Much is being made of Chuck Hagel’s enlisted status as a solid foundation for an appointment to the Secretary of Defense. Some of it hinges on his appointment thirty years ago (1981) as Asst. VA director before it attained cabinet status. As you can see from the article, there is much discussion on his departing due to the shoddy treatment accorded Veterans there.
At what was then the Veterans Administration, Hagel soon had run-ins with his boss, VA Administrator Robert P. Nimmo, who had described Vietnam veterans as “crybabies” and likened the health effects of the herbicide Agent Orange to “teenage acne.” Nimmo imposed tight budget restrictions limiting psychiatric counseling available at veterans’ centers, yet he spent more than $54,000 to refurbish his office.
Look up featherbedding and you’ll find a picture of Bob Nimmo. Hell, there’s probably another of Uncle Eric below it. There’s nothing new under the sun here. The VA post is one generally handed out like a political plum. The same could be said for Secretary of Defense. One would think it (the VA) would be a natural fit for an ex-military type (Jesse Brown) but that doesn’t always pan out as we see now.
Similarly, Hagel would seem to be a natural for this. I commend him for his stand against the “teenage acne” philosophy that infected the VA for all those years, but that in itself should not be the predicate for a nomination. One will notice this objection did not translate into a lifetime calling for his brothers in Vietnam. Moving on to Congress seemed to quench this fire. I worry that he may not have that fire in his belly to go head to head with the VA.
An accommodation between VA and Defense is long overdue. Is Hagel the golden boy? That’s the question on everyone’s lips. I don’t see it. As with most, this looks to be a case of featherbedding the IRA against his retirement. Were he principled and outspoken on Veterans affairs and defense all these years, I might assume he’d be a better fit. Everyone is entitled to believe he’ll see the light once confirmed. Seems we all felt that warm, fuzzy glow when Uncle Eric settled in at Vermin Ave. NW. Rude awakenings are just that-rude.
asknod
Bethanie Spangenberg
kcraveiro
robinhoodesqvetsatty
Wesley McCauley
Veterans Claims Help 
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/wp/2013/02/04/no-rescue-operation-for-hagel/
If this weren’t such a vital position, I’d say let the president have who he wants in his cabinet.
But Hagel’s probably isn’t up to the job.
Just a bootlicker, enlisted service does not compensate for his record as a politican.
Hagel made allies among the veteran service organizations that have lasted to this day? WTF!!! Having a vso as an ally will make it all better for us stupid veterans who are crybabies and have to much acne. Yes the man was an E-4 and served in my old unit 9th Infantry Division but those are not credentials. He is just another politician who sold his soul to his party and cannot control what comes out of his mouth. Separate the veteran from the politician. Guess who will get the nod from the good ole boys club…
You do not want Hagel in this appointed office…..we here in Nebraska are still reeling from the effects of Hagel holding a state office here in Nebraska……….Need not say anything of his VA appointment, only it is part of the 70’s
I report- you decide. I make no recommendations pro or con. Uncle Eric was there too and look at his sorry mess. For the record, I hear more negatives than positives to date from the military side. Nebraska has now spoken as well.