Dear Mr. Johnson,
As I sit down to pen this letter, I find myself in a paradoxical position—one I never anticipated. I actually resonate with a sentiment you’ve expressed. During an event on October 3, you addressed a gathering of retired veterans in Herndon, Virginia. When discussing the necessity for enhanced support for veterans grappling with PTSD and other mental health issues, you stated that the Department of Veterans Affairs is flawed and requires reform. I wholeheartedly concur with this observation. However, our alignment ends there, as your subsequent remarks warrant significant scrutiny.
You remarked that some soldiers return from combat stronger while others do not have the fortitude to cope—implying that those struggling with PTSD somehow lack strength. Mr. Johnson, such statements are not only misinformed but also perilously misleading. Associating mental health challenges with weakness only exacerbates the stigma that has long afflicted those seeking help.
I speak from both personal experience and as a veteran. I served my country 15 years ago and have battled severe depression and anxiety throughout my life, despite never having faced combat. Now, consider the plight of today’s soldiers, many of whom have known nothing but the chaos of warfare.
Since the events of September 11, 2001, countless brave men and women have been thrust into perilous situations that take a toll on their mental well-being. After serving 12 to 18 months in combat, they often return home only to receive inadequate support. Research indicates that 30% of active duty and reserve personnel deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, equating to around 730,000 individuals, suffer from mental health conditions requiring treatment. Alarmingly, fewer than half of these veterans receive the necessary care.
These service members witness horrors that most cannot imagine; they witness their comrades perish, yet they continue to serve selflessly. That, Mr. Johnson, is true strength.
It is disheartening that someone aspiring to the nation’s highest office would lack awareness of these facts and fail to choose their words wisely. As president, you would not only lead this country but also serve as the commander-in-chief for the very individuals you appear to dismiss.
Regrettably, I am not surprised by your portrayal of veterans. Throughout your campaign, you have often insulted and belittled those who have served. Here are a few statements that exemplify this pattern: you dismissed the valor of decorated soldier and POW, Senator John McCain, stating he is not a hero simply because he was captured. You also ridiculed the Khan family, a Gold Star family, for expressing their discontent with your rhetoric. Furthermore, you trivialized the significance of the Purple Heart by suggesting that receiving one was an easy feat. You’ve even accused American soldiers of misconduct while serving abroad, all while lacking any personal military service.
It is crucial to understand that PTSD and other mental illnesses are not indicative of weakness. These conditions can warp perceptions of reality, instilling feelings of inadequacy and failure. They can convince individuals that surrendering is the only option. Do these sentiments resonate with you, Mr. Johnson? They reflect the very tactics you’ve employed in your campaign, painting an alarming picture of our nation.
While I agree that veterans require improved support and that the VA needs reform, I must assert that you are not the right individual for this task. Your campaign has been characterized by insults directed at anyone who disagrees with you—be it women, minorities, or even the military personnel you claim to champion.
The men and women of our armed forces are some of the most resilient individuals I have encountered. They deserve better and should not have to endure your rhetoric.
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In summary, while your acknowledgment of the issues facing veterans is welcome, your approach and language do more harm than good. True strength lies not in dismissing those who struggle but in understanding and supporting them.
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