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Military.net

VA May Begin Confronting ‘Extremism’ in Vet Community Nationwide if Lawmakers Get Their Way

July 8, 2021

House lawmakers want Veterans Affairs officials to begin confronting “extremism” among veterans across the country.

Inside a proposal introduced by the House Appropriations Committee was the following language: “The Committee is concerned by foreign and domestic actions to exploit veterans through the use of online misinformation and manipulation. These efforts to spread extremist views and conspiracy theories among the veteran community have severely damaging effects, such as spreading conspiracies that may have motivated participation in the Capitol insurrection on January 6, 2021.”

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The lawmakers cited the Jan. 6 Capitol riot as reasoning for why they want the VA to begin addressing “extremism” among the military ranks.

Here’s more on the VA budget proposal:

Included in the House Appropriations Committee’s proposal for more than $270 billion in department funding next fiscal year is language focused on “the unique vulnerabilities that veterans face online,” to include targeting of veterans by extremist organizations and groups focused on sowing division in the military community.

…

It also calls for the department to “establish a comprehensive, evidence-based program to educate veterans about malign influences, transition assistance to include specialized counseling services, as well as research into operations and methods to discern against disinformation.”

Military Times

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Since the Jan. 6 incident, the issue of “extremism” among the military ranks has been thrust into the spotlight.

During the Capitol riot, 14-year U.S. Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt was shot and killed after entering the building.  Many Americans have been frustrated that the identity of the officer who shot Babbitt has still not been confirmed by officials.

Back in April, the Pentagon ordered new steps to weed out “extremism” in the military.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the changes in a memo, which included several actions they will be taking to identify and eliminate “radicalism” from the ranks.

The Defense Department’s plan is to update the screening questionnaires for recruits with questions that ask about past or current extremist behavior.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Steve Achard says

    July 9, 2021 at 3:59 pm

    Wonder who is inspecting our House of Representatives for “radical” actions? What a bunch of “garbage”!!

  2. Aj Suarez says

    July 9, 2021 at 1:22 pm

    WOW…If you would have told me our country, ideals, values, liberty, religious beliefs would be in the tumultuous state and under attack by a radical, socialist, and communist agenda I would have never believed it. Believe it…and think it out rationally; There’s a widespread underground conspiracy that involves not only the media that has been manipulated and controlled, add to that the flagrant and widespread corruption, and malfeasance of high officials in our top government agencies such as the FBI, DOJ, CIA, and our Supreme Court that have been influenced, coherced, or bribed by this underground conspiracy organization that I believe is made up of traitorous wealthy Americans with Socialist, Radical, and communist ideologies that are associated with foreign governments such as China, etc. that have been planning the overthrow of the American Way of life and the liberty our forefathers and the thousands of men and women that have died for the principles and values we Americans have cherished. I see the way our country is going and being divided by not only the issues of Race, Gender, Economics, and Social and political issues but with our ideals that we hold so dearly that involve our freedom of speech and 2 amendment and other constitutional Rights granted to us in Our Constitution. Admit it or not, we are NOW and HAVE BEEN in a desperate fight for our Republic and our Freedom as we have known it. Open your eyes America, we have been experiencing since the Obama administration and beyond, a highly secret and widespread underground and devious and radical conspiracy in our country. Look at the very obvious fact on how our congressmen and representatives, be they Democrats or Republicans are yielding and not doing their patriotic duty to ensure for the security of of nation.

    Today, I posted this monologue because I observed on my I phone that the VA is looking into labeling Military Veterans as “Extremist” if they don’t agree with the current, radical and socialist ideology they (the current government officials and Democrats) are currently are trying to impose not only on patriotic Americans, but on our younger generations! They have attacked everyone that believes in the American way of life as Racist and have attacked our a Christian values. I do not have a Racist bone in my body, but if I speak out regarding my view that there is not a large systemic racist problem in America as certain individuals would like you to believe. I’m highly patriotic and have served my country in numerous military and civilian service both in the Army , being Retired from the Army both on Active and Reserve duty service after 35 years, and In addition after serving as a police officer and then retiring as a Federal Agent after 40 years. Wake up AMERICA, don’t you see what’s happening, just like what Lenin and other Socialist and Communist party members stated years ago…”There does not need to be an outright Social Revolution in the United States…It will come within”.
    AND it’s here!

