We did something different on Fox News Sunday today. Instead of discussing the week's news--we brought something up that I suspect most people have never heard about.
It is a 51-page end-of-life counseling book the Department of Veterans Affairs is now using--called "Your Life, Your Choices." I learned about it on Wednesday--in an article in the Wall Street Journal--under the title "Death Book for Veterans."
As of July 2nd, the VA is referring veterans to the book. That's interesting in itself, because the Bush Administration ended use of the book in 2007. And it has now been reinstated. What makes the book controversial is that--according to critics--it seems to push veterans in the direction of "pulling the plug." For instance--page 21 is a worksheet in which the veteran is asked to consider various situations and then check--whether in each case, life would be "difficult, but acceptable"--"worth living, but just barely"--or "not worth living."
You might think that the scenarios would involve irreversible comas and the like. But no--they include: "I can no longer walk but get around in a wheelchair"--"I live in a nursing home"--"I am a severe financial burden on my family"--and "I cannot seem to 'shake the blues'".
We had a fascinating segment on FNS today about the workbook. First--we talked with Jim Towey--the man who broke the story. He helped end use of the book under President Bush, and was shocked to see it has now been reinstated. He says the message of the work book is clear: hurry up and die. And he says--when government can steer vulnerable individuals to conclude that life is not worth living--"who needs death panels?"
Then--we talked with VA Assistant Secretary Tammy Duckworth--who insisted on being interviewed separately. She said the workbook is just one of many reference tools the VA makes available--and that it is currently being revised. However, as we pointed out, it is still up on the VA website.
I hope you will watch the FNS segment and check out the link to the workbook on the blog--so you can read it for yourself.
Mr Wallace:
RE:VA Death Book
If a DVA Deputy Secretary is willing to, at best, misrepresent the truth on national TV, just imagine what it it like for veterans to crawl through the VA maze for a service connected disability claim to be approved. The agency is broken and needs a culture change. PLEASE continue to probe the VA and move on to the disability claim process and other areas. You will find an agency filled with comtempt for veterans and, at best, incompetent.
What is really sad for veterans and the care they receive at VA hospitals is that a retired Army 4-star is running that agency.
When G.W. found out about the "death book" in 2007 he ordered it be locked up and not used. Along comes shinseki and duckworth and the book is once again placed on the VA's website. I couldn't help but laugh when I heard duckworth LIE about the book, on national television, not being on the website, yet there is evidence it has been on the site since July 2009.
I find it hard to believe that some of you do not have any common sense. Have you not heard about all the veterans that have been compromised because of the VA health care? What do you all need, someone to draw you a picture! Do you feel that all the news about veterans being infected with AIDS and Hep C is a lie? This death book is just the beginning about what the VA does to veterans. Think with your mind and not with your party.
Just another screw up by this govenment. What a mess this country is in, and I blame on the so called leadership in th white house. I wonder how many of the czars that have been appointed would be willing to lay down their life for this country. Our Veterans deserve the best of everything, remember, we wouldn't have the life we have were it not for our Veterans.
WHILE YOUR ON THE SUBJECT OF THE VETERANS WHY DON'T YOU ASK TAMMY DUCKWORTH WHEN THE VETERAN'S DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING TO GIVE THE VETERAN'S THE BENEFIT'S THAT THEY STOLE FROM THE VIETNAM VETERAN'S UNDER THE AGENT/ORANGE ACT. THEY ARE JUST DENYING THESE VETERAN OF THERE BENEFIT'S HOPING THAT THEY WILL DIE. ACTUALLY THERE ARE MORE VIETNAM VETERAN'S DIEING EVERYDAY WAITING FOR THE VETERAN'S DEPARTMENT TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND GIVE THEM THERE JUST DUE.IT HAS BEEN 40 YEARS.
I found it distasteful that Chris Wallace close his segment on the supposed death book talking about putting a veteran like Duckworth wno as I understand it has NO LEGS "feet to the flame". Crass, disrespect, oblivious, and pretty scary coming from a report who should be a LITTLE more sensitive especially when talking about veteran issues. Am I the only one who caught that?!? Didn't a producer or even some fraggin intern think that was probably not the way to go? I mean I didn't go to college...
Hello!This is so like our goverment. After being the wife of a service connected injury veteran I wouldn't let the VA treat my dying dog. As for me I want the goverment to stay the hell away from me. We as Americans honor or service men the government does not I seen that in less than four years of dealing with the VA
what would happen if the men & womem pf our military decided to lay down their weapons & decide to let the politicians do the fighting for our freedom. maybe then people would wake up & let the military do their job.
Hello Chris,
I listened to your interview with VA Assistant Secretary Tammy Duckworth and was horrified. But, I did not hear the next question that should be asked. After our vets have read this handout what happens next?
If a vet feels that his life is not up to par what are the next steps? Is he advised in ways to terminate his life?
So then is Dr. Jack Kevorkian going to be the next government end-of-life czar?
Pretty sad state of affairs.
