News from LDH

They’re Not Scientists The Republican Party could be the single greatest impediment to global efforts to slow climate change. But cracks are forming in the conservative wall of denial.

https://newrepublic.com/article/123240/theyre-not-scientists

A Rising Tide Miami is sinking beneath the sea—but not without a fight.

https://newrepublic.com/article/123216/miami-sinking-beneath-sea-not-without-fight

The Human Stain Tracks on the land, from Texas factory farms and oil fields.

https://newrepublic.com/article/123416/human-stain

Scientific Integrity

http://blog.ucsusa.org/category/scientific-integrity#.VnGv-_9Ihes

Attacks on Science-Based Regulation in Congress: Endangering a Century of Progress

http://www.ucsusa.org/center-science-and-democracy/preserving-science-based-safeguards/attacks-science-based-regulation#.VnGwZf9Ihet

Action Center

http://www.ucsusa.org/action-center#.VnGwov9Ihet

Science, Democracy, and Fracking: A Guide for Community Residents and Policy Makers Facing Decisions over Hydraulic Fracturing

http://www.ucsusa.org/center-for-science-and-democracy/events/fracking-forum-toolkit.html#.VnGxLf9Ihes

Community Connections: Bringing Together Scientists and Local Voices

http://www.ucsusa.org/center-for-science-and-democracy/events/community-connections-bringing-together-scientists-local-voices#.VnGxh_9Ihes

The Science Network Workshop Series

http://www.ucsusa.org/action/science_network/science-network-workshop-series.html#.VnGyeP9Ihes

The Center for Science and Democracy

http://www.ucsusa.org/our-work/center-science-and-democracy#.VnGy7f9Ihes

How Climate Change Became a National Security Problem

http://www.wired.com/2015/10/how-climate-change-became-a-national-security-problem/

Lifting Crude Oil Export Ban Locks In Fossil Fuel Dependency for Decades to Come

http://readersupportednews.org/opinion2/277-75/34080-lifting-crude-oil-export-ban-locks-in-fossil-fuel-dependency-for-decades-to-come

Facts about glaciers

https://nsidc.org/cryosphere/glaciers/quickfacts.html

'Hurricane' Schwartz: Insults and death threats over climate science?

http://mobile.philly.com/beta?wss=/philly/news&id=362701461

Cheap Gas Spurs SUV Sales and Puts US Climate Goals at Risk

http://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/34089-cheap-gas-spurs-suv-sales-and-puts-us-climate-goals-at-risk

The 19th-Century Savior for 21st-Century Climate Change

http://foreignpolicy.com/2015/12/17/the-19th-century-savior-for-21st-century-climate-change/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=New%20Campaign&utm_term=%2AEditors%20Picks

A Secret Weapon to Fight Climate Change: Dirt

http://readersupportednews.org/opinion2/277-75/34101-a-secret-weapon-to-fight-climate-change-dirt

The Earth Awakens

https://sojo.net/magazine/january-2016/earth-awakens

Now THAT'S how you do solar energy

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/12/17/1461055/-Now-THAT-S-how-you-do-solar-energy?detail=email

On Thin Ice: Big Northern Lakes Are Being Rapidly Transformed

http://www.alternet.org/environment/thin-ice-big-northern-lakes-are-being-rapidly-transformed?akid=13794.342135.pjtLnR&rd=1&src=newsletter1047670&t=20

Sanders' Climate Plan: Insufficient & Outdated After The Paris Agreement http://www.theclimatemobilization.org/sanders_climate_plan_insufficient_outdated_post_paris?utm_campaign=climate_plans&utm_medium=email&utm_source=theclimatemobilization

Beyond risk. A more realistic risk–benefit analysis of agricultural biotechnologies

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2288773/

Pathway to Paris

http://350.org/pathway-to-paris-concerts/

Washington Post Writer Finally Discloses He's a Shill for Fossil Fuel Industry

http://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/34208-washington-post-writer-finally-discloses-hes-a-shill-for-fossil-fuel-industry