    I see what the powers to be in Washington and the underground conspirators are doing to ensure the conspiracy continues and thrives. A major obstacle to their radical plan is to start attempting to silent and dismantle the minds and patriotic feelings of Thousands of Patriotic Military and Retired Law Enforcement Americans. One of the tools used under socialist and communist governments was to control, weapons(2nd Amend) public health, social institutions and policy, education, welfare programs, and Religious freedom. This will be one of the ways to control and ensure compliance to the new social and radical government as we are seeing now. We forget lessons learned in history classes regarding Germany and Russia, and we are now seeing happen in many countries.

    Like another Veteran stated previous, I swore an oath to the United States first as an Enlisted soldier, then as an officer in the Army, and again as a Police Officer, and civilian federal agent…”To defend our American Constitution and all the value s and ideals of Liberty and Freedom against all Foreign and Domestic threats”. Yes, against domestic threats! I pray and hope that the worst never happens.

    But I see with the proposed VA (a government agency) labeling patriotic Vet’s as Extremist…we’ll that’s just doesn’t fit what American values of what our country has stood since it’s birth in 1776 of Liberty, Equality, and Freedom.
    B
    If our current government see’s fit to trample on our rights and patriotic views, m and Label Vet’s as EXtremist just because we still uphold our values for our country that we have fought and many of us that have died for those principles, We Americans are in serious trouble!

    • Robert W says

      July 9, 2021 at 2:04 pm

      I agree 100%, our country under BiteMe is quickly turning into another communist country!!!

    • Danny says

      July 9, 2021 at 2:23 pm

      You are literally exhibit “A” of what they are talking about ..brainwashed ..belligerent and thinking the entire apparatus is against you instead of looking at reality ..the fact that the most dangerous group in this country are alt right miltias.from blowing up the Fed building in Oklahoma city to Murdering thousands.of people in Different attacks ranging from bombings of the Atlanta Olympics park to conspiring to kidnapp the Governor of Michigan, killing cops to marching in towns across the country openly pushing Fascism and Nazis..trust me the left.atent the threat .there is is no grand conspiracy that involves the military. its Generals .the FBI the CIA etc thats your imagination ..refusing to look at the FACTS that I just gave you over your cult.conspiracy thinking brain from going down the batshit.crazy Qanon rabbit hole ..there are no communist period trying to do anything to.this country despite you alt right nuts saying so over and over .it doesn’t change that fact..none of us on the left.are communist..in fact we have become.what used to be almost.conservative left ..its you people who follow the conman in chief ..idiot Trump.who by the way .incited a FRIGGING INSURRECTION AT OUR CAPITOL, THE HEART OF OUR DEMOCRACY..IN WHAT WAS ESSENTIALLY AN ATTEMPTED COUP..WHICH I DONT SEE ANY OF YOU YSPPING ABOUT 24/7 THAT.WE ALL SAW WITH OUR OWN EYES.NOPETHAT YOU MINIMIZED AND TRIED TO.SWEEP U DER THE RUG A DAMN INSURRECTION BUT YOU WANT TO TALK.ABOUT SOME VAGUE NOTION OF THE LEFT TURNING INTO COMMUNIST AND DOING WHAT?ASSAULTING THE CAPITOL U GUARANTEE IF THAT HAD BEEN BLACK MEN OR LIBERALS WITH BIDEN FLAGS ( WHICH WE.DONT MAKE BECAUSE WE ARENT A CULT..WE LIKE OUR PRESIDENTS.WE DONT WORSHIP.THEM) but if it had been a liberal group that was seen storming the Capitol. Busti.g windows and doors in,dragging cops out.and beating them .you alt right NUTs would be hunting them down and demand 30 hearings or more just like you did over BS Benghazi..but thats part of your MO .you are all the biggest hypocrites..get some help.Im grateful.somebody is going to start to fo something about the most deadly terrorists organization in the country , THE ALT RIGHT .PER THE FBIs own stats .they have killed more Americans than all.other terrorist groups ,including the 911 hijackers COMBINED..THE ALT RIGHT PRESENTS A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER TO THE NATIONAL SECURITY OF THE UNITED STATES PERIOD