Thanks,
Doug
Maybe we need this option for our out of touch poitical leaders and Judges over the age of 65 and of certain politcal affiliation. By the way strigent background checks on people employed in Wasington wouldn't hurt either. The more I hear and learn about the current Admun, and the Congressional leadership the more discusted I become. I believe this current Admin and the majority has taken our country back 50 years in racial tention and National security. i TRUELY BELIEVE obama ,holder INEPT.
Thanks Chris for keeping on this story and keeping us informed! It is possible to talk about these issues the way this booklet attempts to do so without leading people to question their worth or value. That demands other counsel, which the government is too scared to address.
C.f. http://www.vtlessonstolearn.com/node/117
You know, the VA system may make you want to die, waiting for treatment, benefits, and having appeal boards call you a liar, but this booklet is the last straw. When will veterans be treated like human beings and not encouraged to shuffle off to the grave?! I know the VA doesn't want to pay vets for their injuries/suffering, but this booklet is too much!
And take it from a disabled veteran in Illinois, the socialized healthcare system I'm in (VA), would be a disaster if it went national!
Wow, what a way for the Administration to tell our Veterans they are not worth Saving. To tell them that they must decide to what extent they will become Financial Burdens on their families is Despicable to say the least. A Veteran should never become a Financial Burden on their families, for that is the Responsibility of the United States, yes Our Country asked them to go to war.
TO ALL YOU VETS THAT VOTED IN THIS ADMINISTRATION, HOW DO YOU FEEL NOW? The Democrats are not our Advocates
They can deny the use of this all they want. Some of us have been given the form to fill out already, with consequences of having meds cut out and appointments cut. The excuse they have given has been that the money for the programs has been cut. That doesn't exlain the cut in meds. If they can find a way to get rid of the WWII, Korean and Viet Nam Vet then they will use anything available to do so.
Make no mistake!! This is a foreshadowing of the psychology that will prevail if the Democrats get their way with socialized health care. From there, it is a short walk to euthanization of the elderly, physically handicapped and mentally challenged. Be forewarned!! We all should be bombarding our legislators with opposition to this book and to the proposed health care reform. For the record, I am one of the millions of uninsured Americans. But I prefer that condition over Obamacare!
Previously, I asked "Laura" two questions concerning her opinion: what war did you fight in; where did you get your psychiatric education? She replied: "This isn't Nazi Germany." Nazi means "national socialism." Two points: 1.Kant:we see things not as they are but as we are; 2.JS Mill: he who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that. Suggest you read E. Hoffer's book "The True Believer," about joining a mass movement to avoid individual resposibility, it is about the Nazi's.
Chris Wallace is the host of FOX News Sunday, which airs on the FOX News Channel on Sundays at 6 p.m. ET and on your local FOX affiliate. Check here for listings.
This blog is a place for our viewers to interact with us, go behind the scenes with our guests, and get to know our host. You can also follow us on Twitter and on Facebook!
As of July 2nd, the VA is referring veterans to the book. That's interesting in itself, because the Bush Administration ended use of the book in 2007. And it has now been reinstated. What makes the book controversial is that--according to critics--it seems to push veterans in the direction of "pulling the plug." For instance--page 21 is a worksheet in which the veteran is asked to consider various situations and then check--whether in each case, life would be "difficult, but acceptable"--"worth living, but just barely"--or "not worth living."
Then--we talked with VA Assistant Secretary Tammy Duckworth--who insisted on being interviewed separately. She said the workbook is just one of many reference tools the VA makes available--and that it is currently being revised. However, as we pointed out, it is still up on the VA website.
Subscribe to Comments
76,124 views
Nadine
Hello, I have already seen it somethere... Thanks Nadine
Ken-US Army Infantry retired- Vietnam Veteran
Mr Wallace: RE:VA Death Book If a DVA Deputy Secretary is willing to, at best, misrepresent the truth on national TV, just imagine what it it like for veterans to crawl through the VA maze for a service connected disability claim to be approved. The agency is broken and needs a culture change. PLEASE continue to probe the VA and move on to the disability claim process and other areas. You will find an agency filled with comtempt for veterans and, at best, incompetent.
Steve L.
What is really sad for veterans and the care they receive at VA hospitals is that a retired Army 4-star is running that agency. When G.W. found out about the "death book" in 2007 he ordered it be locked up and not used. Along comes shinseki and duckworth and the book is once again placed on the VA's website. I couldn't help but laugh when I heard duckworth LIE about the book, on national television, not being on the website, yet there is evidence it has been on the site since July 2009.
Simon Alvarado
I find it hard to believe that some of you do not have any common sense. Have you not heard about all the veterans that have been compromised because of the VA health care? What do you all need, someone to draw you a picture! Do you feel that all the news about veterans being infected with AIDS and Hep C is a lie? This death book is just the beginning about what the VA does to veterans. Think with your mind and not with your party.
Jeanne
Just another screw up by this govenment. What a mess this country is in, and I blame on the so called leadership in th white house. I wonder how many of the czars that have been appointed would be willing to lay down their life for this country. Our Veterans deserve the best of everything, remember, we wouldn't have the life we have were it not for our Veterans.