Porter Ranch Gas Leak a Catastrophe Not Seen Since the BP Oil Spill

http://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/34199-porter-ranch-gas-leak-a-catastrophe-not-seen-since-the-bp-oil-spill

Fracking, Methane and Paris

http://readersupportednews.org/opinion2/277-75/34170-fracking-methane-and-paris

And the Climate Pretender Award Goes To...

http://readersupportednews.org/opinion2/277-75/34162-and-the-climate-pretender-award-goes-to

From Halliburton to Walmart, These Big Corporations Will Make Money off of Climate Change

http://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/34219-from-halliburton-to-walmart-these-big-corporations-will-make-money-off-of-climate-change

Russia warming 2 point 5 times quicker than global average says ministry

http://news.yahoo.com/russia-warming-2-5-times-quicker-global-average-112218465.html

Economics and Corruption related links 122715

Charting Trump's Rise in the Decline of the Middle Class

http://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/34006-charting-trumps-rise-in-the-decline-of-the-middle-class

The data show little need to increase our coddling of corporate profits

http://www.epi.org/publication/the-data-show-little-need-to-increase-our-coddling-of-corporate-profits/?utm_source=Economic+Policy+Institute&utm_campaign=68168929d1-EPI_News_12_11_1512_11_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e7c5826c50-68168929d1-58250973

The arbitration epidemic

http://www.epi.org/publication/the-arbitration-epidemic/?utm_source=Economic+Policy+Institute&utm_campaign=68168929d1-EPI_News_12_11_1512_11_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e7c5826c50-68168929d1-58250973

The Silent Epidemic Killing White American Women

http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/silent-epidemic-killing-white-american-women?akid=13768.342135.zPsUVv&rd=1&src=newsletter1047248&t=14

The Tipping Point: Most Americans No Longer Are Middle Class

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/12/09/459087477/the-tipping-point-most-americans-no-longer-are-middle-class?utm_source=npr_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=20151213&utm_campaign=bestofnpr&utm_term=nprnews

When Inequality Kills

http://readersupportednews.org/opinion2/277-75/34021-focus-when-inequality-kills

Top 10 Signs the US Is the Most Corrupt Country in the World

http://readersupportednews.org/opinion2/276-74/34038-focus-top-10-signs-the-us-is-the-most-corrupt-country-in-the-world

Half of America Is in or Damn Near Close to Living in Poverty

http://www.alternet.org/economy/half-america-or-damn-near-close-living-poverty?akid=13772.342135.coo25z&rd=1&src=newsletter1047347&t=9

Addicted to Altruism Larissa MacFarquhar’s new book profiles “extreme do-gooders”

https://newrepublic.com/article/122963/addicted-altruism

The Revolt of the Anxious Class

http://readersupportednews.org/opinion2/277-75/34095-the-revolt-of-the-anxious-class

Parenting in America

http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2015/12/17/parenting-in-america/?utm_source=Pew+Research+Center&utm_campaign=aeceff44ba-12_16_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3e953b9b70-aeceff44ba-399809085

The Corporate Takeover of the Red Cross

http://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/34104-the-corporate-takeover-of-the-red-cross

The top charts of 2015

http://www.epi.org/publication/the-top-charts-of-2015/?utm_source=Economic+Policy+Institute&utm_campaign=0319a98bc6-Top_Charts_201412_18_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e7c5826c50-0319a98bc6-58250973

Does a CEO’s Ability Affect Performance? Researcher Says No

http://www.carriermanagement.com/news/2015/11/15/147778.htm

Martin Shkreli: Of Rotten Apples and Rotten Systems

http://readersupportednews.org/opinion2/277-75/34214-martin-shkreli-of-rotten-apples-and-rotten-systems

This Is Sheldon Adelson's Election

http://readersupportednews.org/opinion2/277-75/34176-this-is-sheldon-adelsons-election

The Plutocrats Are Winning. Don't Let Them!

