By Michael Rudy Santa Monica
Being a veteran of Vietnam, let me comment on the V.A. to help the homeless vets. I used the V.A. for five months (lived there). They have wonderful programs for all vets. Homeless vets are always welcome, so why are they homeless? 1.) Drugs and alcohol. 2.) Wore out their welcome at all V.A. facilities. 3.) Don’t want help. All vets can use the V.A. but they must enter an alcohol and drug program. They give every vet three chances to get help (i.e., wore out their welcome or don’t want help).
How is the V.A. to allow homeless vets who go out and drink and do drugs every day then go back and sleep there? Is that fair to the vets who want help?
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 29, 2005. Read the original PDF.