Flashback to 2004: Edwards Swung into Action on Veterans Care (VA CARES Commission)

[CorpGovActivist]

Senator Edwards and his staff swung into action on these issues, and they've been paying close attention ever since the 2004 campaign. The acronym CARES stands for http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=va+%22cares+commission%22">Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services.

Orwell to English translation? We're going to shut down VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) in blue Congressional districts/states (VISNs) and open gleaming new ones in reliably red ones; oh, and the closed properties will be sold off for a song by the Federal Government as "distressed property" to major real estate developers, privatizing the property in a fire sale.

- Dave

P.S. To be fair, and to her lasting credit, Senator Clinton also did a great deal of work on this issue, given how many facilities were targeted in New York. Senators Byrd and Rockefeller, along with my hometown Member of Congress, also stayed on top of this http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=va+%22cares+commission%22+beckley">renewed sneak attack on veterans' health care.

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From: David Smith <redacted>
Sent: Thursday, October 21, 2004 10:37 AM
To: <redacted Kerry/Edwards official>
Cc: <redacted Kerry/Edwards official>
Subject: VA CARES Update

Mr(s). X -

Proposals for the VA CARES solicitation are due to the VA's Office of Strategic Initiatives on Wednesday, October 27th. The VA has indicated that work will begin in December 2004 (suggesting a quick award date, immediately following the election), and will end in December 2005 (during the congressional recess).

Privatization of veterans care facilities, closures, and sweetheart real estate deals (selling VA real estate in prime markets and relocating the veterans) is at issue. The team my company is putting together is comprised of privatization experts and subject matter experts who specialize in creative real estate transactions that put a fig leaf on privatization. The team will be led by a heavyweight GOP Hill senior committee staffer who has been practically handpicked by the Administration, with the nod and wink understanding that we'll get the contract if we have this guy heading up our team (see the requirement in the solicitation for a "National Project Manager").

If the campaign has decided to pass on this issue, I defer to your judgment, but would like to go ahead and clue in Rockefeller, Byrd, Rahall, and the Washington Post about it. The Post ran a front-page, top-of-the-fold article on veterans claims backlogs on Sunday, October 3rd that I think might dovetail nicely with this story. More importantly, this story could make a decisive difference in states such as OH, PA, and WV, where the idea that the Administration and the Hill leadership would be closing rural VA medical facilities at a time when new veterans are entering the system would not go over well (especially if it looks like the whole thing is timed to kick off right after the election, which is precisely the case).

Continued best wishes on the campaign trail.

Sincerely,

- Dave
(phone)
(e-mail)

[saltpoint]

1. I sure do like this post.

It praises a Dem candidate or two without slamming anyone and asks focus on a crucial interest to our country.

Bravo, and thank you.

[CorpGovActivist]

2. When It Comes to Veterans Healthcare...

... the issue is simply too important. My grandfather was a flight instructor for pilots during WW II, and he spent his few remaining years in and out of the VAMC in Beckley, WV. The camaraderie and rapport he found there was an immense comfort to him.

I would be churlish and uncharitable if I did not give a tip of the hat to Senator Clinton on this; she has done good work on this issue, but I think Edwards has done more.

But then, I'm just a Rethuglican operative, so what do I know?

; )

- Dave

[saltpoint]

4. I hear you. This should be much more in public focus. Your was

gracious to all contributors and reminds us of the lives of our veterans, and their needs, and the respect they deserve.

Great post, CorpGovActivist.

[CorpGovActivist]

5. Thanks! I Think KO Helped Kick This up a Notch Last Night...

... when Edwards appeared (RAWKED) on his show, too.

: )

- Dave

[BuelahWitch]

3. I'm glad to see you're still here

:pals: And posting some good stuff about John!

[CorpGovActivist]

6. Hey, If John Can Hang thru the Convention...

:patriot:

; )

- Dave