http://readersupportednews.org/opinion2/277-75/34225-the-plutocrats-are-winning-dont-let-them

17 of the Worst Corporate Crimes of 2015

http://www.alternet.org/economy/17-worst-corporate-crimes-2015?akid=13807.342135.sNIOIb&rd=1&src=newsletter1047931&t=4

State by State Increases in Number of Insured Americans, Thanks to Obamacare

http://www.alternet.org/personal-health/state-state-increases-number-insured-americans-thanks-obamacare?akid=13807.342135.sNIOIb&rd=1&src=newsletter1047931&t=10

The Sharing Economy Or the Share-the-Crumbs Economy

http://www.alternet.org/economy/sharing-economy-or-share-crumbs-economy?akid=13807.342135.sNIOIb&rd=1&src=newsletter1047931&t=14

Criminal Justice and Racism related links 122715

I Fit the Description...

http://readersupportednews.org/opinion2/277-75/33894-i-fit-the-description

PHILADELPHIA DISTRICT ATTORNEY CREATES NEW PRE-TRIAL FELONY DIVERSION PILOT PROGRAM: FUTURE FORWARD

https://phillyda.wordpress.com/2015/12/07/philadelphia-district-attorney-creates-new-pre-trial-felony-diversion-pilot-program-future-forward/

Why Did Democrats Lose the White South?

http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2015/11/why-did-democrats-lose-white-south

Emanuel: Chicago needs Justice Department help with Police Department

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-chicago-police-federal-investigation-20151207-story.html

Police Brutality? Put More Women on Patrol.

http://readersupportednews.org/opinion2/277-75/33929-focus-police-brutality-put-more-women-on-patrol

During Supreme Court hearing on affirmative action, Justice Scalia claims that 'most black scientists in the U.S.' benefit from not being admitted into top programs

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/supreme-court-hears-texas-affirmative-action-challenge-article-1.2460038?j&utm_content=bufferf7df4&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=NYDailyNewsTw

CA policeman rapes 21-year-old with internal 'cavity search' & department attempts to bribe her

http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2015/12/8/1458068/-California-cop-rapes-21-year-old-with-internal-cavity-search-department-attempts-to-bribe-her?detail=email

Where Justice Scalia Got the Idea That African Americans Might Be Better Off at 'Slower-Track' Universities

http://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/33971-where-justice-scalia-got-the-idea-that-african-americans-might-be-better-off-at-slower-track-universities

Politician Who Profits from Mass Incarceration, Only One to Vote Down Legal Pot

http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/politician-who-profits-mass-incarceration-only-one-vote-down-legal-pot?akid=13768.342135.zPsUVv&rd=1&src=newsletter1047248&t=18

White Hoods Are White Hoods. Period.

http://readersupportednews.org/opinion2/277-75/34037-white-hoods-are-white-hoods-period

An Inmate Dies, and No One Is Punished

http://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/34036-an-inmate-dies-and-no-one-is-punished

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/14/nyregion/clinton-correctional-facility-inmate-brutality.html?_r=1

Cumberland County Law Enforcement Seizes Property from Pennsylvanians and Keeps It for Internal Use – Including Gaming Consoles

http://www.aclupa.org/news/2015/12/14/cumberland-county-law-enforcement-seizes-property-pennsylvan

America's backslide into a vile and overt bigotry

http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2015/12/13/1458864/-America-s-backslide-into-a-vile-and-overt-bigotry?detail=email

These Teens Were Jailed for Wearing Saggy Pants. This Isn’t Unusual at All.

http://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/34042-these-teens-were-jailed-for-wearing-saggy-pants-this-isnt-unusual-at-all

California Officer Shoots Suspected Drunk Driver for No Apparent Reason in Bizarre Video

http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2015/12/14/california_officer_shoots_suspected_drunk_driver_in_dashcam_video.html?sid=5388f458dd52b8e41100df74&wpsrc=newsletter_slatest

We are better than this

https://wearebetterthanthis.com/

Missouri police chief forced to resign after shooting a family's dog in a kennel on a gun range

