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From the forums

OBAMA HELPS VETS

First, vets will have to help themselves and not rely on the government. I encourage all veterans to join the American Legion, they are a strong advocate for veterans’ rights. Second, we need to keep in mind that many of us volunteered post-draft, and we shouldn’t develop a culture of “victimhood,” nor should we trust anyone to “take care of us” without taking care of ourselves first. Third, the best veterans’ advocates are other vets. I see a lot of my Vietnam-era brothers volunteering in Veterans Affairs and other facilities. This is not only very caring, but it’s also cathartic and aids in the healing of both parties. Fourth, all vets should be working hard to educate themselves formally and get involved in government.

— MPLisa

ADMIRAL: NAVY MUST ‘DE-ROMANTICIZE’ PIRACY

Until the region is stabilized and Somalia has a functioning government that can enforce the rule of law both on land and at sea, piracy will continue. Without a functioning government, there is no stability in the economy or education. Piracy is just one of the many issues resulting from a failed-state status. The solution to piracy requires a multifaceted approach that addresses not only the immediate suppression of piracy by military forces but helps to resolve the issues of government and economic instability. It also requires the cooperation of Gulf of Aden/Indian Ocean littoral states to act together as a driving force to eliminate the problem.

— Sandi

GOVERNMENT-RUN HEALTH CARE MIGHT WORK

We expect the government to provide other human services — police, fire, social work, etc. We are the only G-8 nation currently ranked behind Costa Rica in caring for our sick. Our “independent, do-it-yourself” attitude has precluded us from learning from other countries. It’s not a socialized system that is being presented. It’s called “single-payer,” and it’s just another form of health insurance. You don’t want it, don’t take it.

— KFROEDE

I have been retired for more than 10 years now. My wife and I are enrolled in the [Womack Army Medical Center] Family Practice Clinic at Fort Bragg, N.C., under Tricare Prime. We have zero complaints about the care we receive. We have been treated well and are treated like we are on active duty. Tricare is a model for things that work well when properly managed.

— cinngary