Seattle may give veterans anti-discrimination protection

Seattle may give veterans anti-discrimination protection
By SCOTT GUTIERREZ
SEATTLEPI.COM STAFF

The Seattle City Council is considering legislation that would add veterans to a list of protected classes under the city's anti-discrimination law.

State and federal law already prohibits discrimination against veterans in areas such as employment and housing. The proposed ordinance would give veterans an option within local government for filing a complaint, and possibly a more convenient route if they've been denied a job or housing in Seattle due to their military status.

City Councilmember Nick Licata, who is co-sponsoring the legislation, said the war in Iraq has raised the profile of veterans returning from duty and that it is important "to make sure that their needs are met" after serving their country.

A hearing on the legislation is set for Wednesday before the City Council's committee on Culture, Civil Rights, Health and Personnel. Licata, the committee's chairman, said the idea for the legislation came through discussions with veteran advocates.

Any active duty member, reservist or honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Services would be included under the legislation, which prohibits discrimination in housing, employment, contracting or public accommodation. Other categories protected under the law include race, color, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, age, creed, religion, ancestry and disabilities.

go here for more of this great idea
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/407038_veterans10.html

McCain Bush's pal and no friend of veterans

John Sidney McCain
Current Office: U.S. Senate
Party: Republican
Status: Announced

Veterans Issues

2006 Senator McCain supported the interests of the Disabled American Veterans 20 percent in 2006.

2006 In 2006 Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America gave Senator McCain a grade of D.

2006 Senator McCain sponsored or co-sponsored 18 percent of the legislation favored by the The Retired Enlisted Association in 2006.

2005 Senator McCain supported the interests of the Disabled American Veterans 25 percent in 2005.

2004 Senator McCain supported the interests of the Disabled American Veterans 50 percent in 2004.

2004 Senator McCain supported the interests of the The Retired Enlisted Association 0 percent in 2004.

2003-2004 Senator McCain supported the interests of the Vietnam Veterans of America 100 percent in 2003-2004.

2003 Senator McCain supported the interests of the The American Legion 50 percent in 2003.

2001 Senator McCain supported the interests of the Vietnam Veterans of America 46 percent in 2001.

1999 Senator McCain supported the interests of the Disabled American Veterans 66 percent in 1999.

1997-1998 Senator McCain supported the interests of the Vietnam Veterans of America 0 percent in 1997-1998.

1989-1990 On the votes that the Vietnam Veterans of America considered to be the most important in 1989-1990 , Senator McCain voted their preferred position 50 percent of the time.

Veterans Issues

Date Bill Title Vote
10/01/2007 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 NV
02/02/2006 Tax Rate Extension Amendment N
11/17/2005 Additional Funding For Veterans Amendment N
10/05/2005 Health Care for Veterans Amendment N
go here to see how the others rank.
http://www.vawatchdog.org/08/nf08/nfJAN08/nf012108-1.htm

Dave Matthews fighting for those who fight for us

Why do veterans have to fight for their wounds to be treated and to be compensated for what they have lost? What about the dignity of those who have earned everything they are asking for and need? Why do they have to beg and plead with the country for help that should have been ready and waiting for them? kc

Dave Matthews Fights for Vets' Rights
Load: jimstaro
Dave Matthews Fights for Traumatized Troops http://abcnews.go.com/ThisWeek/Voices/story?id=3378402

Voices: Pushes to Ensure Those Who Served Aren't Denied Disability Benefits Matthews Urges Better Care for Troops

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=3379596

Dave Matthews Band Petition Drive Urges Better Mental Health Care for Troops For more information on the Dave Matthews...Tags: Iraq Afganistan War VeteransRights Veterans DaveMatthewsBand MilitaryCare