Merry Christmas

 

Merry Christmas to my Patriot family! May your celebrations be seasoned with joy, garnished with love, and shared with those who bring light and strength to your life.

Christmas Season

 

As the snow begins and the lights twinkle, may your heart be wrapped in peace, your days filled with joy, and your spirit stirred by the magic of the season. Christmas is more than a holiday; it’s a celebration of connection, creativity, and the stories that bring us together.  Whether you're painting memories, sharing a homemade feast, or simply pausing to reflect, may this season remind you of the beauty you bring to the world. Thank you for being part of this journey—your presence is a gift that keeps giving. From my heart to yours, Merry Christmas and a New Year full of hope, inspiration, and meaningful moments.

Elizabeth Kilbride is a Writer and Editor with forty years of experience in writing, with 12 of those years in the online content sphere. Author of 5 books and a Graduate with an Associate of Arts degree in Business Management, a bachelor’s in mass communication and cyber-analysis, a master’s in criminology with emphasis on Cybercrime and Identity Theft, and is currently studying for her Ph.D. degree in Criminology. Her work portfolio includes coverage of politics, current affairs, elections, history, and true crime. Elizabeth is also a gourmet cook, life coach, and avid artist in her spare time, proficient in watercolor, acrylic, oil, pen and ink, gouache, and pastels. As a political operative who has worked on over 300 campaigns during her career, Elizabeth has turned many life events into books and movie scripts while using history to weave interesting storylines. She also runs 7 blogs ranging from art to life coaching, food, writing, Gardening, and opinion or history pieces each week.

An embedded author’s response to the Washington Post article suggesting our nation’s veterans are taking advantage of the VA disability system

 

An embedded author’s response to the Washington Post article suggesting our nation’s veterans are taking advantage of the VA disability system

By Elizabeth Kilbride

Recently, a veteran sent me an article published by the Washington Post titled “How some veterans exploit $193 billion VA Program, due to lax controls.” Written by Craig Whitlock, Lisa Rein, and Caitlin Gilbert. After reading this article, I was enraged at the damaging accusations they claimed in that article. It is very clear that none of these so-called journalists have any connection with the military or veteran community, nor have they ever been to a combat zone in their lives. How can anyone who has no connection to the veteran’s community or ever been to a combat zone have the audacity to allege that disabled veterans are “swamping” the VA with “false”, “fraudulent,” and “dubious” disability claims for injuries and illnesses that are not legitimate? As a journalist who has deployed with the United States Marine Corps to Iraq, I know the hardships they’ve endured and the illnesses and injuries they’ve sustained while in uniform. So when I read an article such as the Washington Post's piece tells this author/journalist that their article proves that they spoke to disgruntled former employees of the Veterans Administration who were hell bent on damaging the VA system and the veterans it serves. That to me is not only appalling, but also disrespectful to those who serve in uniform under our national flag.

In recent years, there has been a significant rise in veterans receiving disability compensation, with only a few isolated fraud cases making headlines. This trend isn’t about rampant abuse; it’s a testament to our nation’s commitment to honoring the sacrifices of those who have served through generations of conflict.

The surge in claims stems mainly from the PACT Act, a landmark law passed in 2022 to finally recognize and support veterans harmed by burn pits, Agent Orange, and other duty-related hazards. Instead of questioning the integrity of 6.9 million disabled veterans, let’s remember: our nation has been at war for nearly 25 years, exposing countless heroes to toxic threats and profound trauma.

The Post story zeroes in on whether a disabled veteran can secure a full-time job but completely overlooks how service-connected injuries and illnesses affect every facet of their lives—often shortening them.  It also fails to acknowledge the profound impact these lasting wounds, both visible and invisible, have on families, caregivers, and survivors of those who fought for our freedom.

Like many of my fellow Veteran Advocates, I do not condone all fraud and applaud vigorous prosecution of all criminal activities used to take away from valid veterans suffering. However, those cases are merely a error in the 6.9 million legitimate claims from disabled veterans.  Each claim is validated by federal laws and backed by solid evidence illustrating how service-related injuries or illnesses affect their lives. As someone who has worked with various veteran organizations over the last 45 years to help veterans file claims for benefits, I have seen firsthand what our disabled veterans have paid to protect our freedom. I have seen firsthand how they are treated at the VA by adjusters who have no understanding of the laws that protect our veterans, and I’ve seen how they laugh when they deny benefits to someone who is clearly eligible for benefits. Case in point, most veterans who returned from Iraq in the last few years didn’t know they should file for benefits under Gulf War Syndrome instead of the current disability rules and regulations. The reason for that is that the protocols for this go around in Iraq haven’t been written yet, while the same issues have protocols under the Gulf War Syndrome disability cases. Once the veteran knows how to get around the protocols, their claim for disability is validated and authorized. The same goes for Vietnam Veterans who suffered from Agent Orange, White, or Blue toxin exposure can now file under the PACT Act, thanks to Rosie and Leroy Torres for their hard work with the Burn Pit cases over the years. Thanks to the Burn Pit efforts, many veterans are now receiving benefits they never would have received if it weren’t for the Torres’ efforts.

