Veterans group demands apology from Trump over comments on brain injuries

[Chosen Daughter]

Veterans group demands apology from Trump over comments on brain injuries
By Tal Axelrod - 01/24/20 06:56 PM EST

A prominent veterans advocacy group is asking President Trump for an apology over his remarks on injuries suffered by U.S. troops stationed at a military base in Iraq that was hit by Iranian airstrikes earlier this month.

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) said Trump “minimized” the injuries the troops suffered after the Pentagon announced that dozens of U.S. troops suffered traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Trump had referred to the injuries as “headaches" and "not very serious" earlier in the week.
“In light of today's announcement from the defense department that 34 U.S. service members suffered traumatic brain injuries as a result of Iran's retaliatory strike and President Trump's remarks which minimized these troops’ injuries, the Veterans of Foreign Wars cannot stand idle on this matter,” VFW National Commander William “Doc” Schmitz said in a statement.

https://thehill.com/policy/defense/479859-veterans-group-asks-for-apology-from-trump-over-comments-on-brain-injuries

[truth_seeker]

Read the article and watch the vid of words, not of context.

of Trump's complete remarks at the link, and NOT this negative ccherrypicked hit piece.

[Chosen Daughter]

Read the article and watch the vid of words, not of context.

of Trump's complete remarks at the link, and NOT this negative ccherrypicked hit piece.

I listened to the video.  Second time.  How dare he?  How dare he decide whether someone's brain injury is serious?  Of course losing an arm or a leg is a serious injury.  Any injury is, but brain injuries are very serious.  Would the president like to live with one?  Severe headaches for the rest of his life.  Loss of memory.  Losing the ability to function normally.  He isn't a doctor, and neither am I but I can say a brain injury is serious.

Imagine being the spouse or family member of someone who could face a debilitating life with long term brain function problems?  And having the president belittle the struggle that lies ahead for them.

What a moron. 

[Chosen Daughter]

TBI

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/related_conditions/traumatic-brain-injury

Symptoms of Mild TBI
A person with a mild TBI may experience:
Headache
Confusion
Lightheadedness
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Ringing in the ears
Tiredness or sleepiness
A bad taste in the mouth
A change in sleep habits
Behavior or mood changes
Trouble with memory, concentration, attention, or thinking
Loss of consciousness lasting a few seconds to minutes1
Sensitivity to light or sound
Nausea or vomiting2
Symptoms of Moderate or Severe TBI
A person with moderate or severe TBI may have some of the symptoms listed above. In addition, the person may experience any of the following:
Headache that gets worse or won't go away
Repeated vomiting or nausea
Slurred speech
Convulsions or seizures
An inability to wake up from sleep
Enlargement of the pupil (dark center) of one or both eyes
Numbness or tingling of arms or legs
Loss of coordination
Increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation
Loss of consciousness lasting a few minutes to hours3

https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/tbi/conditioninfo/symptoms

[ArneFufkin]

I listened to the video.  Second time.  How dare he?  How dare he decide whether someone's brain injury is serious?  Of course losing an arm or a leg is a serious injury.  Any injury is, but brain injuries are very serious.  Would the president like to live with one?  Severe headaches for the rest of his life.  Loss of memory.  Losing the ability to function normally.  He isn't a doctor, and neither am I but I can say a brain injury is serious.

Imagine being the spouse or family member of someone who could face a debilitating life with long term brain function problems?  And having the president belittle the struggle that lies ahead for them.

What a moron.

If you are "Chosen"?

I'd hate to see what the alternatives were.

[ArneFufkin]

TBI

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/related_conditions/traumatic-brain-injury

Symptoms of Mild TBI
A person with a mild TBI may experience:
Headache
Confusion
Lightheadedness
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Ringing in the ears
Tiredness or sleepiness
A bad taste in the mouth
A change in sleep habits
Behavior or mood changes
Trouble with memory, concentration, attention, or thinking
Loss of consciousness lasting a few seconds to minutes1
Sensitivity to light or sound
Nausea or vomiting2
Symptoms of Moderate or Severe TBI
A person with moderate or severe TBI may have some of the symptoms listed above. In addition, the person may experience any of the following:
Headache that gets worse or won't go away
Repeated vomiting or nausea
Slurred speech
Convulsions or seizures
An inability to wake up from sleep
Enlargement of the pupil (dark center) of one or both eyes
Numbness or tingling of arms or legs
Loss of coordination
Increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation
Loss of consciousness lasting a few minutes to hours3

https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/tbi/conditioninfo/symptoms

Wow.  Given that list of symptoms, I guess every human on Earth has TBI.

