This is in response to a letter to the editor by Emma Arenstam, printed Sept. 25. If people want to receive all the facts about a government bureau, don’t listen to politicians from either side or the bureau spokespersons. Listen to the people it serves.

Go and take a look at Togus. It takes six months to get an appointment for a dental cleaning; the occupational therapy department is working out of two little cubbyholes with almost no supplies. The will of the hardworking staff is there; the money is not there.

If Veterans Affairs health care were changed from a discretionary to a mandatory funding method that might ensure that the VA would receive adequate resources to care for veterans who use the VA health care system. Mandatory funding would help with the uncertainty about funding levels. Bush’s proposed budget falls billions of dollars short of what is needed to adequately care for veterans, billions less than the bare minimum the service organizations proposed. Rationed health care is no way to honor America’s obligation to the men and women who have, and continue to defend America and now the world.

There is more information available at The Partnership for Veterans Health Care Budget Reform that includes The American Legion, AMVETS, Blinded Veterans Association, Disabled American Veterans, Jewish War Veterans of the USA, Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and Vietnam Veterans of America.

Mark W. Andrews, Wales

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