The authors of that article also do not realize the difficulty a veteran has admitting they are hurting and need help. They are conditioned to not complain, do their job, and carry on with their mission. Therefore, they don’t document in their military jacket any possible service-connected injury that might become a problem after leaving service.

Accordingly, I’m outraged that The Post's misleading claims could discourage disabled veterans from claiming their hard-earned benefits because they might be labeled as a fraud. The writers of that article made up their minds before they ever put words to paper or screen and began connecting their so-called analysis dots to come up with their false conclusions. Apparently, they never spoke to any disabled veteran at Walter Reed or any VA Hospital before creating their false narrative about veterans and the VA System.  The Washington Post owes every disabled veteran and every veteran in general an apology for their lack of understanding about our veterans and the cost of going to war representing America and their sorry asses.

Elizabeth Kilbride is a Writer and Editor with forty years of experience in writing, with 12 of those years in the online content sphere. Author of 5 books and a Graduate with an Associate of Arts degree in Business Management, a bachelor’s in mass communication and cyber-analysis, a master’s in criminology with emphasis on Cybercrime and Identity Theft, and is currently studying for her Ph.D. degree in Criminology. Her work portfolio includes coverage of politics, current affairs, elections, history, and true crime. Elizabeth is also a gourmet cook, life coach, and avid artist in her spare time, proficient in watercolor, acrylic, oil, pen and ink, gouache, and pastels. As a political operative who has worked on over 300 campaigns during her career, Elizabeth has turned many life events into books and movie scripts while using history to weave interesting storylines. She also runs 7 blogs ranging from art to life coaching, food, writing, Gardening, and opinion or history pieces each week.

 

Happy Thanksgiving

 

This Thanksgiving, may your table be filled with delicious memories, your home with laughter, and your heart with gratitude. As we gather to celebrate the season of thanks, let’s honor the stories that connect us, the art that heals us, and the moments that remind us how deeply we belong.

Whether you're sharing a meal, a masterpiece, or a quiet reflection, know that your presence adds something beautiful to the world. Here's to the joy of giving, the power of creativity, and the warmth of community. Wishing you a season rich with love, inspiration, and a few extra helpings of pie.

 Elizabeth Kilbride is a Writer and Editor with forty years of experience in writing, with 12 of those years in the online content sphere. Author of 5 books and a Graduate with an Associate of Arts degree in Business Management, a bachelor’s in mass communication and cyber-analysis, a master’s in criminology with emphasis on Cybercrime and Identity Theft, and is currently studying for her Ph.D. degree in Criminology. Her work portfolio includes coverage of politics, current affairs, elections, history, and true crime. Elizabeth is also a gourmet cook, life coach, and avid artist in her spare time, proficient in watercolor, acrylic, oil, pen and ink, gouache, and pastels. As a political operative who has worked on over 300 campaigns during her career, Elizabeth has turned many life events into books and movie scripts while using history to weave interesting storylines. She also runs 7 blogs ranging from art to life coaching, food, writing, Gardening, and opinion or history pieces each week.

Holiday, Kilbride, Potpourri of Frugality, 

2025 Election Day is Tuesday

People attribute all the crazy weather we’re having lately, earthquakes, floods, violent seas, etc. They claim it’s climate change, I say it’s the souls of 55 million people who died for freedom against communism during World War II, turning over in their graves at how we have allowed communism to take control of our country. Wake up voters and stop looking for freebies and vote for Americans who love this country and who want what is best for it, and not for socialists who want to destroy what this country was built on, the promise of prosperity and freedom for all.

Election day is Tuesday, and either America wakes up and votes the right way, or possibly all is lost when it comes to Freedom! Several critical races could determine the path this country is about to embark on: freedom or socialism. Which way will the votes go? That’s the question that should be on everyone’s mind right now. Let’s look at the various races.

