Veterans noticed they were not important enough last night

Veterans have noticed they have not been important enough to make it into the debates. Between what has been going on with the re-deployments, stop-loss, extra stress on the National Guards and their families, VA healthcare, attempted suicides, suicides, PTSD, TBI and all the rest the troops and veterans have to deal with, you would think that they would be one of the most important issues the candidates talk about but they don't. It's really a shame they are not asked to prove their claims on veterans issues. You would think that the report card the IAVA put out would have at least been mentioned but it didn't come up. Somehow I have a feeling that if it did, the notion about McCain being best on anything would have disolved. The question is, is it the veterans they media doesn't want to focus on or is it McCain's record?

T. Tarantino, Washington, D.C.: The last question has come and gone, and not one about veterans issues. Despite the rhetoric that we hear in speeches and around bars, I’m afraid that the issues that are being faced by the men and women who put their lives on the line for the country are just not a priority for the American people, and only a priority for candidates when it can score them a few “cool” points. Barack Obama has talked in the past about these issues, but not lately. John McCain is the most famous veteran in America, yet he chooses to not talk at all about them. They better step up their game, because veterans pay attention, and they vote.

V. Laporte, Detroit: All of the issues I had hoped would be discussed tonight were not even mentioned; though I am not surprised. It is interesting to note the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America’s “Veteran Report Card”. Sen. Obama, garnering an unexemplary grade of “B”; still has some work to do in supporting legislation concerning veterans education and health care. Sen. McCain, in contrast to his military roots and proclaimed “affection” for veterans; garnered a failing grade of “D”. Regardless, I would have liked to hear more from Sen. McCain about his proposed privatization and deregulation of veterans healthcare.

A. Arcangel, New York City: A lot of the second half of the debate was dedicated to foreign policy yet there was no talk about veteran’s issues and issues that our troubled military face. We have pushed our military, both active duty and reserve components. Guys from my old unit have just completed their third tour in Iraq and are concerned about where we are headed next. I believe both candidates dropped the ball by not mentioning what they will to do “support the troops” both in uniform and those who have returned to civilian life.

C. Schapper, Washington, D.C.: I am still stuck on McCain saying earlier that the military is one of his top priorities; however, veterans have not been his top priority. You cannot have one without the other. How can he support the military going into the fight, but not coming out of it? His recent voting record on veterans issues can be found here.
I am glad Obama brought up the importance on diplomacy. One of the best ways to take care of our military is to do our best not to use it until all other avenues of approach have been exhausted.
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