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/12/14/1460109/-Missouri-police-chief-forced-to-resign-after-shooting-a-family-s-dog-in-a-kennel-on-a-gun-range?detail=email

Real Life Keystone Cops Break Into Wrong House, Shoot Dog, Homeowner, and Fellow Cop

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/12/13/1459744/-Real-Life-Keystone-Cops-Break-Into-Wrong-House-Shoot-Dog-Homeowner-and-Fellow-Cop?detail=email

Carnage in Charleston The accused South Carolina terror killer represents a new kind of violent racist, a ‘lone wolf’ radicalized entirely on the Internet.

https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/intelligence-report/2015/carnage-charleston

Furling the Flag After a massacre in South Carolina, the Confederate battle flag came under attack — and thousands of its supporters fought back

https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/intelligence-report/2015/furling-flag

New York Announces 'Dramatic Reform' of Solitary Confinement Rules

http://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/34083-new-york-announces-dramatic-reform-of-solitary-confinement-rules

It is Never Too Late to Do Justice Slavery never ended It just evolved

https://sojo.net/articles/its-never-too-late-do-justice

‘A Security Concern Due to Divided Loyalties’

http://www.wsj.com/articles/a-security-concern-due-to-divided-loyalties-1450310897

In history of Jewish lawyers Alan Dershowitz and Abraham are two of a kind

http://www.jns.org/latest-articles/2015/10/16/in-history-of-jewish-lawyers-alan-dershowitz-and-abraham-are-two-of-a-kind-1#.VnRPKf9Ihes

Two cities, two shootings, one question: Why?

http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2015/12/15/1460128/-Two-cities-two-shootings-one-question-Why?detail=email

Obama Administration to Justices: Reject Marijuana Lawsuit

http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2015/12/17/1461208/-Obama-Administration-to-Justices-Reject-Marijuana-Lawsuit?detail=email

Just how did Shkreli get busted? The Cardinal Sin. He screwed other rich people.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/12/17/1461231/-Just-how-did-Shkreli-get-busted-The-Cardinal-Sin-He-screwed-other-rich-people?detail=email

The KKK Has Infiltrated U.S. Police Departments for Decades

http://www.alternet.org/civil-liberties/kkk-has-infiltrated-us-police-departments-decades?akid=13793.342135.JqLPJh&rd=1&src=newsletter1047590&t=22

Texas Grand Jury Issues No Indictments in Sandra Bland Jail Death

http://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/34195-texas-grand-jury-issues-no-indictments-in-sandra-bland-jail-death

Report details abuses and resistance to reform at California prison

http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2015/12/21/1461685/-Report-details-abuses-and-resistance-to-reform-at-California-prison?detail=email

Video shows cop shooting unarmed, injured DUI suspect who later died; officer will face no charges

http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2015/12/21/1462403/-Video-shows-cop-shooting-unarmed-and-injured-DUI-suspect-officer-will-face-no-charges?detail=email

Trump puts a smile on faces of white supremacist recruiters

http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2015/12/21/1462459/-Trump-puts-a-smile-on-faces-of-white-supremacist-recruiters?detail=email

Mall of America Asks for Restraining Order Against Black Lives Matter Protesters

http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2015/12/22/mall_of_america_wants_restraining_order_against_black_lives_matter_protesters.html?sid=5388f458dd52b8e41100df74&wpsrc=newsletter_slatest

Welcome to Cop Land: The Logic of the Police State

http://readersupportednews.org/opinion2/277-75/34212-welcome-to-cop-land-the-logic-of-the-police-state

Sanders: Sandra Bland Would Be Alive 'if She Were a White Woman'

http://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/34205-sanders-sandra-bland-would-be-alive-if-she-were-a-white-woman

San Francisco Judge Rules Racist Officers May Remain on Force

http://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/34203-san-francisco-judge-rules-racist-officers-may-remain-on-force

The Missing Black Millennials

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/21/opinion/campaign-stops/the-missing-black-millennials.html

