In reality, what I believe goes on is that this “government conspiracy” is nothing more than a long line of individual bean-counters working hard to ensure that their government jobs are safe, especially in the case of political appointees. After all, many governmental employees, and many more employees of defense contractors would be instantaneously out of work if it were ever officially acknowledged that DU is a known contributor or cause of cancers or chronic illness. Nevermind the enormous financial liabilities to all of the victims, worldwide.

In other words, sadly, human beings are very often willing to sacrifice their personal morals if by doing so they can earn a good secure living for their families. On a larger scale, let’s face it, defense contractors are in business to turn a profit by manufacturing weapons and other military equipment used in combat. With any product, military or otherwise, there is a risk management assessment that is performed by the manufacturer, and sometimes even the end user (e.g., the government) to determine the profit potential of the product, taking into consideration all possible hazards. No product is perfect. I’m sure you could be killed by a hula hoop if you use it the wrong way.

Automobiles are a classic example. Auto manufacturers are willing to turn a blind eye to known safety defects in their cars, and willing to pay off wrongful death lawsuits, to a pre-calculated point. When the lawsuit payouts reach a certain threshold that triggers a safety recall aimed at fixing the problem. Or, depending on the cost of the fix, it could result in the product being discontinued altogether. In other words, a certain number of injuries and fatalities are not only expected, they are considered acceptable. I have no doubt that our government operates in the same manner.

Translation – As far as our government is concerned, in the case of Depleted Uranium we have not yet reached the point where a recall or discontinuance of the product is considered necessary. A certain number of chronic illnesses and deaths in the Veteran population are considered acceptable. That is, unless the Veteran community and others are able to convince the government to revise their risk/benefit formula. I think the best we can hope for is that DU is recalled, or better yet, discontinued sometime in the near future so that our sons and daughters will not find themselves in similar straights if they have to go to war.

Duane, I’m sorry to tell you this, but for you and me and thousands of other Veterans, it is likely too late for a cure. The damage is done. We are considered expendable. If it’s any consolation, they’ll call us heroes as they lower us into our graves.

Whatever we do about this, we do it for our kids and grandkids. If anyone calls me a hero when I’m gone, I’d rather it be them.

Semper Fi,
Dave