Shutdown Denies Death and Burial Benefits to Families of 4 Dead Soldiers

“Shutdown Denies Death and Burial Benefits to Families of 4 Dead Soldiers”
New York Times, October 8, 2013

 

1. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/09/us/politics/shutdown-holds-up-death-benefits-for-military-families.html?_r=1&

2. Category of Problem/Issue: Economy

3. Level of Problem/Issue: National

4. A problem/issue that individuals/families face

5. This problem is important because of its impact on the families who have lost their loved one while fighting for our country. In addition to the detrimental impact losing a loved one has on an individual, having to deal with financial issues is even harder on these families.

6. In my opinion, the shutdown in itself is ridiculous! I understand that disagreements often occur within the government, but at some point negotiations need to be made (preferably BEFORE the government is forced to shut down). “You never really know what you have until it is gone.” This saying has continued to hold true during our government’s shutdown. Writing research papers and thesis has become a more challenging process for many students. Many people have been forced to cancel vacations, weddings, etc. because national parks have been closed. But I think the most annoying inconvenience that this shutdown has caused is the benefits within the military. Military veterans are not able to receive pay. What if this is their only source of income? This essentially is creating more harm than good. Additionally, the families of military members who have died oversees are unable to meet their loved ones at the plane. They also have to pay for their funerals out of pocket. That is just ridiculous! All while congress is still receiving their income and continuing to stay stubborn. I believe that the government should be doing everything they can to make up for the inconvenience they have caused each of these families and more. These families should be compensated for the money they have already had to spend as well as allow them the benefits they rightfully deserve. Hopefully, by all of these families voicing their disgust of the matter, this will not be an issue in the future for other military families.