Teen Boy Charged As Adult For Having ‘Naked Pictures of a Minor’ Even Though Images Were of Himself

http://countercurrentnews.com/2015/09/teen-boy-charged-as-adult/#

For 55 Officers in Fatal Shootings This Year, It Wasn't Their First Time

http://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/34224-for-55-officers-in-fatal-shootings-this-year-it-wasnt-their-first-time

Hero Security Guard Defuses Hostage Situation Only to Be Fatally Shot by Late Arriving Cops

http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/hero-security-guard-diffuses-hostage-situation-only-be-fatally-shot-late-arriving?akid=13807.342135.sNIOIb&rd=1&src=newsletter1047931&t=22

Veterans related links 122715

‘Slap On The Wrist” For VA Employees Caught Sleeping, Having Sex At Work

http://www.disabledveterans.org/2015/12/07/slap-on-the-wrist-for-va-employees-caught-sleeping-having-sex-at-work/

Study Finds PTSD May Not Be Cured By Trauma-Focused Therapies

http://taskandpurpose.com/skyline/study-finds-ptsd-may-not-be-cured-by-trauma-focused-therapies/

VA Caught Using Inferior RBANS To Screw TBI Veterans

http://www.disabledveterans.org/2015/12/08/va-caught-using-inferior-rbans-to-screw-tbi-veterans/

Pearl Harbor Day: Instructor: Students today don't understand impact of 1941 attack

http://www.mainlinemedianews.com/articles/2015/12/07/region/doc56659f033c1fd212028347.txt

Veterans share memories of the attack on Pearl Harbor

http://mobile.philly.com/beta?wss=/philly/news&id=360746371

This Day in History… December 7, 1941, “A date which will live in infamy”

http://www.mysticstamp.com/info/this-day-in-history-december-7-1941/?utm_source=wysija&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=This+Day+in+History

Sneak attack by payday lenders

http://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/opinion/letters/sneak-attack-by-payday-lenders/article_861a7047-aa1f-5869-9025-1fd764cf070d.html

Forgotten war veterans laid to rest in South Florida

http://www.stripes.com/news/us/forgotten-war-veterans-laid-to-rest-in-south-florida-1.382450

Penis Transplants Being Planned to Help Wounded Troops

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/07/health/penis-transplants-being-planned-to-heal-troops-hidden-wounds.html?_r=0

Operation Gratitude is collecting donated items at Army Navy Football Game – see wish list

https://www.operationgratitude.com/wishlist/

Medal of Honor Recipient Tibor Rubin Passes Away at 86

http://www.veteransresources.org/2015/12/medal-of-honor-recipient-tibor-rubin-passes-away-at-86/?utm_source=Feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Veterans+Resources+Feed#.Vmc-X_-FNes

Tibor Rubin dies at 86; Holocaust survivor received Medal of Honor for Korean War heroism

http://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-tibor-rubin-20151208-story.html

Medal of Honor Recipients Seek Citizen Heroes for National Award

http://www.veteransresources.org/2015/12/medal-of-honor-recipients-seek-citizen-heroes-for-national-award/?utm_source=Feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Veterans+Resources+Feed#.Vmc_I_-FNes

Fewer Veterans In Prison And Jail In 2011-12 Than 2004

http://www.veteransresources.org/2015/12/fewer-veterans-in-prison-and-jail-in-2011-12-than-2004/?utm_source=Feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Veterans+Resources+Feed#.VmdAM_-FNes

Inside the New Mission to Identify Pearl Harbor's Fallen, 74 Years Later

http://abcnews.go.com/US/inside-mission-identify-pearl-harbors-fallen-74-years/story?id=35624023

What is the Choice Program?

http://www.va.gov/opa/choiceact/

VA Makes Enhancements to the Veterans Choice Program

https://lvmac.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/vcplegchangesfactsheet.pdf

New Rules for Eligibility

https://lvmac.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/veterans-choice-program-eligibility-01dec2015-modified.pdf

