Government Dollars Hard At Work?

Have you ever walked into a Government center, and encountered employed personnel squandering our tax payer dollars? It has occurred to me recently, by visiting a local Veterans Health Center(I am a veteran)that our tax dollars that we so non-generously give up, are being wasted. After visiting the center numerous times in the past years, I have undoubtedly encountered some scenes that would certainly disgust the average American.

While sitting, awaiting for an appointment, I encountered a VERY OLD veteran, one whom deserved the respect of a President. This man made me proud, by his stories from the Vietnam war, and Korean war. He was one of the proud Purple Heart Holders, this in itself described to me, that this man had seen some troubling times. However, after his explanation of his encounters, many dramatic and sad, he patiently awaited for his appointment. After 2 hours past, seeing him in his wheelchair, still patient, I could not help myself, but to ask, why are you waiting so long, his reply: I always wait this long! Well, I said, since you have captured my attention today with your wonderful adventures in life, or some not so, let me help you.

I walk up to the counter, ask politely, please, this man has been waiting for over 2 hours, must he sit in his wheelchair in the corner for this long. The reply, "listen lady, everyone has to wait their turn". I replied, "of course I realize this, however, when was his appointment?", name is checked and verified, "oh, his appointment was for 9am", he will still have to wait, by this time, it is already 11:45. I said, note the time, when do you go to lunch, "15 minutes" he replies. I said, hm, well, looks as if you need to see him in 15 minutes then, is this possible, and if not, are you taking him to lunch, for he has not eaten since this morning I am told, and a relative dropped him off. The reply "of course I am not taking him to lunch, he will just have to wait".

The man at the appointment desk asked, "by the way who are you?" I said, well, I am also a veteran awaiting my appointment, which was at 8am, however, I am more concerned with him, I am used to wasting my entire day down here awaiting my appointments,(some of which I waited all day and was not seen) but you see, he, however, should not have to wait so long in his wheelchair, at least I can get up and walk around.

The attendant at the desk then, proceeded without interruption into a friendly conversation, with the attendant next to him, and had a wonderful rest of the morning, and afternoon, horse playing, eating at his desk, telling veteran's to wait until after lunch hour was over, and then they should be seen.

Time and time again, payroll in these centers are being squandered with our tax payer dollars, it is one thing to be paying for something useful, something helping the community, but for employees of governmental centers to be squandering away the time at not only the expense of the tax payer, but additionally at the expense of time wasted by the patiently awaiting VETERANS of this country.

I am disgusted by this repeated site, so, in trying to complain, I try to find the IN-CHARGE personnel, the comments are brushed under the rug, for it is only another COMPLAINING VETERAN, they should be happy that they are receiving their FREE health benefit(I heard under someone's breath as I complained one day). In addition, you would think, that when you make a complaint in Washington, they would listen, however, I was told, that an investigation only occurs if they have enough complaints about a particular center.

Is not ONE COMPLAINT from a VETERAN worth their time and attention? I do not feel bad for myself, I feel bad for all of the VETERAN'S with an arm/leg or other limb missing, or a mind that is not working properly, and they cannot make complaint's, they are in too much pain, or do not understand how to make the complaint.

Thanks to Joann for input on this article regarding the title.