      • Killerhabu says

        July 10, 2021 at 1:00 am

        dumb-as-craps in control ……….of what ,they can not control their own mouths let alone a contry so shut the fuck up asshole

    • Richard Punko says

      July 9, 2021 at 2:47 pm

      You are a right wing extremist. The military and the VA have a obligation and patriotic duty to identify and weed out every right wing and Christian Evangelical extremists they find. What is an extremist? Any one belonging to a white supremacists group, Proud Boys, 3percenters, antI government militias, the oath keepers, the entire conservative movement, tea party members, any group that supports suppression of voter rights, groups that oppose LBGTQ rights, any one who opposes abortion,all trump supporters, MTG, Boubett, EVERY REPUBLICAN official or party member any and all 2020 election deniers, anyone who attacked our capital and attempted a coup ‘d etas, anyone WON’T GET VACCINATED, WEAR A FACE MASK, AND SOCIALLY DISTANCE. THESE ARE ALL UNPATRIOTIC EXTREMISTS. ALSO INCLUDED AS EXTREMISTS ARE SECOND AMENDMENT ADVOCATES, ANY ONE WHO DISRESPECTS PRESIDENT BIDEN AND VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS. FURTHER UNPATRIOTIC EXTREMISTS, INCLUDED ANY ONE WHO CRITICZISES THE 1619 PROJECT, AND CRT. THOSE PEOPLE ARE RACISTS AND UNDER EDUCATED. ANY ONE OWNING AND FLYING THE TREASONOUS CONFEDERATE BATTLE FLAG IS?ALSO AN UNPATRIOTIC EXTREMISTS AND NEEDS TO BE OSTRACIZED AS WELL. AND ANYONE WHO SUPPORTS ANYTHING THAT GLORIFIES NATIONALISM, AMERICAN EXCEPTIONALISM, ADHERES TO NAZI IDEAS, has a Nazi tattoo and flag, ( swaztika).
      If you don’t support Pres Biden, women’s choice, separation of church and state the right to vote for everyone of legal age and support unrestricted voting by anyone with out a state or federal government ID if you don’t support making voting easier than ordering a pizza is an extremist, facist, and should never be allowed to serve in the Armed Forces or any elected or appointed office at local, county, state or federal office. They are dangerous, extremists and a?clear and present danger to America.

      • Killerhabu says

        July 10, 2021 at 1:04 am

        dumb-as-craps in control ……….of what ,they can not control their own mouths let alone a contry so shut the fuck up asshole
        and I am very proud of that fact because all of the points that you bring up only go to prove I am an american and you can not even spell the word let alone understand its concept

      • theleftismentallyhandicapped says

        July 11, 2021 at 4:07 pm

        Have another drink of Marxist Kool-Aid and memorize more Clicky words from the brain damaged mentally incapacitated Left-ist handbook…idiot.

        You make YOUR defacto president proud

  3. Rick Voeltner says

    July 9, 2021 at 12:35 pm

    Wait a minute why don’t they first take the board out of their eye before they to remove the speck from a veteran. The absolute worst President and Administration the United States ever had. What about his promise of Unity? Does anyone see any kind of hint of that? Impeach him. He demonstrates that he has dementia and even his own party are starting to see the evil in this man.

  4. Jim says

    July 9, 2021 at 12:18 pm

    Apparently, disagreement with the Dems / far left libs is defined as Extremism. If that is the case, then count me as an extremist!

    • Robert W says

      July 9, 2021 at 2:06 pm

      Likewise!!!!!

