VS
So yesterday I participated in a peaceful demonstration in front of Congressman Bob Filner's office in Chula Vista.
Why did I do it?
for them. The Filipino 1st Regiment. The Filipino Veterans of World War II. They fought alongside Caucasian GIs in the jungles&streets of the Philippines to rid the islands of Japan control. The thing is though, they didn't receive benefits due to the Recession Act of 1946. A bill enacted by Harry S. Truman post World War II. Was it racism? Was it the fact it was a deal along with the Independence of the Philippines? or because Truman was wack as fuck and FDR would have signed it? IDK really, all I know it happened and these soldiers didn't get shit from it.
For 62 years: nothing.
maybe a menial SSI, but as to Full Veterans Benefits. (Pension, access to VA hospitals, etc): NOPE.
By the day they die off because they're getting older. They've been waiting for years for it. For the 2nd time we're hella close for this shit to pass. HELLA CLOSE. It was voted in favor of in the Senate, but its stalling in the House because the issue of funds have come up. A one time lump payment? 15k? wtf? CMON.
Basically S 1315, gives Filipino Veterans benefits and the honor of serving under the USAFFE. (US Armed Forces of the Far East) But HR 6897 strips them of honor under the label of mercenaries and instead of yearly payments a one-time lump sum is offered. & the kicker is...It releases America from all responsibility from the injustice that was served via the Recession Act of 1946.
There's only less than 6 days left on this bill (S 1315), and it'll die via the stipulations of 'democracy'. I don't know what's gonna pass or not, but if nothing passes. Shit will go down from the folks that DO CARE.
love
erwin
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