I don't want to minimize what the soldiers involved suffered.  If they were in the concussive blast area, they no doubt have concussion syndrome and need to be given care for that.  It is serious.

When the POTUS speaks of deaths and injuries ... in Iraq ... he speaks of DEATH and mutilations that require immediate EVAC and life saving care.   

Hearing impairment is a too often overlooked outcome of battlefield service.  Many vets suffer from that.   The stuff going out, and the stuff coming in is loud and concussive.   

Trump didn't know the extent of the issue when it was dropped on him during a presser at an economic summit. 

Grow up, Chosen.  Trump is not the Alpha and Omega of humans, but he loves America, he loves our heroes in uniform and he's the best advocate for our freedom and American destiny since Reagan.

I don't understand your bile.  Would you have the same approach to Cruz or Rubio?   Are you a Lefty?   Look in the mirror and figure out your personal ideology and express it once in a while.  Being against the President at every turn is not a defensible political dogma, it's rank lazy "look at me" quasi-resistance.

I've observed you here, and you are annoying.  Not because of your political ideology but because it seems you have NO political ideology except for "Orange Man bad and I am GOOD".   Couldn't be more boring.

[Chosen Daughter]

Wow.  Given that list of symptoms, I guess every human on Earth has TBI.

I don't want to minimize what the soldiers involved suffered.  If they were in the concussive blast area, they no doubt have concussion syndrome and need to be given care for that.  It is serious.

When the POTUS speaks of deaths and injuries ... in Iraq ... he speaks of DEATH and mutilations that require immediate EVAC and life saving care.   

Hearing impairment is a too often overlooked outcome of battlefield service.  Many vets suffer from that.   The stuff going out, and the stuff coming in is loud and concussive.   


Trump didn't know the extent of the issue when it was dropped on him during a presser at an economic summit. 

Grow up, Chosen.  Trump is not the Alpha and Omega of humans, but he loves America, he loves our heroes in uniform and he's the best advocate for our freedom and American destiny since Reagan.

I don't understand your bile.  Would you have the same approach to Cruz or Rubio?   Are you a Lefty?   Look in the mirror and figure out your personal ideology and express it once in a while.  Being against the President at every turn is not a defensible political dogma, it's rank lazy "look at me" quasi-resistance.

I've observed you here, and you are annoying.  Not because of your political ideology but because it seems you have NO political ideology except for "Orange Man bad and I am GOOD".   Couldn't be more boring.

BS Arne

Trump said there were no injuries.  He had to minimize the injuries that they sufferer to save face.  It is that simple.  But as this article say it offended Veterans as it should.  If he didn't know he should say he didn't know.  Not say they had headaches and it isn't serious.  It is serious and can lead to serious disability.  I call your post complete BS.  It is an effort once again to protect Trump from any legitimate criticism.  And in this case he deserves it.

Oh, and I may bore you, and I don't care.  I tried to give Trump credit for March for life and I only got the Trump treatment.  Which is the rude and obnoxious treatment.  You all sound the same.  Trump bots.  Singing praises even when there isn't anything to praise except your own BS.

What is really annoying about your response is that you make it about me.  It is Veterans that demanded the apology and Trump should give it to them.  If he doesn't its just another example of how he isn't the Commander in Chief you make him out to be.

[Chosen Daughter]

Let me help you Arne.  Repeat after me...………….Trump shouldn't have said that.  You can do it.

[Sighlass]

Not like he has Ben Carson right there beside him to advise him on the subject..... Heck the two could of talked about it while soaking up the limelight at the debate.


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[Chosen Daughter]

Not like he has Ben Carson right there beside him to advise him on the subject..... Heck the two could of talked about it while soaking up the limelight at the debate.


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Better to say nothing when you know nothing.

[XenaLee]

I listened to the video.  Second time.  How dare he? How dare he decide whether someone's brain injury is serious?  Of course losing an arm or a leg is a serious injury.  Any injury is, but brain injuries are very serious.  Would the president like to live with one?  Severe headaches for the rest of his life.  Loss of memory.  Losing the ability to function normally.  He isn't a doctor, and neither am I but I can say a brain injury is serious.

Imagine being the spouse or family member of someone who could face a debilitating life with long term brain function problems?  And having the president belittle the struggle that lies ahead for them.

What a moron.

