Betty Ussach-Schwartz: The golden age of hypocrisy 

Historians analyzing and writing about the first quarter of the 21st century of the United States should deem it the Golden Age of Hypocrisy. And nothing so clearly falls into this category as how surviving war veterans are denied the services, respect and glory that they have earned.

Several times a year politicians and officials comment or make speeches about the fallen soldiers with great solemnity and honor, but for those returning war veterans with presumptive serious illness, PTSD, homelessness and addictions that are attributed to their wartime service, there are insufficient medical and mental services, inexcusable delays in hearings and access to life-saving or affirming services and compensation.

The same hypocrisy applies to the survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks who valiantly, without concern for their own lives, and ultimately their health, assisted people trapped or attempting to flee the horrendous debacle. Honored in speech on the anniversary of the attack, they have had to wage an unnecessary campaign to receive compensation for lost health, income, and mental disabilities.

Veterans have, unfortunately, learned that those who have power over the benefits they are entitled to receive should be watched as to what they do rather than what they say.

Betty Ussach-Schwartz

Southampton