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In reply to the discussion: SECRET VIDEO: Romney Tells Millionaire Donors What He REALLY Thinks of Obama Voters [View all]Victor_c3
(3,557 posts)I have a 70% rating from the VA for PTSD relating to my combat experiences and I collect roughly $1,500 a month tax free from the government. I joined the Army and fought in a war that I was ordered to fight in. I busted my ass in Iraq and gave my all to my fellow Soldiers and a questionable cause. As a result, I have blood all over my hands and a pretty severe case of PTSD. Much of my life is in ruins, I'm a complete freak when I'm out in public, my relationship with my wife and my kids is in shambles (I have a hard time expressing positive emotions like love, even though I consider myself a kind and loving person), and I can hardly keep a job in the civilian world. Do I feel entitled to the money I get? You bet! And I believe every veteran who receives disability compensation from the VA has earned it too!
I also received a veterans hiring preference when I got a federal government job. As a disabled veteran, I made it to the top of the list for potential candidates and, essentially, had to be offered the job before any non disabled veterans could even be considered. Is this unfair to others? Yeah, probably. I'll admit that. However, if I didn't have this hiring preference I probably wouldn't have a job right now and I'd get sucking down a 100% disability rating from the VA and collecting SSDI as well. Instead, the government threw me another bone and gave me the chance to enjoy gainful employment. I love my job and I love working for the government. I love the feeling of contributing to society and it gives me some sense of atonement for what I did in the war in Iraq. The government broke me and I fully believe that they owe it to me to help me take care of myself and to have the opportunity to provide for my family.
I'm so grateful for the help and benefits I receive. Without the government I'm pretty sure I'd either be dead or homeless. There is no way I would have any semblance of a normal life without our government.
Anyone who doesn't agree with me can eat dirt with the rest of the guys I buried in the war.