the date of that final approval.
Given the current climate in America regarding the establishments rules for “equity,” this latest move by the Biden Administration is a clear effort to buy additional votes for the Democrat Party and appears to be overtly racist on its face. The article goes on to try and justify this rule change by telling us that: “American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans have played a vital role in the defense of the United States as members of the Armed Forces for more than 200 years,” VA Secretary Denis McDonough said in a statement accompanying the announcement.
Let’s take a closer look at McDonough’s statement: “American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans have played a vital role in the defense of the United States …” Take note that he specifically says they have been doing this for the past 200 years --- that would make his supposition dated around 1823. But let’s look at some facts …
· Since the founding of the nation, Native American tribes have both cooperated and fought against the colonists along what was called the frontier. Recall that Washington fought against the French and Indians in the French and Indian Wars --- the Indians were fighting the British government and that by definition is who we were at the time. So, no credit earned there by the Native Americans.
· It was not until 1830 with Congressional passing of the “Indian Removal Act” that Native Americans were allowed to enlist and serve in the US military. While the records for that period of time are incomplete, it is estimated that about 1,500 Native Americans served in the military in the 1830’s.
· It is important to note that throughout the period of expansion west numerous battles were fought by the US military --- the US Cavalry --- against Native American tribes. Some of the more famous battles include the Battle of Washita in 1868, Battle of Little Big Horn 1876, Battle of Rosebud 1876, and the last battle fought against the US Cavalry, the Battle of Wounded Knee in 1890. These were all battles that the Native Americans fought against the US government and the actions of the Native American tribes were similar in nature to the rebellious activities of the Confederacy in 1861.
· It can be concluded that the Native American rebellion against the US Government lasted for well over 30 years whereas the Confederacy lasted only 4 years. Today, however, those who served in the US military prior to 1861 … such men as Robert E. Lee … have been vilified for their loyalty to their state, labeled traitors to the US, and their names and history are now being erased from places like West Point and Ft. Lee, VA. However, now we are told that Native American service to the nation for the past 200 years qualifies them for a benefit the rest of us do not deserve.
· According to the Department of Defense, approximately 200,000 Native Americans have served in the US military between 1830 and 2023. In that same period of time, the Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that … from 1830 to 2023 … some 41 million Americans have served in the US military.
I am not implying that Native Americans should not be permitted to be exempt from making copayments for medical treatment at VA facilities. What I am saying is that all veterans who are eligible to be treated at VA medical facilities should be given the same opportunity. Not to do so is racist on its face and another blatant vote grabbing scheme by the Biden Administration. We all wore the same uniforms and spilled the same blood, and some died for the same Constitution and country.
Since 1890, when the last battle was fought with the Native American Tribes, our nation’s Whites, Blacks, Browns and Native Americans have all served together. It has not always been fair and equal and the military, as an American institution, has worked harder than most institutions to fix the wrongs as fast as the institution itself would permit. To offer this benefit to America’s Native Americans because they served in the US military and deny it to all the others who have served honorably is a clear miscarriage of justice, is not equal nor equitable, and needs to be called out.
In 2023, 41 million Americans, both dead and alive, veterans who served this nation demand it!
Either everyone pays or no one pays … that is equitable.
McDonough, who never served a day in his life is misguided on this rule change and veterans need to call the VA and express their opposition. It starts by calling (202) 461-9700 --- or email: secretary@va.gov