  5. alex grzybinski III says

    July 9, 2021 at 11:53 am

    I agree with you all above ? In the last year the VA Health Care System has went to shit !! Example I live in Washington State ( Bremerton ) I have not seen a live doctor in person for close to 3 years !! It seems the doctor’s up here think they can diagnose you by phone call or video call !!! In Nov. 2020 I was mis – diagnosed by a outside referral ( hand surgeon ) in Silverdale that I was having a heart attack because my blood pressure and heart rate was going up ?? tried to tell this dimwit doctor the reason it was doing this is that I hate doctors and dentists !! especially if I know pain is going to happen !! So about 2xx days later I get the med in the mail from my quack doctor in CBOC SILVERDALE WASHINGTON !! I didn’t know what it was !! finally got a hold of head pharmacists in Seattle !! I was informed it was med for my heart !! I got pissed !! this doctor was prescribing me heart meds without a hands on exam !! he finally had his nurse call me to apologize to say he jumped the gun without telling me !! see as you can this dumbass doctor didn;t have the balls to call me personality !! and to this day 07/09/21 the doctors up here at my clinic in Silverdale are not seeing patients in person !! reason Covid bullshit !! so this the whole clinic has had there shots same with me !! what are they affraid of a hard days work !!! thanx for your time Alex

  6. RJ says

    July 9, 2021 at 11:43 am

    Good read!

  7. charles M blackburn says

    July 9, 2021 at 11:40 am

    What is going on in our country? I am now considered an extremist due to my military service. No one forced me to join I did it because I wanted to. I served from 1962—1967 and would do it again if my body would allow it. UDT-11/SEAL Team-1. I was never asked what my personal beliefs were. I now see a violent political war being waged in the USA. It seems that if you are not a Democrat and believe all they say you are a upright and righteous citizen who only speaks the truth. Look what President Biden has done–Gas prices are very high and going up. Hunter Biden is now selling his “art work” for prices from $50.000 to $500,000 and the buyers names are being kept secret by a order from the White House with promises from the seller to look out for buyers trying to get politically close to his father. WAKE UP CITIZENS WAKE UP.

    • Robert W says

      July 9, 2021 at 2:09 pm

      Right on the money. Vet 63-89

  8. Harmon David Biehl says

    July 9, 2021 at 11:13 am

    My best friend anI dropped out of College to join the U.S.Army to show all the cowards and self described anti government weenies that there are still some Men in the USA that were willing to join the military and defend freedom in the world so help us God. We took the oath and did our best to be good soldiers. WHen we returned from Vietnam I for one had stuff thrown at me getting off the plane in Chicago in 1968 and I also was told to get out of my uniform if I wanted any taxi to stop for me to take me home. I still sadly remember that treatment the news people had whipped the general public into being haters and we were the victims of that political attack. Now I can understand the general public is usually dummer than dirt and willing to believe what they read, but really?????? Veterans are the ENEMY? It wasn’t till 2004 that the VA became a force usefull to the Vietnam Vet, such as myself. I did not know I had PTSD. I thought it was normal for vets to have night sweats and scary nightmares and shy away from crowds. Today I say this, “I am proud of my service.” I served with my brothers in DaNang Stratcom with pride and courage. Today the news people are at it again talking vets down and talking our service members down and honestly I would ask any one of them if they ever served. Picking on Vets because of political unrest between the red blue is just plain stupid and you people in charge should be ashamed of yourselves. I am not the smartest person in the USA but if I can see it many, many, many other people can see it as well. Get smart and look at the real problems causes. It will no doubt layed at your doors. Respectfully sumbitted…..HDB

  9. Richard Salazar says

    July 9, 2021 at 11:00 am

    Waste of money and time! Come on, help the brother’s and sister’s who proudly served our great Country..

    • Killerhabu says

      July 10, 2021 at 1:09 am

      I am a marine Veteran and damned proud to be so any body that thinks I am a commy just step on up and shoot your mouth off to my face and see what happens!

  10. Tomasito Pacheco says

    July 9, 2021 at 10:30 am

    If you’re a veteran who who supports extremist groups who aimed to stop people’s votes from getting counted violently….you’re a traitor pure and simple. I will support efforts NOT to use a single penny of my tax dollars to benefit traitors to this country.

