The weight of the entire Congress was on his shoulders as both Democrats and Republicans joined the chorus asking for his resignation. It was too much for the head if the Veterans Affairs, and today, president Obama announced that he had accepted Eric Shinseki‘s resignation “with considerable regret.”
Schinseki came under heavy scrutiny over the last few weeks as reports surfaced that some 40 veterans on a medical waiting list, died while trying to get care.
In making the announcement, president Obama tapped Sloan Gibson, the current Deputy of Veterans Affairs, to temporarily take Shinseki’s position as Secretary of Veterans Affairs until the position is permanently filled.
Politically sneaking, the move by Shinseki to step down will he used by Republicans as a knock against Obama, as they are sure to quote the president who said at a press conference last week that “nobody cares more about our veterans than Eric Shinseki.”
Eric Shinseki was nominated as Secretary of the VA by President Obama. The retired four-star general, took office in 2008.
Of course the fact that the Repubs have voted again and again to NOT give additional funds to the VA/veterans would have NO bearing on the conditions that have been in effect for decades.
And of course, the “military mindset” of keeping all problems “within boundaries”, and never “going above your pay grade” to report these problems…which were basically caused by ALL THESE UNPAID FOR WARS AND THE AFTERMATH…..would also have NOTHING to do with this mess, either.