|
|
Star-Bulletin Editorial: "Aid Filipino WWII vets during their lifetime"
THE ISSUE:
Sen. Daniel Akaka is proposing measures to fulfill the needs of Filipino veterans who fought beside U.S. forces in World War II.
March 26, 2007
Vol. 12, Issue 85 - Monday, March 26, 2007 OUR OPINION SOME of the Filipinos who fought alongside American soldiers to defend the Philippines during World War II were belatedly provided some benefits four years ago. Further legislation is needed to extend those benefits to all Philippine veterans and allow those in the United States to be joined by their children. In 2003, President Bush signed into law a measure that provides the 7,000 Filipinos living in the U.S., including 2,000 living in Hawaii, with the same federal health care given to American veterans. The 18,000 who remain in the Philippines still are denied those benefits, which were promised by President Franklin D. Roosevelt but rescinded by Congress in 1946. The proposal, authored by Sen. Daniel Inouye, died in the last session of Congress because of its projected cost -- $150 million over 10 years -- but maintains bipartisan support. That cost will lessen as the veterans, now in their 70s and 80s, dwindle in number. Congress approved a measure in 1990 that allowed each Filipino veteran in the U.S. to bring one family member into the country, but others must wait as long as 20 years before gaining admission. "We're growing old every day, and we don't know what will happen tomorrow," said veteran Jose Vizconde, 81, of Waianae. Sen. Daniel Akaka, chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, plans to hold hearings next month to consider his bill to allow prompt admission to all children of Filipino World War II veterans. A similar measure last year was attached to an immigration reform bill that died amid controversy.
Oahu Publications, Inc. publishes the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, MidWeek and military newspapers BOARD OF DIRECTORSDavid Black, Dan Case, Dennis Francis, Larry Johnson, Duane Kurisu, Warren Luke, Colbert Matsumoto, Jeffrey Watanabe, Michael WoHONOLULU STAR-BULLETINMary Poole, Editorial Page Editor (808) 529-4748; mpoole@starbulletin.com The Honolulu Star-Bulletin (USPS 249460) is published daily by Oahu Publications at 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 7-500, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813. Periodicals postage paid at Honolulu, Hawaii. Postmaster: Send address changes to Star-Bulletin, P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu, Hawaii 96802.
Article URL: http://starbulletin.com/2007/03/26/editorial/editorial02.html © 1996-2007 The Honolulu Star-Bulletin | www.starbulletin.com
Year: 2008 , [2007] , 2006
March 2007
- Star-Bulletin editorial: "Halt implementation of ID law with more workable system" [March 28, 2007]
- Honolulu Advertiser: "Inouye, Akaka vote to support troop withdrawal" [March 27, 2007]
- Honolulu Advertiser: "Duckworth, wounded vets seek changes to VA system" [March 27, 2007]
- Star-Bulletin: "Real ID too pricey, mayor testifies" [March 27, 2007]
- CNET News: "Senators skeptical of Real ID Act rules" [March 27, 2007]
- Pacific Business News: "I.D. switch would cost Hawaii millions" [March 26, 2007]
- Star-Bulletin Editorial: "Aid Filipino WWII vets during their lifetime" [March 26, 2007]
- Star-Bulletin: "Isle student named U.S. Senate's 'Best Page'" [March 25, 2007]
- Boston Globe Editorial: "Real ID, unrealistic law" [March 20, 2007]
- Associated Press: Filipino WWII vets' wait for relatives to arrive drags on [March 19, 2007]
- Senators announce federal grants [March 14, 2007]
- NBC NEWS: "Government reports ‘limited progress’ securing nuclear material worldwide" [March 12, 2007]
- Senators announce federal grants [March 7, 2007]
- Honolulu Star-Bulletin Editorial: Broad changes needed in care for wounded [March 5, 2007]
- Star-Bulletin: "The intrepid interpreters - A new book tells how nisei translators helped win World War II" [March 4, 2007]
- ABC NEWS: Congress Promises Veterans Health Care Improvements [March 1, 2007]
|
|