FRED MCNULTY
WHILE YOUR ON THE SUBJECT OF THE VETERANS WHY DON'T YOU ASK TAMMY DUCKWORTH WHEN THE VETERAN'S DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING TO GIVE THE VETERAN'S THE BENEFIT'S THAT THEY STOLE FROM THE VIETNAM VETERAN'S UNDER THE AGENT/ORANGE ACT. THEY ARE JUST DENYING THESE VETERAN OF THERE BENEFIT'S HOPING THAT THEY WILL DIE. ACTUALLY THERE ARE MORE VIETNAM VETERAN'S DIEING EVERYDAY WAITING FOR THE VETERAN'S DEPARTMENT TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND GIVE THEM THERE JUST DUE.IT HAS BEEN 40 YEARS.
Chaunda
I found it distasteful that Chris Wallace close his segment on the supposed death book talking about putting a veteran like Duckworth wno as I understand it has NO LEGS "feet to the flame". Crass, disrespect, oblivious, and pretty scary coming from a report who should be a LITTLE more sensitive especially when talking about veteran issues. Am I the only one who caught that?!? Didn't a producer or even some fraggin intern think that was probably not the way to go? I mean I didn't go to college...
shortshorts
Hello!This is so like our goverment. After being the wife of a service connected injury veteran I wouldn't let the VA treat my dying dog. As for me I want the goverment to stay the hell away from me. We as Americans honor or service men the government does not I seen that in less than four years of dealing with the VA
ronjohnson
what would happen if the men & womem pf our military decided to lay down their weapons & decide to let the politicians do the fighting for our freedom. maybe then people would wake up & let the military do their job.
Doug Furbush
Hello Chris, I listened to your interview with VA Assistant Secretary Tammy Duckworth and was horrified. But, I did not hear the next question that should be asked. After our vets have read this handout what happens next? If a vet feels that his life is not up to par what are the next steps? Is he advised in ways to terminate his life? So then is Dr. Jack Kevorkian going to be the next government end-of-life czar? Pretty sad state of affairs. Thanks, Doug
Don Elliott
Maybe we need this option for our out of touch poitical leaders and Judges over the age of 65 and of certain politcal affiliation. By the way strigent background checks on people employed in Wasington wouldn't hurt either. The more I hear and learn about the current Admun, and the Congressional leadership the more discusted I become. I believe this current Admin and the majority has taken our country back 50 years in racial tention and National security. i TRUELY BELIEVE obama ,holder INEPT.
Charles Pugh
Thanks Chris for keeping on this story and keeping us informed! It is possible to talk about these issues the way this booklet attempts to do so without leading people to question their worth or value. That demands other counsel, which the government is too scared to address. C.f. http://www.vtlessonstolearn.com/node/117
Troy
You know, the VA system may make you want to die, waiting for treatment, benefits, and having appeal boards call you a liar, but this booklet is the last straw. When will veterans be treated like human beings and not encouraged to shuffle off to the grave?! I know the VA doesn't want to pay vets for their injuries/suffering, but this booklet is too much! And take it from a disabled veteran in Illinois, the socialized healthcare system I'm in (VA), would be a disaster if it went national!
LEE
FACT CHECK IS IN VOGUE AT FOX A LA THE HEALTHCARE MANUAL. WHERE WAS FOX 2000 TO 2008 FACT CHECKING THE LIES OF THE PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION?
Rick
Wow, what a way for the Administration to tell our Veterans they are not worth Saving. To tell them that they must decide to what extent they will become Financial Burdens on their families is Despicable to say the least. A Veteran should never become a Financial Burden on their families, for that is the Responsibility of the United States, yes Our Country asked them to go to war. TO ALL YOU VETS THAT VOTED IN THIS ADMINISTRATION, HOW DO YOU FEEL NOW? The Democrats are not our Advocates
Russell Roberts
They can deny the use of this all they want. Some of us have been given the form to fill out already, with consequences of having meds cut out and appointments cut. The excuse they have given has been that the money for the programs has been cut. That doesn't exlain the cut in meds. If they can find a way to get rid of the WWII, Korean and Viet Nam Vet then they will use anything available to do so.
TL Birdwell
Make no mistake!! This is a foreshadowing of the psychology that will prevail if the Democrats get their way with socialized health care. From there, it is a short walk to euthanization of the elderly, physically handicapped and mentally challenged. Be forewarned!! We all should be bombarding our legislators with opposition to this book and to the proposed health care reform. For the record, I am one of the millions of uninsured Americans. But I prefer that condition over Obamacare!
Charles
Previously, I asked "Laura" two questions concerning her opinion: what war did you fight in; where did you get your psychiatric education? She replied: "This isn't Nazi Germany." Nazi means "national socialism." Two points: 1.Kant:we see things not as they are but as we are; 2.JS Mill: he who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that. Suggest you read E. Hoffer's book "The True Believer," about joining a mass movement to avoid individual resposibility, it is about the Nazi's.
Pharme842
Very nice site!
Pharma880
Very nice site! cheap cialis http://yieapxo.com/qroxxtq/4.html