Open Letter to Mr. Jeff Miller, Chairman of House Committee on Veterans´ Affairs

Dear Chairman Miller,

Your last visit to California, although not publicized didn’t go unnoticed. There were hopes that you´d stop in Los Angeles, the homeless Veterans capital of the nation. Unfortunately, it didn´t happen this time, but if you find time in your busy schedule to show up in VA´s ´´Hotel California´´, you will be treated to the unsupportable sight of our homeless heroes; you´ll see a Veteran Sanctuary serving as a dog park, and finally you´ll have an opportunity to hear from Veterans- whistleblowers harassed by local VA-ristocrats.

Secretary McDonald is big on ´´corporate style´´, but marketing like manipulation insults intelligence of Veterans and those who truly care about them. First of all, while talking about emergency, VA turns public attention to health facilities, but does not stress enough the greatest emergency of all: offering human living conditions to homeless Veterans.

Secondly, the term ´´whistleblower´´ refers only to VA workers. What about the most important whistleblowers of them all: the Veterans? Unless Veteran whistleblowers are given an official status and due protection, we won´t even hear about arm-twisting in VA health facilities or blatant harassment such as the following case: http://www.veteranstoday.com/2016/01/10/americas-flag-on-trial/

I quote this particular case, because it´s not only evidently coercive but also unpatriotic and particularly Kafkaesque.  Local honorable Veterans such as Mr. Rosebrock, have for years spend their weekends peacefully protesting the inhumane treatment of homeless Veterans; suddenly their activity is somehow punishable by law. When did American flag turned into ´´a placard´´ and the most honorable Veterans into criminals? Can VA fall any lower than harassing and threatening elderly Veterans with an arrest? Who is Secretary McDonald kidding with ´´I care´´ and how does VA police deserve ´´Protecting those who served´´ inscription on their cars while harassing our heroes?

Blaming “a significant change in the scope of the problem” for the undelivered promise (´´to get every homeless Veteran off city streets by the end of 2015´´…) L.A mayor Eric Garcetti simultaneously declared: ”We will welcome the Syrian families to make homes and new lives in our cities.” Moreover, Mr. Garcetti was among the mayors who signed a letter urging Obama “to increase still further the number of Syrian refugees the United States will accept for resettlement.” Not a word of protest from VA; instead Sec. McDonald went on giving his full support to ´´sharing agreements´´ which previously declared by Judge Otero as ´´unlawful´´ have suddenly become legal. Sec. McDonald´s ´´special assistant´´ Mr. Vince Kane has for years delivered nothing but theoretical solutions to Veteran homelessness and Veterans who call for an action or his resignation can count on retribution.

All these disgraceful events are taking place right in front of the eyes of homeless Veterans. Shouldn´t they feel betrayed? VA doesn´t stand up for their rights, Old Veteran Guard does.

It seems the honorable Veteran Mr. Rosebrock, the OVG leader did something more than hanging ´´a placard´´ (that´s how VA police refers to American flag).He is a symbol of battle for our homeless Veterans rights; meanwhile, L.A VA will pass to history as an emblem of systemic discrimination, corruption, Veterancide and despicable crimes committed against our protectors.

As a woman, I can´t help but wonder: apart from our honorable elderly Veterans, are there any men capable to say ´´no´´ when necessary? In case of Sec. McDonald I know the answer; now I´m directing my question to you.

During your visit in California, Veterans who tried to contact you were told you were too busy; please make some time before February 3, date when the Flag of the United States of America and an American hero will be on trial at U.S. Federal Court for the Central District of California. Our duty is to protect true American symbols.

I´m asking you, Chairman Miller to give your attention to L.A VA´s state of affairs.

In respect of your time I did my best to keep my letter short and concise. I hope you will find the right words to convince Secretary McDonald to respect time of our homeless Veterans whose life span is dramatically shortened by inhumane conditions, and time of Veteran whistleblowers who instead to be dragged to court should be thanked for their determination and patriotism.

 Best Regards

  Joanna Rosamond