VA-RAC on Gulf War Illness let us down

This is my response to the meeting of Veterans Affairs Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Illnesses 14-15 Sept 2008 in Washington D.C.

Researchers -they can set out to prove a pet theory,
they can ignore data which contradicts a favored hypothesis,
and they can read into data facts which simply aren't there.
In addition, and perhaps more importantly, their employers can be biased.
DoD can put pressure on researchers or even research firms to
validate a preordained position or to produce a desired result.
Not that they really have to, since it is much easier to hire or retain
investigators who agree with them to begin with.
And even that is not necessary, since the DOD/VA employer gets to
write conclusions and recommendations. Scientists who dissent can
effectively be buried simply by not publishing what they have to say.

Research is never economically beneficial except for those in position
to profit from Research expenditures." What else am I to think when
monies are appropriated by southwest university and Dr. Haley
and three years or 36 months and no project started-
up to 45 million dollars not working for us veterans.
Promises 's broken.

It is sad Gulf War Scientists can find their research blocked,
or find themselves threatened with financial ruin. Corporations,
Veterans agents, think tanks, even government agencies have been
caught suppressing or distorting research on the safety of chemicals
on and around our battlefield.

This is why I feel Gulf War Research has been hijacked.
I feel the VA-RAC on GWI has been stonewalled.
I have seen the last few VA Secretaries make vague
promises of support, yet fail to implement any Recommendations
this committee has made over the years

It is the former RAC board member and Principal scientist
to southwestern university department, who accepted 15 million
for the last three years for the promise of neuro-imaging, veteran
survey and maybe a clinic.

Has not happened, will not happen. As I listen Dr. Haley give a
political doublespeak when trying to explain what he has
accomplished in the last three years.

I believe gulf war veterans will not see any Recommendations
actual carried on into completed and published research project
before this administration ends.

Only veterans who speak out, demand oversight !