Bob Dole and Donna Shalala

[MORTARDUDE]

Where did Pres. Bush come up with these two for the Miltary Hospital and VA Commission what ever ?

Dole is 84 years old. Shalala is not a veteran. I would have at least thought two Vietnam era veterans would have the energy and knowledge of the system to do some good.


Larry

[SparrowHawk62]

Well, when Dole says he doesn't remember, he's not lying!

[revwardoc]

In 1942, Dole joined the United States Army's Enlisted Reserve Corps to fight in World War II. He became a Second Lieutenant in the Army's 10th Mountain Division.

In April of 1945, while engaged in combat in the hills of northern Italy, he was hit by German machine gun fire in his upper right back. His right arm was also injured so badly that it was unrecognizable. He had to wait nine hours on the battlefield before being taken to the Fifteenth Evacuation Hospital. He began his recovery at a U.S. Army hospital in Michigan, where he met future fellow politician Daniel Inouye. His right arm was paralyzed; Dole often carries a pen in his right hand to signal that he cannot shake hands with that arm.

Dole was twice decorated for heroism, receiving two Purple Hearts for his injuries, and the Bronze Star Medal with combat "V" for valor for his attempt to assist a downed radio man.

Despite his age, he's, at worst, a very good interim posting.

[Advisor]

Smoke 'n mirrors...smoke 'n mirrors

[Boats]

You need current high ranking General's recently departed from the service to sit on the board. Then you may see something. Dole has too many old favor's he owes others. His service records are reputable but like others have said that's 50 years ago and much has changed.

Anyone Bush pick's is questionable. He's contaminated and hasn't really much creditability. Bring on those veteran's who've been working for the system or its improvement and let them draft up recommendations.

It's unlikely anything major will come about from this. It will be procrastinated and kicked around for 6 months before anyone will take it up for a vote on the floor. I would also presume that a congressional committee will have to be put together to look into the issues and make their own recommendations.

As the Advisor say's - Smoke 'n mirrors...smoke 'n mirrors

I think he's right.

[Gimpy]

Advisor said!.................

[MORTARDUDE]

I wasn't disrespecting Dole's record. He is just too damned old for a job like this. There should be two veterans involved who don't owe anyone anything, and young enough to have the energy to get things done. This is a charade until the next Presidential election.

Larry