Steady as She Goes, Conservative Republicans

Representative Michelle Bachmann (R-MN) has, like so many Republican House members recently, suggested a basketful of cuts in order to trim the $14 trillion deficit which faces the US these days in light of the excesses of the Obama Administration. Indeed, seeing as we face a $1.5 trillion deficit in the current budget year alone, no sane member of Congress should not be looking at budget cuts somewhere. Yet what has attracted attention to her is the suggestion that benefits to veterans might be pared as well as to any other budget area.

The reaction has been typically, um, protective, to say the least. Richard Eubank, head of Veterans of Foreign Wars, has replied basically that he thinks she no longer wants to care for wounded veterans. It is a knee jerk reaction. No one, and the Congresswoman's office has said so, has called for cutting the benefits of veterans who are in dire need, especially those who have been severely disabled or otherwise injured while serving their country.

But it is asinine to argue that there are areas of the federal budget which are to be treated as sacred cows. They are all, seen by themselves through the eyes of those who have an interest in them, sacred cows. Are there truly no areas of Veterans Affairs which could not stand a bit of paring? Are there in fact no aspects of government, particularly on a national level, which could not spend taxpayer money more wisely?

That support for our veterans should be a high priority in Washington is not being questioned. Yet there is a point where it is fair to ask about the responsibilities of their caregivers towards us. Yes, many veterans - too many - have had to voluntarily risk their lives for the well being of the rest of us, and they have done so valiantly and without regard to personal well being. Too many have fought, been wounded, and died for us. It is a reflection of an imperfect world; that their actions are heroic is beyond argument. Seeing to the necessities of these warriors who need long term care is an obligation for which we would not be human if we did not honor. But that is not to say that their representatives spend all their money in the best manner either.

If we are to tame this beast we must do it as comprehensively as possible. That must mean no sacred cows. Responsibility is not borne of idol worship.