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I like Jon Stewart even more than before.

Jon Stewart, Iraq War Critic, Runs a Program That Helps Veterans Enter TV

I like this and I like Jon Stewart. It all adds up.

It is a paradox of course. The very best kind.

“It was actually inspirational,” said Mr. Witmer, who went on to work at Fox News and then found a job as a “Daily Show” associate field segment producer. “We hear ‘Thank you for your service’ all the time, but here was concrete action, people working to really make a difference. And it changed lives. I’m proof of that.”

Labels: anti-war, veterans

THERE I WAS

Labels: veterans

DOG THERAPYupdated for Franken

This is a great program.

For the Battle-Scarred, Comfort at Leash’s End

Be sure to watch the slide show.

The dogs, trained by prisoners, are assigned to victims of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder to assist in reducing the symptoms of PTSD and intervening when problems occur.

They are trained to jump on their human when s/he has a panic attack and to sense when it is coming on.

There are 87 commands that they learn to respond to. They can call 911. Turn on lights.

I can understand the ability to sense oncoming trouble or to respond to human distress.

On the few occasions that I have had "trouble", Booker is right there. If John and I are disagreeing he joins up to walk between us. If there is any unhappiness or stress he picks it up.

I occasionally get anxiety attacks. Doesn't everyone? Booker picks up on it and is right there.

I can see how this Program could be of immense help for an intractable problem.

Of course, service dogs are now used for a wide array of help programs. Autism, epilepsy and other episodic problems for example. And of course, the seeing eye dogs.

More on the program from CNN

Franken's first goal: Dogs for vets

Labels: 2, Booker, dogs, veterans

A LITTLE DIFFERENT

When I went to college there were a lot of guys there on the GI Bill. Korean War veterans.

Oh. Not a war. Sorry.

But these guys had been there and done that and we had not.

It was great to be around them. I remember them fondly.

Two guys roomed together in my dorm section (four double rooms on four landings) and we got to know them pretty well.

There was always that reserve though.

They were very studious. There was a lot resting on their grades. They didn't banter around with us. Occasionally they would go out to dinner but not a lot.

They were serious about women in a way that none of the guys in the unit were at all. Even the seniors. They knew where to go and how to do it. All the guys were in awe of this. How could they have those moves down so pat?

Of course, the guys were all at least five maybe ten years older than we were. They had been around. And they had been in war. The real thing. Not the ROTC crap which they had great contempt for but were kind about those of us who were doing it.

Now, it is happening again. The GI Bill is revived (2008). And quite generously so. Against George W's objections and veto threat. Can you believe that? Yes.

MIT which I work for has opened 300 new student slots to accommodate the influx. These guys are at Columbia. Do not miss the slide show. I so admire these young men.

From Battlefield to Ivy League, on the G.I. Bill

Wonderful. What these guys have been through. What they bring back for us.

Labels: Administration Obama, college, MIT, veterans