Details on the Unusual or Excessive Burden Eligiblity Criteria

https://lvmac.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/vet-choice-program-burden-criteria.pdf

the future of good: Katie Prior

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ffGnwwUapE&utm_content=buffera6554&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Wounded Warrior Project: Padding Their Own Pockets or Helping Vets?

http://www.dcclothesline.com/2015/10/29/wounded-warrior-project-padding-their-own-pockets-or-helping-vets/

President Obama wins one for a soldier's best friend

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/12/08/1458216/-President-Obama-wins-one-for-a-soldier-s-best-friend?detail=email

Inappropriate Behaviour and Punishment in the Nam

https://cherrieswriter.wordpress.com/2015/12/10/inappropriate-behaviour-and-punishment-in-the-nam/

Early in her college career, Amy Cuddy suffered a severe head injury in a car accident. Today, Cuddy is a professor and researcher at Harvard Business School, where she studies how nonverbal behavior and snap judgments affect people from the classroom to the boardroom.

https://www.ted.com/speakers/amy_cuddy

My Second Hand Life - Danielle Green

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROrjLG4psTM&feature=youtu.be&mc_cid=c5352d080a&mc_eid=9dffae6942

Women vets place wreaths on Delaware County Veterans Memorial

http://www.delcotimes.com/article/DC/20151212/NEWS/151219866

EVERYDAY HEROES STORIES OF VALOR

http://www.witnesstowar.org/

War Related Illness and Injury Study Center

http://www.warrelatedillness.va.gov/research/

AMRA eNews Monday Morning Digest December 14 2015

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?ca=a1e500a3-6c19-4281-9206-2999f43c6d61&c=f4469560-d22b-11e3-b9cb-d4ae529a863c&ch=f549ad80-d22b-11e3-bb64-d4ae529a863c

Veterans have 9/11-linked diseases, advocacy groups say

http://www.militarytimes.com/story/veterans/2015/12/11/veterans-have-911-linked-diseases-advocacy-groups-say/77087576/

Choice Program Needs $421 Million Fix Says VA Exec

http://www.disabledveterans.org/2015/12/14/va-says-choice-program-needs-421-million-fix/?inf_contact_key=a04aecb2feba1cf331100860d12875e80016160a5ca87b7772a4be7a6151c7a8

New Website coming to simplify the online search for services

https://www.vets.gov/

PTSD: National Center for PTSD

http://www.ptsd.va.gov/

Veterans officials don't know what 'accountability' means

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/veterans-officials-dont-know-what-accountability-means/article/2578127

Groups demand information on Camp Lejeune disability claims

http://www.militarytimes.com/story/veterans/2015/12/07/groups-demand-information-camp-lejeune-disability-claims/76931074/

Forward Observer — Not There Yet, Almost … VA Preparing to Allow Compensation for Camp LeJeune Water Contamination

https://lvmac.wordpress.com/2015/12/17/forward-observer-not-there-yet-almost-va-preparing-to-allow-compensation-for-camp-lejeune-water-contamination/#more-5723

VA Plans to Propose Expanded Disability Benefits Eligibility for Veterans Exposed to Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune

http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2743

Vietnam Veterans Still Have PTSD 40 Years After War

http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2015/12/05/vietnam-veterans-still-have-ptsd-40-years-after-war

Some Veterans Affairs Workers Keep Jobs Despite Severe Misconduct, Including Sleeping or Having Sex on the Job

http://www.nbcwashington.com/investigations/Veterans-Affairs-Keep-Jobs-Despite-Severe-Misconduct-Including-Sleeping-or-Having-Sex-on-the-Job-360593811.html

House VA Health Subcommittee Hearing On Tuesday 120815

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osnau_t-Lsg&feature=youtu.be

House VA Hearing on Accountability on Wednesday 120915

http://veterans.house.gov/witness-testimony/the-honorable-sloan-gibson-0

Senate VA Committee Advances Key Bills on Wednesday 120915

The Veterans Homeless Programs, Caregiver Services and Other Improvements Act of 2015 (S. 425)