Seriously?  Lol!  Take a chill pill, Greta.  This president loves the US Military more than any past president has, and has done more for the US Military than past presidents have.  That's an indisputable fact.   And another fact.... the feeling is mutual.   MOST of the US Military loves Trump.... so nice try, no ceegar.  And yeah... compared to having a limb blown off or your guts hanging out.... TBIs aren't "as serious".   Get over it.

[Sighlass]

Seriously?  Lol!  Take a chill pill, Greta.  This president loves the US Military more than any past president has, and has done more for the US Military than past presidents have.

Bone Spurs...

[XenaLee]

Bone Spurs...

Epic Fail...

[EdinVA]

Well, not real concerned with what the VFW says/does.
Like most 503(c)'s, their concern is their revenue stream and getting into politics (endorsements etc) would eliminate their tax deductible status so they seize opportunities to get their name in the news.  It is all the rage now to slam the president and misrepresent his statements and his intent.
The VFW has a history of decisive and misguided actions....

My stepfather, a WWII vet, took me down to the local post after I’d returned from what was euphemistically called an “extended” tour in Southeast Asia, mostly in Vietnam. Those WWII and Korean vets treated me like garbage and made it known that they didn’t want any “baby killers or any commando types” in their precious organization. I didn’t fit either of those categories, but they made their point. They didn’t want anything to do with ’Nam vets back then.
https://billingsgazette.com/news/opinion/mailbag/vietnam-war-vets-were-once-rejected-by-vfw/article_8118beec-e92d-11de-bfd1-001cc4c002e0.html

Membership in the VFW is on the decline and they will do anything to get their name out.

Millerstown Chubb-Stroup VFW Post 5049 is closing after more than 70 years. The VFW was founded on Jan. 14, 1946, and strived to serve the area's veterans and the community since that time, according to Commander Clyde Smith.
However, Smith said the post has suffered a "severe decline" in membership and income over the past several years, which made it too difficult to maintain operations. According to Smith, there are 21 members.

https://www.pennlive.com/perry-county-times/2017/09/declining_membership_dooms_vfw.html

[musiclady]

Let me help you Arne.  Repeat after me...………….Trump shouldn't have said that.  You can do it.

 

Why is that so hard??

He shouldn’t have said this because traumatic brain injuries are extremely serious.

There was no need to say otherwise.

And yet he did.

[catfish1957]

Let me help you Arne.  Repeat after me...………….Trump shouldn't have said that.  You can do it.

I'm not a Trump fan.  Everyone knows that.

But I'll take a Gaffe-a-minute POTUS Trump over a POTUS Sanders or Warren any day of the week.

Several years ago as a Manager, we were all into the Myers-Briggs personality trait fad, and as managers we were to administer these tests, find out which of the 16 personality types each employee was, and then fashion our mgt. style to best extract the best performance from each employee.  As complicated as it sounds, it worked pretty well (90% success IMO)

Outside the so called "tolerance aspect" Trump is a classical  ESTP.  I won't bore you with the technical details of how that is discerned, but one of the most glaring traits of an ESTP, is that these folks are famous for saying right off the top of their head what's on their mind, without any pre-cognitive thought.   These kinds drive "ISTJ"'s like me crazy.  But once you filter that fluff, "ESTP's" tend to be the most innovative of all people. 

At first, I refused to apply that filter, maybe being retired 8 years.  But now, I understand a little more of the how and why of the style of POTUS Trump.  Is he Ronald Reagan?...  not even close.  But he is better for this country right now than anyone else being considered.

[Applewood]

Regardless of the excuses -- e.g., oh he didn't know better (the injuries were worse than first thought) or his remarks were taken out of context -- fact is, he should not have said what he said.  He appears to have trivialized these soldiers' injuries and for a president who prides himself on his image of caring for the military -- including the average soldier and his or he family -- his words make that image a lie. 

Sure, we all say and do dumb things.  Hell, I can write a book regarding all the stupid things I've said and done in my 67 years on this earth  But a classy grownup would step up and say, I'm sorry.  I was wrong.  But Trump won't do that.  When called out on something like this, he won't apologize.  If he does say something about it, there will be excuses or he will blame someone else.  That's the part that bothers me.

[catfish1957]

Regardless of the excuses -- e.g., oh he didn't know better (the injuries were worse than first thought) or his remarks were taken out of context -- fact is, he should not have said what he said.  He appears to have trivialized these soldiers' injuries and for a president who prides himself on his image of caring for the military -- including the average soldier and his or he family -- his words make that image a lie. 

