Pay disabled veterans now, sort it out later

Leopold A Potsiadlo, Las Vegas

Monday, June 23, 2008 | 2:04 a.m.

I would not be surprised had I received a phone call from my great-grandson informing me that he thinks he saw something very disturbing when reciting the “Pledge of Allegiance” in school the other day: tears dripping from the American flag in the classroom. Had he informed his mother, she would have instructed him to call me, a World War II, Korea and Vietnam veteran, to explain.

But how could I do that, if our own government can’t seem to solve this ongoing problem of shoddy treatment of our disabled veterans. If I did receive such a call, I would probably tell him not to worry, our leaders will do something to keep the flag flying proudly with no tears.

In the meantime, where is the outcry from the veterans organizations such as the American Legion, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, the Military Officers Association of America, the Catholic War Veterans, et al? Most of all, where are the outcries from our representatives and senators? Are they muted in committees while the affected veterans are reduced to poverty awaiting their disabled pay?

The solution is simple: Keep paying those affected their full pay and allowances until receipt of their disabled pay. If this results in receiving both pays for a month, so be it. If we can afford billions wasted in Iraq and Afghanistan, we certainly can afford to treat our heroes in the manner they rightfully deserve.

This is America, for Pete’s sake!