    • Ignatz Feldman says

      July 9, 2021 at 10:50 am

      How does one “count votes violently “?

      • Danny says

        July 9, 2021 at 2:49 pm

        You assault our capitol in a Trump /Qanon flag waving mob of fascist nazis traitors while shouting “hang Mike Pence” .thats how..somebody needs to look into the cancer if fascism that is growing in this country and start holding the Alt Right responsible for their traitor ways
        For the thousands of Americans theyve killed going back to say the Bombing of the Oklahoma city Fed building to the attaxk at the Atlanta Olympics park to the bombing of black churches.and Jewish synagogues to the el paso massacre to the Orlando Night club massacre to the Charleston SC church massacre..to trying to kidnap the Governor of Michigan and plans to kill cops as a diversion. To the Traitor Oath Keepers assaulting the Capitol in a classic tactical “stacked” formation..is the violence enough or you like the rest of the alt right .so brainwashed you dont even believe your own eyes ??

        • theleftlovesKool-Aid says

          July 11, 2021 at 4:25 pm

          The real sadness is that you and the left (mostly all the left) are on the wrong side, God will reject you and you will die in your treaspasses and iniquities. Nothing you can do to stop it; except in humility, accepting Jesus of Nazareth as the Only Lord of Lords and King if Kings.

    • jim says

      July 9, 2021 at 10:54 am

      That goes for BLM anarchists and ANTIFA terrorists right?

      • Mike Hannan says

        July 9, 2021 at 12:03 pm

        Hey Jim – You’ve bought into the hate mongers who are turning our vets heads and loading them with all the conspiracy crap.. I volunteered for Viet Nam and spent 4 years serving my country proudly. Freedom of speech is one thing but lying that has become the norm is not speech it’s hate and as long as we allow it from our presidents and congress people and radio and television nothing will change. Free speech presupposes truthfulness – lying and creating and allowing alternative facts is going to sink us and is already against the law. The election was stolen??? My ass….. we just allow liars and weakling run the country these days. I’m one sad 78 year old watching his Nation crumble I wish I was 25 or 30 years old who could kick some ass not some physically and mentally used up old fart.