The Increasing the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability to Veterans Act of 2015 (S. 290)

http://www.veterans.senate.gov/hearings/business-meeting-markup-12092015

COLA Relief Bills Introduced: Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) have introduced S. 2251 and H.R. 4144, the Seniors and Veterans Emergency (SAVE) Benefits Act, which would provide a one-time payment of $581 to VA and Social Security beneficiaries. To find your legislators to request their support of these important bills, click here:

http://capwiz.com/vfw/dbq/officials/

VA Expands A/O Navy Ship List. VA pays disability compensation to veterans or survivors for 14 medical conditions associated with Agent Orange exposure. Learn more at: http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/shiplist/index.asp

POW MIA Updates

http://www.dpaa.mil/NewsStories/NewsReleases/tabid/10159/Year/2015/Default.aspx

VA Employee Charged With Beating Elderly Patient To Death Still Employed At VA

http://www.disabledveterans.org/2015/12/11/va-employee-charged-with-beating-elderly-patient-to-death-still-employed-at-va/?inf_contact_key=8ec5e64eb04d66c5f8b84b5eee928d37d8a5d2ad28459ca661c5915cc38a63e3

Will Tricare Reforms Improve Access, Raise Fees or Both?

[Editor comment: So, has McCain sold out the military retirees so that more money can be given to the defense contractors? I wonder who finances his campaigns. Isn't this what will happen to VA Care after it is privatized - with more and more of the costs being shifted to the veteran?]

http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/12/10/will-tricare-reforms-improve-access-raise-fees-or-both.html

Defying Stereotypes, Number Of Incarcerated Veterans In U.S. Drops

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/12/07/458501774/defying-stereotypes-number-of-incarcerated-veterans-in-u-s-drops

One Time Special Offer: August 1 – December 31, 2015, VVA Life Membership Dues $100.00

http://www.vva.org/member_brochure.html

Veteran Jumps to His Death at VA Hospital

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/11/19/veteran-jumps-to-his-death-at-v-a-hospital.html

Agent Orange Newsletter

http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/publications/agent-orange/agent-orange-summer-2015/index.asp

Moving Forward can help you stay on track and manage your stress levels. For more information, visit: http://www.veterantraining.va.gov/movingforward/

VA has created a video called "Managing Stress: Good for Your Health" with helpful information: https://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-web/anonymous.portal?_nfpb=true&_nfto=false&_pageLabel=spotlightArchive&contentPage=spotlight/December%202015/spotlight_how_can_you_manage_stress.html

VISN 4 Leadership Changes

Altoona – Until Dr. Adelman begins his service as the new VISN 4 director on January 11, Mr. Mills will serve dually as the interim network director as well as the Altoona VA director. Pittsburgh – Dr. Tim Burke is currently serving as the interim director. Karin McGraw, the current director of the Beckley, West Virginia, VA, will become Pittsburgh's new director on January 11.

VISN – Dr. David Macpherson, chief medical officer, and James Baker, chief financial officer, are both retiring at the end of this month. Their leadership and guidance will be greatly missed.

DAV Veterans Pulse Survey Confirms Suspicions

http://www.disabledveterans.org/2015/12/16/dav-veterans-pulse-survey-confirms-suspicions/?inf_contact_key=4581050d2b1d673ccf6cfca00d272a3d16014f4ed01dd291be78f2cb722862cc

Are We Ready For The Decline Of Veteran And Military Nonprofits?

http://taskandpurpose.com/are-we-ready-for-the-decline-of-veteran-and-military-nonprofits/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=tp-today

Phoenix Veterans Affairs Sociopath Retaliates Against Blind Whistleblower, Gets $200k Paid Leave Over 18 Months

http://www.disabledveterans.org/2015/12/17/phoenix-veterans-affairs-sociopath-retaliates-against-blind-whistleblower-gets-200k-paid-leave-over-18-months/?inf_contact_key=a20a995bf04926a90edc743e061311c5c83f755e8b0aafd2543fc7a0cd71247a

