I was not comparing apples to oranges - which is what comparing Welfare to Veterans Benefits is! I simply said that Veterans Benefits could in no way be viewed as a handout and I agreed with blue on that statement (nor is Welfare when it dispersed properly and accordingly!).
I am of the Viet Nam Era, and have seen too many lives changed forever, physically and/or mentally! The majority who served their country (and paid a great price) during this time did not do so willingly. But they put their lives on the line every day in conditions you couldn't even imagine in your worst nightmare (and too many times lost), to protect what this country is all about, just as our current military continues to do. To view any benefits that they are entitled to as a handout is obscene! IMO of course! Just remember - they died and suffered for YOU!!!