July 5, 2006--Building 18

Lost in the Scooter Libby commutation and the Paris Hilton incarceration is Building 18.

Remember that? It’s not ancient history. Just three months ago conditions there and the public and Congressional response to them dominated the media. How could we treat our wounded and maimed Iraq veterans as if they were a national embarrassment to be cast aside?

And we learned, Walter Reed was just one example of a national disgrace. Even President Bush, who spends much of his time praising these heroes, had to acknowledge there was a problem and as a result appointed a high-level commission to look into the situation at the 1,200 veterans hospitals and care facilities around the country. Remember, he managed to get Donna Shalala to co-chair it?

And . . . ?