Should veterans lose government assistance after committing certain crimes?

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   peeplesposted 12 years ago

   Should veterans lose government assistance after committing certain crimes?
   
   I understand respecting those who fight for our country, but should a veteran rapist really get free health care?

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2. 72

   BLACKANDGOLDJACKposted 12 years ago

   Hell yes they should lose government benefits paid by us, the taxpayers, if they are convicted of certain felonies. Heath care, pension benefits, et al. We, the taxpayers, are paying for the trials and incarceration, etc., and we should not be picking up the tab for benefits. Incidentally, I'm a veteran.
   
   But this shouldn't just apply to veterans. It should apply to any government employee. There is a controversy now in PA about the pensions of Jerry Sandusky and Graham Schulz, Penn State VP accused of perjury. Sandusky likely will continue to collect his pension, while Schulz may lose his if he is convicted of perjury.

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      peeplesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I agree it should be all government employees.

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3. 58

   fpherj48posted 12 years ago

   peeples....this is a tough one, since this country doesn't do nearly enough for our Vets, in my opinion.  But,rationally speaking, when you suggest "rape," I don't think there's any question that a Vet would loose government assistance.....amongst many other things.  A crime is a crime, despite who commits it. 
   Ironically, if he is found guilty and sentenced, (and let's hope that he is)....his living "arrangements" will be paid for by the government in total, now won't they?  Health care in prison may not be the best, but inmates are taken care of, from A to Z!!!
   After release, I'm afraid this Vet would be once again, just as any other citizen,free to apply for government assistance.  Crazy System, crazy cycle......??

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      peeplesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      This cycle is my issue. My tax money goes toward saving the lives of rapist. Just doesn't seem right.

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   MizBejabbersposted 12 years ago

   I wish you had been a little more specific with the question. If you mean when the rapist gets out of prison, then I don't think the veteran deserves any continuing government compensation. This brings up another question, though. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I'm thinking that the prison gets the pension to pay for the inceration while the person is incercerated. I could be wrong, and somebody please correct me if I am.

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      MizBejabbersposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      How did I typo so badly on the spelling of "incarceration"? I know how to spell it, I really do. I apologize.

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      peeplesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Yes I had meant once they are released. I don't understand why the VA will continue to cover pediophiles and other horrible people with our tax dollars.

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   Jim Bryanposted 12 years ago

   Active Duty Personnel, Reservists, and Guardsmen convicted of felonies do not normally receive discharges which allow them to draw benefits (Dishonorable discharges tend to follow felonies committed while in the military).
   
   Military veterans who are convicted of felony crimes after discharge may lose certain benefits while incarcerated:
   
   1. Disability payments are reduced by 50% upon the 61st day of incarceration for a felony.
   2. No other medical benefits through the VA while in custody of another government agency which is responsible for health care (i.e. a prison).
   3. All military pensions are suspended during incarceration (for any offense - felony or misdemeanor) upon the 61st day until the date of release. They are not transferred to the prison, they are simply suspended.
   4. Remaining benefits may be claimed by the dependents of the incarcerated veteran, if eligible.
   
   Non-veteran and veteran felons alike, get "free healthcare" while incarcerated.
   
   Veterans (and all other federal employees) can lose all benefits if they commit treason, espionage, sabotage, or other national security violations under the HISS Act and its revisions (5 USC § 8312). Rape is not one of the items listed.

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      peeplesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      2. But yet they give it right back when the person gets out. The last line of this gets me. How is something like that not listed?!?

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      MizBejabbersposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Jim Bryan, thanks for the clarification. M state confiscates all pensions it can to pay for the incarceration, but I guess the federal government can withhold the pensions if it wishes. Also here “free” health care for the incarcerated consists mainl

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