VA Healthcare-VISN 4

http://www.visn4.va.gov/news/vision/index.asp

We're looking for pictures of your hometown veterans memorials

http://www.stripes.com/we-re-looking-for-pictures-of-your-hometown-veterans-memorials-1.380519

Agent Orange Town Hall Meeting in Lehigh Valley

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbOK4YoN_MI&feature=youtu.be

Military Veterans Advocacy

http://www.militaryveteransadvocacy.org/

VVA Lehigh Valley Chapter 415 Newsletter December 2015

https://gallery.mailchimp.com/1d41bc5ba2dc46ec963aba1a3/files/VVA_415_2015_11_12Newsletter_01.pdf

VA inspectors reject blame for delayed disciplining of Phoenix executives

http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/arizona/investigations/2015/12/16/va-inspectors-reject-blame-delayed-disciplining-phoenix-executives/77448866/

Stand Down to assist homeless vets back for 5th year at Seattle Central

http://www.capitolhillseattle.com/2015/12/stand-down-to-assist-homeless-vets-back-for-5th-year-at-seattle-central/

Donors Should Research Veterans Charities Before Giving Money, Experts Say

https://semperfifund.org/in-the-news/donors-should-research-veterans-charities-before-giving/

The Semper Fi Fund Celebrates 10 Inspiring Years of Service

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNtY5OoLk-g#t=97

PA Veterans Encouraged to Connect with DMVA for Assistance With Obtaining Benefits and Services

www.register.dmva.pa.gov

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh on Dec. 17 presented Silver Stars to retired CMSgt. Ronald Brodeur and retired Sgt. Eric Roberts II for their actions in a Feb. 20, 1969, mission that rescued Army Special Forces patrol in Duc Lap. [Source: Brian Everstine in Air Force Magazine Online Daily Report December 18 2015]

JWV Newsletter December 18 2015

http://us3.campaign-archive2.com/?u=92e93552acc664144f0caad67&id=81b297ee74&e=a31bca6db7

Scans Show Many Injured U.S. Vets May Have Brain 'Scarring'

http://consumer.healthday.com/cognitive-health-information-26/brain-health-news-80/many-injured-u-s-vets-show-signs-of-brain-scarring-706153.html

VAs own internal probe finds impunity of agency leaders at scandalridden hospital

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/federal-eye/wp/2015/12/16/vas-own-internal-probe-finds-impunity-of-agency-leaders-at-scandal-ridden-hospital/

Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Holds Field Hearing in Phoenix on Monday, 12/14/2015

http://www.veterans.senate.gov/hearings/field-hearing__phoenix-121415

Independent Budget (IB) Framework for Veterans Healthcare Reform Briefing On Monday, 12/14/2015 to the Commission on Care

http://www.vfw.org/uploadedFiles/VFW.org/VFW_in_DC/IB_AFrameworkforVeteransHealthCareReform.pdf.

Congress introduced an Omnibus Budget Bill for 2016 on Wednesday, 12/16/2015, which includes several key provisions for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

[Source: VFW Action Corps Weekly December 18 2015]

Read the 2,009-page Omnibus bill at:

http://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20151214/CPRT-114-HPRT-RU00-SAHR2029-AMNT1final.pdf

VA commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War

http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/24703/va-commemoration-of-the-50th-anniversary-of-the-vietnam-war/

Psychologist says Headway made on treatments for PTSD

http://www.stripes.com/psychologist-headway-made-on-treatments-for-ptsd-1.383918

When PTSD Is Contagious

http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/12/ptsd-secondary-trauma/420282/

VA official pushes back against lawmakers, saying ‘You can’t fire your way to excellence’

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/federal-eye/wp/2015/12/10/va-official-pushes-back-against-lawmakers-saying-you-cant-fire-your-way-to-excellence/

POW MIA Updates December 15, 2015