Bob Sparks
“I’m as mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore.”
— Anchorman Howard Beale from the movie “Network”
Recently we learned of the scandal over health care involving the Veterans Administration. The story started in Phoenix, but is now spreading to other VA facilities.
Last week, Florida joined the story when three mental health administrators were placed on leave from the VA medical center in Gainesville. The Ocala Star-Banner reported VA officials found a “secret” waiting list of more than 200 patients. The mental health of our veterans can be just as important to their survival as their physical health.
Both Democrats and Republicans are expressing outrage over the treatment – or lack thereof — of those who served our country in uniform. What is being done?
Last week, Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki was called before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee to explain. The VA’s undersecretary for health care, Robert Petzel, joined him.
“The standard practice at the VA seems to be to hide the truth in order to look good,” said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash. There appears to be “solid evidence of wrongdoing within the VA system,” added Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.
During the hearing, Shinseki referred to the revelations as “isolated incidents.” The subsequent stories out of Gainesville and other places may point to problems far more systemic.
This issue cries out for some real accountability. Not long after the hearing, Shinseki announced Petzel was relieved of his duties.
This would be a positive sign were it not for the fact Petzel announced last year he would be retiring in 2014. That is like a big defensive lineman getting credit for a sack on a quarterback already lying on the ground. House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jeff Miller, R-Fla., characterized the personnel move as “the pinnacle of disingenuous doublespeak.”
Shinseki, a retired four-star Army general, also told the committee he was “mad as hell” about the situation. On Sunday, White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough one-upped Shinseki by saying President Obama is “madder than hell” and “I’ve got the scars to prove it.”
The President is appointing McDonough’s deputy, Rob Nabors, to head a review of the VA’s problems. With all due respect, it might as well be Jim Nabors, who portrayed the hapless Marine Gomer Pyle on television, leading the review.
Some in the VA already know an outside look is preferable. On Monday, the Daily Beast revealed accusations similar to Phoenix at a facility in Albuquerque, N.M. The facility issued a statement saying, “We are not familiar with the accusations, but will call immediately for an external (emphasis added) review as we take all allegations seriously.”
Administrations investigating themselves face credibility problems no matter the stature and title of the person leading it. Only a neutral probe can lead to true accountability and be believed by the public.
What will likely come soon is Shinseki announcing he is taking “full responsibility” for what happened. His immediate resignation is unlikely to follow.
Leaders often “take responsibility,” but rarely endure immediate consequences. But make no mistake. Shinseki will be resigning to spend more time with his family.
The drip, drip, drip of each new revelation will eventually become a flood, washing away the “isolated incidents” defense. The administration will have little choice but to make a move because more will come to understand the wrongs endured by these veterans and their families.
Veterans groups, none more prominent than the American Legion, have called for Shinseki’s resignation. The outrage is growing.
More people are growing “mad as hell” about the VA issue. It would be great to hear from the President. Not as Howard Beale, but as the Commander-in-Chief. Veterans would like to hear him share his outrage with them instead of his Chief of Staff.
Hearing Obama speak for them would go a long way toward soothing those who served under him and other presidents. He can then make the changes that must be made and we can go back to honoring our commitment to those who honored their commitment to us.
It is the very least we can do.
Bob Sparks is a political and business consultant based in Tallahassee and a veteran of the United States Navy. Column courtesy of Context Florida.
