Not On My Watch

As a veteran, I am appalled by the recent actions of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, which have resulted in significant cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These cuts are not just numbers on a budget sheet; they represent a direct attack on the health and well-being of those who have served our country. The VA has been a lifeline for countless veterans, providing essential healthcare services, mental health support, and other critical resources. However, under the guise of "efficiency," DOGE has implemented sweeping cuts that threaten to dismantle this vital institution. The abrupt pause on these cuts following backlash from lawmakers and veterans' organizations is a temporary relief, but it does not undo the damage already done. Historically, the VA has faced numerous challenges and criticisms, but it has also been a symbol of our nation's commitment to its veterans. From its establishment in 1930 to its expansion under ...

Today’s meeting between President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office was nothing short of a diplomatic disaster. As a veteran, I watched with a heavy heart as the leaders of two nations, one of which I served, engaged in a heated and disrespectful exchange that left me deeply disappointed. The meeting, intended to discuss a potential agreement involving Ukraine's rare earth minerals and the ongoing war with Russia, quickly devolved into a shouting match. Trump and Vance berated Zelenskyy, accusing him of being ungrateful and disrespectful to the United States. Trump went as far as to suggest that Zelenskyy was gambling with the lives of millions and potentially triggering World War III. As someone who has served this country, I believe in the values of respect, diplomacy, and support for our allies. Watching our leaders dismiss and belittle a foreign president who is fighting for his country's survival was dishe...