    • David says

      July 9, 2021 at 12:21 pm

      Posted by a traitor and Antifa enabler

    • Danny says

      July 9, 2021 at 2:42 pm

      I AGREE SOMETHING MJST BE DONE BY THE RISE OF FASCISM IN THIS COUNTRY .WHO THE F CAN CALL.THEMSELVES A VETERAN AND ASSAULT. OUR CAPITOL , DRAG COPS OUT.AND BEAT AND STAB THEM I JURI.G OVER 150 COPS M.ANY WITH SERIOUS INJURIES LIKE GOUGED OUT EYES.BROKEN RIBS ..AND .ORE ..THEN THEY BROKE I TO THE CAPITOL , LET ME SAY THAT AGAIN TO EVERY RIGHTWING FASCIST NAZI TRAITOR WHO NOW TRIED TO REWRITE HISTORY AND SAY IT WASNT ANYTHING..THEY WERE A MOB OF QANON / TRUMP FLAG WAVING LUNATICS AND 10% OF THEM WERE VETERANS .THEY TRIED.TO HUNT DOWN THE VICE PRESIDENT TO HANG HIM .THEY WERE HUNTING LAWMAKERS ..THEY LEFT FECES SPREAD ALL OVER THE HALLOWED HALLS AT THE HEART OF OUR DEMOCRACY..AND YET THEY CONSTANTLY ARE MAKING UP BULLSHIT ABOUT SOME LIBERAL CONSPIRACY..THEY HAVE NOW GOTTEN TO THE POINT THAT THEY CALL US LIBERALS .COMMUNISTS NOT BECAUSE WE ARE .WE CLRARLY ARE NOT .NOT EVEN CLOSE .WE ARE ACTUALLY CLOSER TO BEING REAGAN OR FOR SIRE EISENHOWER
      REPUBLICANS THAN ANYTHING ELSE BUT LIKE EVERYTING ELSE ..THEY NEVER FACT CHECK ANYTHING .THEY HEAR SOMETJING FROM SOME SINGLE MOM HIGH SCHOOL DROP OUT ON HER COMPUTER AND IT SPREADS LIKE WILDFIRE .I MEAN THESE ARE THE SAME FASCIST FU÷==WHO LISTEN TO SOME FAT GUY SITTING IN HIS MOMS BASEMENT WHO STARTED OFF CLAIMING HE WAS “Q:” ON W BET WITH HIS OTHER HIGHSCHOOL.DROPOUT BUDDY AND THESE IDIOTS BELIEVED HIM .THATS WHY YOU HAVE ACTUAL US CONGRESSWOMAN LIKE MARJORIE TAYOR GREENE WHO SAYS THE FIRES OUT WEST WERE STARTED BY JEWISH LASERS FROM SPACE!!! PEOPLE THAT FRIGGING DUMB CANT BE REASONED WITH .YOU CAN SHOW THEM FACTS ALL DAY AND INSTEAD THEY FOLLOW THEIR DEAR LEADER TRUMP WHEN HE TOLD THEM ” DONT BELIEVE YOUR EYES” ..AND THIS IS THE RESULT.THANK.GOD THEY ARE GOIMG TO TRY TO GET SOME OF THESE PEOPLE HELP AND MAYBE GET A FEW TO JUMP. OFF THE BATSHIT CRAZY TRAIN BEFORE WE HAVE MORE KILLINGS BY THEM MORE TRAITOR ASSAULTS ON OUR DEMOCRACY AND RIGHT TO VOTE TO.BE COU TED..IM.A. NAVY VET AND I DESPISE TRAITORS…PEOPLE.WHO OPENLY SAID ” SCREW OUR LAWS ;, WE ARE GOIMG TO MAKE OUR OWN LAWS AND TAKE OVER THE COUNTRY DESPITE THEM ONLY REPRESENTING 30% OF THE US POPULATION..THEY ARE THE MINORITY AND YET THEY WANT TO RULE THE REST OF US LIKE GDAMN NAZIS ..THIS LIBERAL VETERAN ISNT GOING TO STAND BY IDLY and just watch ..lock them all up

    • Truth is Treason in an Empire of Lies says

      July 11, 2021 at 4:34 pm

      How bout them tax dollars paying for innocent murders..so far over 60million… Bet you are happy to pay for more.. I mean pay higher and higher taxes so your De-Facto government can keep the sacrifices going.

  11. Gary Feece says

    July 9, 2021 at 9:51 am

    They dont understand the commen mistrust or see the abuses of power because polititions are getting rich while the rest of us (vets included see the writing on the wall). I swore to defend this nation and will if need be. God help us all but that is a three letter politically incorrect word. 27 years service, thank you all for yours.

    • MasterGuns says

      July 9, 2021 at 10:25 am

      All enemies foreign and domestic …

      Sad state of affairs when the government thinks they are the people !!

      If Biden honestly feels that the only way to overthrow the government would require f-15’s & nukes; why is he so adamant about taking guns away from law abiding citizens and NOT enforcing current gun laws to include addressing the inner-city gun violence.

      The pendulum has swung & is fully pegged in “Insane In The Membrane Mode”

      #DefundTheInsanity

      #Fweedom

      • Killerhabu says

        July 10, 2021 at 1:18 am

        hey top you hit that nail right on the head and it the dumb-as-craps can not see what they are getting into then they need dead I served as a gunny and that is exactly how I feel lets take all of the politicians and send all the illegals back south of the border with a dumb-as- crap under each arm and then finish the wall and do not let the traitors back in

  12. Richard says

    July 9, 2021 at 9:46 am

    This is a push by the dope Biden to further indoctrinate soldiers at risk of losing benefits. The BLMKKK is not considered an extremist organization but Proud Boys are. Any viewpoint anti Democrat party is considered extreme. Don’t want trannies in the armed forces – you are considered an extremist. Christian? You’re an extremist! Muslim – you’re good to go. The dope in chief is destroying this country every day.

