by Ted Sherman

Created on: March 07, 2007   Last Updated: September 09, 2008

Of course, Congress will make a thorough study of the treatment of wounded and sick service personnel. But that will take months of haggling, accusations and noble speechmaking. The terrible conditions are there now ... today ... this minute. Actions must happen immediately to restore Walter Reed Army Medical Center to its proper condition for caring for those who've served their country.

However, if one of the most prestigious Washington military hospitals is in such a disgraceful state, it doesn't take much imagination to realize the entire system may have broken down throughout all the service medical facilities. While those in Congress, who get free treatment there and at the Bethesda Naval Hospital, are mulling over the conditions nearby, they should look into the entire sytem throughout the US and abroad.

Another service-related poor medical care problem has been around for years. My medical specialist spouse consulted at veterans' hospitals for many years, and found conditions at them ranging from barely adequate to terrible. Every once in awhile, some newspaper or TV reporter has featured stories showing examples of poor care for veterans, but whatever interest was stirred up, it was quickly ignored while the US public went back to its fascination for dead bimbos or those who are dead from the neck up.

It is certainly a good step that the conditions at Walter Reed have been highly publicized, and all the noble political speeches and panels are promising action. The question is: will the improvements be immediate and effective, or will they be in the spotlight for a few days and then ignored by the Congress, the Army and the American public?

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