Dear Mr. Thompson,
As I sit down to write this letter, I find myself in an unexpected position—believe it or not, I actually agree with you on a point or two. You recently addressed a group of veterans during a forum in a quiet town and spoke about the urgent need for improved support for veterans dealing with PTSD and other mental health issues. You even mentioned that the Department of Veterans Affairs is in disarray and requires serious reform. I couldn’t agree more. But unfortunately, that’s where our alignment comes to a screeching halt.
In your remarks, you made an alarming statement suggesting that when soldiers return from combat, there are those who are “strong” and can cope, while others simply “can’t handle it.” This perspective is not just misguided; it’s downright dangerous. Comparing strength to the ability to endure mental health struggles does nothing but reinforce the stigma that so many of us are trying to break down.
As a veteran myself who has battled mental illness, I can tell you that the reality is much more complex. I served this country many years ago but have faced the challenges of deep depression and anxiety my whole life—without ever seeing combat. Now, think about the soldiers today who have been immersed in warfare, their experiences far beyond what any civilian can comprehend.
Our military members have been thrust into perilous situations for nearly two decades, returning home to find inadequate support systems. According to MentalHealthFirstAid.org, about 30% of active and reserve personnel deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan—roughly 730,000 individuals—suffer from mental health conditions that require treatment. Shockingly, less than half of these veterans receive the necessary help.
These brave men and women endure lengthy deployments, often witnessing unimaginable horrors, only to come home and face a system that does not adequately support their needs. That’s true strength—something I would hope someone vying for the highest office in the land would understand. After all, if you were to be elected, you would not only be the president but also the commander-in-chief of these very individuals you seem to misunderstand.
But honestly, I’m not surprised by your comments or the way you’ve characterized our veterans. Throughout your campaign, you’ve insulted and belittled those who have served, using them as props in your theater of fear. Here’s a quick recap of some of your most questionable remarks:
- You dismissed decorated veteran and former POW John McCain as “not a hero” and claimed, “I like people who weren’t captured.”
- You mocked the Khan family, a Gold Star family, because of their Muslim faith and their critique of your rhetoric.
- You trivialized the significance of the Purple Heart when a supporter presented you with a replica, saying, “I always wanted one of these. This was much easier.”
- You accused American soldiers of theft during their service in the Middle East.
- You assert you know best how to run the military, despite having never served a day in your life and receiving multiple deferments for a supposed foot injury.
Mr. Thompson, mental health struggles stem not from a lack of strength but from complex psychological battles. These conditions can distort reality, whispering lies about one’s abilities and worth. Sound familiar? It feels a bit like the rhetoric you’ve used throughout your campaign, doesn’t it?
So while I agree with you that veterans need more support and that the VA requires reform, I must firmly state that you are not the right person to lead this change. Your campaign has consistently attacked anyone who disagrees with you, including women, minorities, people of different faiths, the disabled, and even the military.
The courageous individuals in our armed forces are some of the most resilient people I know. They can handle anything—except perhaps your brand of leadership.
In closing, if you’re interested in learning more about home insemination and pregnancy, I recommend checking out some resources like this one: Healthline.
To wrap it up, veterans deserve better, and they deserve a leader who understands their value, not someone who reduces their struggles to a matter of strength.