    • David says

      July 9, 2021 at 12:27 pm

      Affirmative!

  13. willy-p says

    July 8, 2021 at 7:06 pm

    god help the united states of America. did 2 tours in viet-nam 1966 and 1968 (tet) Hue city, when we could not wear our uniforms at the airport, (protesters, hippies,mooneys etc. ) I feared for our future. all patriots must be accounted for NOW. lets stand up and be heard. we cannot let a small group of radicals take away what so many of our brothers gave there lives to keep. stand tall America, god is on our side!!!!!

  14. Megan says

    July 8, 2021 at 7:05 pm

    What a waste of taxpayer dollars!!

    • Ignatz Feldman says

      July 9, 2021 at 10:55 am

      What? Is a waste of taxpayer dollars, Megan? Clarify yourself

  15. William J Hall says

    July 8, 2021 at 10:45 am

    Veterans do not renounce their “Oath of Office” upon departing from the military. Those that retire are on recall status. Enlisted to their 30 year anniversary. Officers (except Flag) Until their 75th birthday. Flag Until they die.
    Those that have security clearances are required to obey the laws for 5 years.
    If that is extremism, that is the law.
    Civilians that are veterans speak for those that can’t speak out, the active duty.

    After 31yrs active duty, living my “Oath of Office”, I am now an extremist? The I am and proud of it.

    • LORENZO GONZALES says

      July 8, 2021 at 11:42 am

      Are we a military for a free nation or are we a force for a government control state

  16. Dave says

    July 8, 2021 at 9:21 am

    Just ‘what’ will be the VA’s definition of ‘extremism’? If a vet believes in and supports the Constitution( remember…we ‘all’ took an oath on that ) will that be considered ‘extremist’? If the vet is ‘patriotic’ towards our country, will that be considered ‘extremist’? Will it be the Left’s definition definition of ‘extremism’ or ‘domestic terrorism’? The definition of ‘extremism’ the VA adopts will be exceptionally important in just how the VA supports veterans. It is troublesome to think the VA is considering ‘extremism’ at all. That should fall under their psychological service referral program, already, to begin with, as ‘extremism’, in some things, can and most likely will come out in a physician appointment, at one point or another. It just takes an observant physician or nurse to detect it. Regardless, though, the veteran cannot be forced to get a psychological evaluation unless they pose an immediate threat to self or others…at least that is how it is ‘supposed’ to be. The VA’s definition will be the deciding factor. It may end up being a ‘BOHICA’ moment for veterans.

    • Jay Jay Smith says

      July 8, 2021 at 11:55 am

      Well said… From an agency who is supposed to serve Vets, it is now going to apply some arbitrary definition and criteria that are all subjective? Would having an opinion regarding this construct of further interference and trampling of our rights enough to fall into the red flag and extremism? You are right…BOHICA!

    • Ignatz Feldman says

      July 9, 2021 at 11:02 am

      Exactly, Dave. And watch carefully for that definition. Likely to be a broad sweep similar to all the “Communists ” with Hoover in the 50’s. Such as “if you don’t subscribe to their version of gun control you’ll be an EXTREMIST!

  17. Mark A. Chadwick says

    July 8, 2021 at 9:07 am

    I can only speak for myself … the military (Active Duty AF 1979-83) that I served in, didn’t have “extremism” in it as defined by today’s (misguided) definition. I served at several US bases and never once saw anything that is being alleged (levied) like it is today. Insurrection? Armed Insurrection? Horse manure! Pure horse manure! Are there challenges (to borrow that word) when it comes to the human race… yes, absolutely… have we overcome those challenges, no, not yet, nor will we as long as humans are humans regardless of ethnicity, color, etc. … we aren’t perfect and never will be… but one thing I know for sure is… I lived and served in the military where all members around me, were professional, in it together, and always willing to look out for one another… … as far as I’m concerned, my military service and those experiences helped me to be a better person … for the rest of my life… maybe that isn’t what others experienced… and that’s very unfortunate… Keep CRT, and other divisive theories out of instruction, policy, and the institution. Keep teaching unity, teamwork, leadership, and patriotism. Forget all of that other crap, it doesn’t add value to the mission or lives, or to the country.

