Mood:
caffeinatedTopic: "Solving a Problem"(9)
Not unlike the rest of the world, Frodo is adept at identifying problems. It is the answers that are so darned elusive, even to those critically imperiled by inaction. What follows is not meant in jest, it is a suggestion. This solution is not overly complex, although the problem itself is.
There are nearly a million military veterans waiting more than 250 days for the processing of benefit claims. These numbers include those wounded so severely that they are unable to earn a living. It includes those promised tuition assistance for returning to complete their education. The problem being that the confluence of veterans returning from two wars at basically the same point in time, and the absence of digitized information systems means that human beings are processing thousands of files, by hand. It will take years to catch up, and years more to modernize the process, all in an environment where there are few avenues for more money, and more staff.
The most capable people in all the world to deal with government are those staff people who serve Members of Congress. As part of the budgetary process, each member receives a stipend to cover administrative needs, including the staff whom they hire to answer constituent correspondence, serve the needs of the citizenry, and investigate matters of public concern. Who better to work, temporarily, to solve the problem at hand?
Frodo suggests that each Member of Congress, House and Senate, volunteer one staff-member to assist the Veterans Administration for one year. Assuming that it would take a month to train each person, that means that 435 people, handling one case a day (if not more), working about 200 days each in said endeavor, would legitimately further reduce the backlog by 87,000 cases. Admittedly, this would delay the efficiency of the offices of each Member of Congress. So? Isn't this one way for the legislative branch to address its miniscule performance level in the eyes of our nation? Isn't this one step to be taken by an organization nearly devoid of veterans itself?
And you know what? It wouldn't cost us a dime more than what we're paying right now. It might save the life of a kid who can't deal with the cards we've dealt him.
If you think Frodo makes sense, then pass it on. Who cares who gets the credit for a good idea, particularly when the need is at hand, and the answer is biting you in the butt.
