Happy Independence Day, America. To underscore the many things that make our country great, we offer columns today that emphasize the importance of voting, and the push to ensure all citizens have easy access to cast ballots for the candidates and initiatives of their choice. In our third column, a Georgia nonprofit executive writes about ways to overcome the problems plaguing our VA medical services: Local communities need to step up for our veterans.

» Join the conversation

About the Author

Featured

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. (center) is flanked by GOP whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. (left) and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Thune speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Credit: AP