  18. Ruth says

    July 8, 2021 at 9:03 am

    Don’t put politics in the VA any more than they already are in everything else. Leave it alone. Don’t. Stop and remember that most of us who are vets are very capable of taking information and processing it on our own. We don’t need you messing with us.

  19. William Kruse says

    July 8, 2021 at 8:40 am

    First the Federal Govrrnment should. Prohibit CRT from being introduced into.th the military. Before spending the first dollar of the $270 billion on anything finish cleaning up the issues regarding adequate Healthcare to the veterans. Identify the person who murdered Ashli Babbit. The Government and th VA should not embark Upon any tasks until the above has been cleaned.up.

  20. Robert Earlie Kearney says

    July 8, 2021 at 8:37 am

    The military has always been a haven for extremism its has been a culture. There is NO way that the upper ranking leadership have not known this. It is only because of the insurrection that we feel we need to address the issue or issues of a long standing culture in our armed services. Let’s stop being coy about what we have already known.

    • Rich says

      July 8, 2021 at 10:29 am

      Robert, say what? I served 21 years without an extremist bone in my body nor did I meet any of the thousands of veterans I encountered that had any hint of extremism. We all served for different reasons and under ditterent circumstances but the one common thread was we all loved the USA and strongly defended her against all enemies, foreign and domestic. We’re ther some bad apples, of course, but they were dealt with under the UCMJ. Did some slip through the cracks, yep. And many made it to senior leadership positions so we face what we face now. The swamp is everywhere, just larger or smaller, depending on venue, but it is always there. It is nature and must be professionally, maturely and factually remediate for mitigated, without emotion or political interference. Over!

    • Jay L. Stern says

      July 9, 2021 at 10:48 am

      Redefing “Patriotism” as extremism doesn’t make it so.. When I enlisted in the USAF, I recited, willingly accepted, and believed the following oath:

      “I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”

      Except for the sentence, “So help me God,” which I did not utter. The important part is “..support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”

      The part about “obey” orders is important as well. However as the Nazis learned at the end of WWII, the excuse of “following orders” did not exempt them from punishment for violations of Natural Law, also described as crimes against humanity.

      What the enlistment oath does not discuss, and which is a cause for moral conflict, is when the President of the United States is the enemy, whether by direct action, deception, negligance, or dereliction of duty. It is my carefully considered, unbiased conclusion, based solely upon the available evidence, that the person currently designated as President of the United States is the enemy of the United States. Opposition to that person, expressed in a myriad of ways, is Patriotism and is in compliance with adherance to my oath.

      It is clear from long history that Patriotism is not extremism, whereas the rise of those loosely defined as “The Left” most certainly are the extremists, whether as private individuals, public personalities, or elected officials. They are disloyal to the United States, they are domestic enemies, and are unworthy of their United States citizenship. I would encourage their arrest on charges of treason, trial, and upon conviction, receive severe punishment.

      • David says

        July 9, 2021 at 12:25 pm

        Amen to that, brother. Semper Fi!

    • Ignatz Feldman says

      July 9, 2021 at 11:16 am

      Ya Rob. Agree with Rich on this one. You sound like a leftist who never spent time in the uniform but developed some ivory tower, academic opinion of them. There’s kooks everywhere. But the wack -jobs don’t last long in the military and probably go off and start some extremist group that does things like invade the Capitol. And then call themselves “vets”

      • Danny says

        July 9, 2021 at 2:52 pm

        There were not only veterans that assaulted our Capitol a d tried to pull off a coup by making lawmakers stop the certification process but some active duty military..Im.a vet .E5 when i got out after my 3 tours as a Gun Fire Control Tech in the Us Navy and Im a liberal ..I destest TRAITORS and thats what those 1000s of Alt right Trump/ Qanon flag waving militias are ,PERIOD TRAITORS

    • David says

      July 9, 2021 at 12:32 pm

      Robert, Tomasito and Ruth–three Democraps

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