Fellow Veterans and Friends of Veterans,
As we know, the Secretary of the VA’s top assistants and Congressman Ted Lieu’s senior deputies intentionally lied to Veterans and the general public about a “gate opening” ceremony being canceled because of gopher holes.
To the contrary, a “private ceremony” was held for these same entrusted public servants along with selected wealthy, powerful attendees, while everyday Veterans and local residents were intentionally deceived and denied equal participation.
Nothing has changed. Business-as-usual, reminiscent of the days when Sue Young, former executive director of Veterans Park Conservancy, held “private parties” for her wealthy cronies.
Now it’s Carolina Winston Barrie, a former member of the Veterans Park Conservancy’s board of directors, who is continuing this privileged tradition. as The Gopher Gate private ceremony scam was her idea.
Carolina Barrie accomplished what Ms. Young was unable to achieve for nearly a quarter century — to open the front gates and turn this sacred land into a public park. She did it without an illegal “sharing agreement” but with the blessings of the Secretary of the VA. Ms. Barrie had her own special plaques made to hang on the front, which we will address at another time.
Bottom line, nothing has changed since last winter’s so-called settlement agreement, another big lie. Actually, things are much worse than before the ALCU lawsuits were filed and we were being falsely arrested for hanging the American flag in distress six years ago, officially signifying to the public that “Veterans lives and their property are in extreme danger.” Both assertions remain true.
Meantime, watch this video of the private ceremony:
Gopher Gate Exposes VA Fraud and Corruption
Thanks to Iraqi War Marine combat Veteran Michael Woolston and his excellent video coverage coupled with the leadership of Ted Hayes, internationally recognized homeless activist. They intervened after a tip and expose the private ceremony that included the Secretary of the VA, Robert A. McDonald.
Evidence of worsening conditions: Not only are the font gates now open to the general public, but on Saturday, 5,000 persons attended the annual AIDS Bicycle fundraiser held on these sacred grounds while tens of thousands of war-injured Veterans remain homeless and hungry.
Think about the VA’s priorities: Instead of honoring a formal request from Dick Southern, Region 9 Director of Vietnam Veterans of America to host a long-term crisis-shelter Stand Down/”Welcome Home Reception Center” on the Grand Lawn in conjunction with the 96-member Los Angeles Neighborhood Community Council that has declared a state of emergency for homeless Veterans, the VA has opened the front gates to the general public, an AIDS bicycle fundraiser will be held as usual, and nearly 100 new Mazdas are being stored — after federal judgment was vacated.
Don’t worry. The VA cut a ribbon to open the antiquated Building 257 as an official “Veteran Community Resource and Referral Center” to house 35 Veterans. Did I mention the tens of thousands of homeless Veterans in Los Angeles?
If the Secretary was embarrassed by Thursday’s mismanaged debacle, as most everyone else was, perhaps he is ready to listen to common sense and realistic solutions instead of being jostled around with symbolism by the visionless bureaucrats and self-serving stakeholders. Perhaps he will now listen to Veterans in-the-know, instead of being dictated by the overwhelming force of non-Veterans.
However, we cannot wait. It’ is time to put Veterans first with Shelter First by holding a crisis shelter program on the Grand Lawn. As Dr. King said during the civil rights movement about waiting — “tomorrow is today.”
God Bless America and the Veterans Revolution!
What is a State of Emergency …. You Decide ….
Secretary McDonald Defeated in Battle of GopherGate
Mr. Rosebrock may be contacted at rrosebrock1@aol.com
