A new executive order by Donald Trump directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to eliminate two categories of patients from being protected from discrimination. For the first time, medical doctors, psychologists, physical therapists, chiropractors, and other health providers can refuse care to individual veterans based on their political affiliation, union activity, and marital status. The motivation for these changes can only be nefarious and is a threat to our democracy.

So now, if you are a veteran and a registered Democrat, you could be refused services. If you are a pregnant and unmarried veteran, you could be refused services. I expect that most health professionals that work for the VA would not discriminate against veterans in these categories, but it sets a disturbing precedent. Even more ominously, in terms of employment, the executive order states the VA can now base hiring decisions on political affiliation and union activity.

The scheme becomes obvious; terminate more than 20% of VA staff and then replace them with registered Republicans who voted for Trump. This kind of spoils system is typical of dictatorships and quasi-democratic regimes around the world. This is an effective way of rewarding your supporters and punishing and disempowering your adversaries. It always results in poorer services. Given that Trump has referred to Democrats as “the enemy within,” this is not surprising. I expect you are as outraged by this latest attack on our democracy as I am. Let our voices be heard!

David Arbeitman

Florence