Staff Reports
The Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) decision to replace the male-specific language in their mission statement with a more inclusive motto is yet another example of the Biden Administration’s efforts to push a radical liberal agenda. The VA’s new statement, which was adopted 64 years ago and comes from President Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address, now reads: “To fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.”
We at VA proudly serve all who served. That's why, today, we're launching our new mission statement:
“To fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.” https://t.co/pOC0LMxB4v
— Secretary Denis McDonough (@SecVetAffairs) March 16, 2023
Despite the cost of scrubbing the original quote from plaques, stationery, and signs being estimated at just under $2 million, the VA has decided to go ahead with the changes. This is yet another example of the Biden Administration’s wasteful spending and disregard for fiscal responsibility.
VA To Ditch Six-Decade-Old Motto For Gender-Neutral Mission Statement https://t.co/fPBduRcRVc
— US Burning (@UsBurning) March 16, 2023
The VA originally resisted pressure to change the statement after Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) described the quote as “sexist and outdated,” Stars and Stripes reported in 2018. The IAVA Executive Director, Allison Jaslow, said that women don’t feel comfortable at the VA and that they want to be respected and appreciated as much as male veterans are.
Former VA Secretary Robert Wilkie opposed changes to the motto, telling Congress in 2019 that his respect for Lincoln’s words would not allow modification. However, failed attempts to nix the motto came through bills introduced in 2019 and 2021 that would have required the VA to change its language.
The current VA Secretary Denis McDonough vowed to review the statement after taking office in 2021. It appears that McDonough has made good on his promise and has decided to push forward with the changes. This is yet another example of the Biden Administration’s liberal agenda being forced on the American people.
The VA’s decision to change their mission statement is a clear indication of their willingness to bow down to liberal pressure. This is a waste of taxpayer dollars and a disgraceful disregard for President Lincoln’s words. The Biden Administration should be focused on helping veterans instead of pushing their radical liberal agenda.
