Protesting in concern for a nation in crisis

I attended the Veterans Association protest in McHenry on April 26 for my brother and the veterans who have given so much. I was genuinely concerned when I learned of VA reductions.

My brother was drafted into the Army, and he did what he was told in Vietnam. Part of his duties was the distribution of Agent Orange. The Army had no idea how much it would ruin the health of those working with it. His health declined at an increasing rate over the years, and the VA qualified him for benefits that were lifelong. He is receiving monthly benefits and health care as the long-term effects were toxic to his health.

I shudder at cuts of 83,000 employees from the VA, which will jeopardize health care and the elimination of Pact Act funding designed to help others exposed to Agent Orange.

Also cut were services for veterans such as the veterans’ crisis line that receives 60,000 calls each month.

Out of those concerns, I attended the protest of about 275 people. The vocal crowd showed their resentment to the cuts. Their signs expressed messages mostly about the VA but also about saving our democracy. One sign read “You said McCain was a loser.” Their concern made me feel good. It is outrageous that billionaires that have never served their country could make major cuts like this.

The long-term picture for the future of protests like this is not clouded for me. The strength and number of protests will grow as more people go without services and see price increases from tariffs.

Thank you. We are in crisis.

Randy Parmec

Algonquin