Obama Mulls Options for Veterans Affairs Secretary, Including Tammy Duckworth and Max Cleland

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Mulling over the liberal lefts list of VA possibilities I have to laugh aloud. The ligitimacy the left gives and credibility they bestowed on young veterans (fools) whose strategic knowledge of (the) war and limited knowledge of history gave them the impression that they too could become the next John Kerry, and use their veteran credentials as a means of whinning their way into political power, prestige and popularity, is all to funny.
Obama is from Hawaii and his selecting the Retired (Political) General Shinseki is even more funny. Why? Because in Hawaii's political circles, excluding Senator's Inouye opinion, the general is considered a "Pentagon Insider". Rather, a hack of the old system, all of which Obama was suppossedly running against.
The Left has got to be besides itself these past few weeks.

Rich of CA 2:29PM December 15, 2008

I believe that the Department of Veteran's Affairs needs some serious streamling. That Department suffers from the law of diminishing returns. There are SO many people who are involved that employees don't know who to talk to or direct veterans issues to. Whether to implement new programs or polish of the old. Which forms to use. Who to voice a complaint to and it goes on and on. That's the reason NOTHING ever gets done. The department is a frustrating big mouse wheel that veterans are constantly running on. Then they have the nerve to contract out duties as if more confusion is needed with civilian companies. I have a 3 year issue working with no end in sight. TAME THE BEAST THAT IS THE DVA!!

L. Johnson of VA 2:23PM December 05, 2008

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William A. Ashe of CA 8:13PM November 28, 2008

VA is one of the largest and most complex Federal Agencies, much to large for Ms. Duckworth to manage. Out of the list of nominees being considered I think only Max Cleland can do the job expected by the President elect. Max surrounds himself with great talent and reaches deep to resolve Veteran issues.
Another potential selection would be Anthony Principi and this would demonstrate that the President elect would be reaching across party lines. Mr. Principi is the only one I know that can match Mr. Cleland.

Ken Tyler of IL 11:51AM November 24, 2008

I beg of anyone who might read this...anyone...and i mean anyone except Tammy!
she is not mentally/eomtionally ready for this position. she is a very angry woman still and has extremely delusional ideas about the VA.
Secretary Peake has been the best influence on the VA since Kiser. Keeping him would be the best option, but i doubt it will happen.
Keep Peake!

veteran of VA 9:18AM November 24, 2008

I'm not sure but I must be the only one suffering from the pains of feeling poor. It seema being listed 100% Disabled means I'm at the mercy of our government and it's leaders.
I don't hear anybody talking abouta raise in disability pay. I know things are getting very tight, and my wife and I are doing without. I live in MS and home owners insurance because of hurricanes, has really gone up. I live about 2 hours from Gulfport Veterans Hospital and with normal bills and food, and I'm talking chicken not steak it makes it hard to find money for gas. We never go anywhere or don't plan to buy much at all for Christmas. We are used to doing without but it sure would be nice to at least live comfortabley for a change. I wouldn't be complaing except for the fact our government has $700,000,000,000,for bankers and wall street execs. I'm willing to bet the only things they had to suffer was worrying about what to spend all their money on. Must be nice.Has our priorities become confused?

Ed Kinney of MS 10:25PM November 22, 2008

Looking at the list, the choice seems to be between Tammy Duckworth, Max Cleland and Maryland Lt.Gov Anthony Brown (who you don't have listed). The odds on favorites (right now) seem to be either Tammy Duckworth or Lt. Gov. Brown with Phillip Carter as the Dark Horse. Paul Rieckhoff has stated in some circles that he is backing Ms. Duckworth for the position. However, as stated, Ms. Duckworth may be in line to take President-elect Obama's seat in the Senate. Max Cleland may be a good split choice (Vietnam vet with strong veteran ties) but would it be considered change and a new direction for the Department of Veterans Affairs (He ran the VA before it became a cabinet position). Bottom line is that whoever the Obama administration selects, they will have to show strong leadership and a quick sense of direction in moving on issues. Lastly, if the new VA Secretary is an Iraq or Afghanistan veteran, they must remember not to forget their brother and sister veterans, those from the first Gulf War through the WWII. There is already too much talk going on in VA hospitals, vet centers and elsewhere about being left behind and pushed aside for the Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and this will have to be addressed as well.

Joe Bello of NY 12:43AM November 22, 2008