Sure, we all say and do dumb things.  Hell, I can write a book regarding all the stupid things I've said and done in my 67 years on this earth  But a classy grownup would step up and say, I'm sorry.  I was wrong.  But Trump won't do that.  When called out on something like this, he won't apologize.  If he does say something about it, there will be excuses or he will blame someone else.  That's the part that bothers me.

No disagreement from me. Note my earlier post around Myers-Briggs review.   OTOH, the attempted coup by the dims has galvanized many of us, who otherwise would be lukewarm toward another Trump term.  In my 63 years of life on this earth, I have done my best to avoid the emotion of hatred.  But what i have seen from the left the past 4 years has made me boil.  Wishing for Stephen Colbert's death nightly is not a healthy thought.

Bottom line, the stars are aligning where this is backfiring on the dims.  And take heart.....    DJT will not be POTUS January 20, 2025.

[aligncare]

News flash! Trump should not have said something. Details at 11.

[Mesaclone]

I'm a vet...many on here are also combat vets. This is a stupid hit piece, no more. These folks got concussed and that's something that needs to be treated...and is. The President and the nation honor their service and their courage. And yes, the president cares for these folks and nothing he stated contradicts that, but the truth is that in a major rocket attack such as the one that occurred, this kind of injury toll is miraculously minor. The President has done more to reform and improve VA med treatment than any President in my lifetime...and I go to the my local VA facility every month for treatment (so I KNOW of what I speak).

This article, and this attitude towards the President, are just flat out absurd.  The author and those promoting this garbage should be ashamed.

[catfish1957]

This article, and this attitude towards the President, are just flat out absurd.  The author and those promoting this garbage should be ashamed.

Well put.  Those detractors seem to easily forget how the Obama's and Clintons treated the miltiary.

[Applewood]

Guys, this has nothing to do with the sham impeachment going on now.  Separate matter entirely.  And to be fair --this is not the only article about Trump's misstep.  Others have noticed and also believe he should be a man and apologize. 

[catfish1957]

Guys, this has nothing to do with the sham impeachment going on now.  Separate matter entirely.  And to be fair --this is not the only article about Trump's misstep.  Others have noticed and also believe he should be a man and apologize.

If you were to compile a list of people or groups who Trump should apologize to for saying dumb things, it would be hundreds, if not 1000's.

But if you want to put style over substance, then that is your business.  As much as I dislike Trump as a person, a POTUS Warren or Sanders is a million times worse.  A united front against the socialist is needed if we want to prevent that.  Holding my nose and voting for Trump in November.  And unless you want Bernie or Elizabeth confiscating your 401K, I suggest the same.

[PeteS in CA]

If you are "Chosen"?

I'd hate to see what the alternatives were.

...
Grow up, Chosen.  Trump is not the Alpha and Omega of humans, but he loves America, he loves our heroes in uniform and he's the best advocate for our freedom and American destiny since Reagan.

I don't understand your bile.  Would you have the same approach to Cruz or Rubio?   Are you a Lefty?   Look in the mirror and figure out your personal ideology and express it once in a while.  Being against the President at every turn is not a defensible political dogma, it's rank lazy "look at me" quasi-resistance.

I've observed you here, and you are annoying.  Not because of your political ideology but because it seems you have NO political ideology except for "Orange Man bad and I am GOOD".   Couldn't be more boring.

End the personal attacks, @ArneFufkin.

[sneakypete]

Veterans group demands apology from Trump over comments on brain injuries
By Tal Axelrod - 01/24/20 06:56 PM EST

A prominent veterans advocacy group is asking President Trump for an apology over his remarks on injuries suffered by U.S. troops stationed at a military base in Iraq that was hit by Iranian airstrikes earlier this month.

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) said Trump “minimized” the injuries the troops suffered after the Pentagon announced that dozens of U.S. troops suffered traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Trump had referred to the injuries as “headaches" and "not very serious" earlier in the week.
“In light of today's announcement from the defense department that 34 U.S. service members suffered traumatic brain injuries as a result of Iran's retaliatory strike and President Trump's remarks which minimized these troops’ injuries, the Veterans of Foreign Wars cannot stand idle on this matter,” VFW National Commander William “Doc” Schmitz said in a statement.

https://thehill.com/policy/defense/479859-veterans-group-asks-for-apology-from-trump-over-comments-on-brain-injuries

@Chosen Daughter

I have ALMOST as much respect for the VFW as I do the DNC.