1)      New York City: The mayoral race between Cuomo, Mandani, and Sliwa is critical. On Nov. 4, the nation's largest city will cast its votes for a new mayor! Socialist Zohran Mamdani is leading against a former Democrat. Gov. Andrew Cuomo, now an independent after losing to Mamdani, and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Mamdani's bold calls to defund the police and freeze rent have sparked intense debate but resonate with younger voters as election day approaches. Cuomo and Sliwa urge each other to step aside for a direct matchup, arguing that Mamdani’s inexperience could be detrimental to New York City’s future. Cuomo is detrimental to NYC. Just look at his track history when he was Governor of New York State. He helped raise taxes to the point where citizens are moving out in droves because they can't afford to live in the state. He cut programs to save historical locations, rebuild structures, and reduce rents so people could afford to live in the state. Then you have the most detrimental to New York City’s future as Mayor, if you elect Mandani, he'll be privy to critical information, such as potential terrorism briefings that could be critical to national security, and should he defund the police, he would leave New York City vulnerable to serious attack and vulnerability. I pray voters in New York City are aware of what could happen in the future should they elect him to office. He’s not what New York City needs at this time in history. Even his own mother stated that he hates America, so why elect him to be your mayor? Makes no sense. 

2)      Virginia Governor Race: Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears faces off against former Rep. Abigail Spanberger in a battle for the governor's seat, following term-limited GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin. With historic firsts at stake, Earle-Sears could become Virginia’s first Black female gubernatorial nominee—ensuring that no matter who wins, the state will elect its first female governor. The proof that Spanberger is a token candidate who can’t speak for herself is proven by just watching her performance in the debates. When asked critical questions about her agenda, she goes blank and doesn’t answer any questions. In the political world, that is a clear sign that she can’t speak for herself and is a pawn for the DNC. If she had opened her mouth during the debates and said the wrong thing, the DNC would have destroyed her both politically and professionally. Another clear indication would be the endorsement of President Barack Obama, who in the past always endorsed black candidates over white candidates in critical races. After all, he is the president who drew significant attention to this race even though it clearly showed his hypocritical side, since he’s touted black candidates every year in every race, yet the first time there is a black female candidate for governor in Virginia, he endorses a white female who happens to be a democrat. Just goes to show you how two-faced he and the DNC can be when the race is not about race, but standards.

3)      California: California voters face a crucial decision on Proposition 50, which could reshape congressional districts. If passed, it would shift map-drawing power back to the Democrat-controlled legislature from a nonpartisan commission. With $215 million in campaign funding at stake, even former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger warns: "Vote no on Prop 50 — we must protect our democracy!" Proposition 50 is the golden child of Governor Newsom to ensure Democratic Control of the State. One of the two main groups countering Newsom and the Democrats is labeling their effort "Stop Sacramento’s Power Grab."

4)      Minneapolis, a new Mayoral contender, is on the rise: Omar Fateh!  The son of Somali immigrants and the first Somali American in Minnesota’s Senate, he aims to elevate the minimum wage, expand affordable housing, and tackle police violence. Fateh supports community-led alternatives to policing and issuing legal IDs for undocumented immigrants. At 35, this democratic socialist and Muslim is ready to shake things up against incumbent Jacob Frey! Another Mayoral position in this country that could compromise our national security by allowing a socialist/muslim to have access to terrorism activity briefings. 

While America is a country of settlers from all over the world, we must decide if we want to continue to allow foreigners to come here and become elected officials if they are not interested in the American Dream and prosper as Americans. Therefore, I am all for a new law to be created that states anyone who wishes to become an elected official and create laws for this land must be American-born and swear the oath to the Constitution of America, and not just be a token to another country. We now have representatives in Congress, in state Senates, and in Governor’s positions that have pledged allegiance to the socialist or communist parties that are totally against the Constitution of America.

Elizabeth Kilbride is a Writer and Editor with forty years of experience in writing, with 12 of those years in the online content sphere. Author of 5 books and a Graduate with an Associate of Arts degree in Business Management, a bachelor’s in mass communication and cyber-analysis, a master’s in criminology with emphasis on Cybercrime and Identity Theft, and is currently studying for her Ph.D. degree in Criminology. Her work portfolio includes coverage of politics, current affairs, elections, history, and true crime. Elizabeth is also a gourmet cook, life coach, and avid artist in her spare time, proficient in watercolor, acrylic, oil, pen and ink, gouache, and pastels. As a political operative who has worked on over 300 campaigns during her career, Elizabeth has turned many life events into books and movie scripts while using history to weave interesting storylines. She also runs 7 blogs ranging from art to life coaching, food, writing, Gardening, and opinion or history pieces each week.