August 27, 2014

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New Director for Muslim Life Imam Adeel Zeb will be replacing Imam Abdullah Antepli as the Director for Muslim Life and Muslim chaplain | Page 3

The Chronicle T H E I N D E P E N D E N T D A I LY AT D U K E U N I V E R S I T Y

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2014

ONE HUNDRED AND TENTH YEAR, ISSUE 5

Eric Lin | The Chronicle

President Barack Obama, pictured above, shakes the hand of Daniel Dellinger, the American Legion’s national commander, prior to addressing the Legion’s 96th National Convention in Charlotte, N.C. Tuesday. Obama spoke about foreign policy and the Veterans Affairs controversy.

Obama pledges VA reform during Charlotte visit Jenna Zhang Local & National Editor Charlotte, N.C. — President Barack Obama pledged a new “culture of accountability” for the Department of Veterans Affairs during his address to the American Legion in Charlotte, N.C. Tuesday. The president announced 19 executive reforms in response to controversy surrounding allegations that VA clinics covered up treatment delays. The reforms included improving employment opportunities for veterans, providing them better access to healthcare and making it easier for them to get loans. Calling the delays in treatment of veterans at VA hospitals “inexcusable,” Obama assured the audience that incompetent senior officials will be removed—a statement met with general applause.

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“What we’ve come to learn is that the conduct we’ve seen at too many facilities…is outrageous,” Obama stated. “I want you to know, directly from me, that we’re focused on this at the highest level.” Obama also said the White House will continue its endeavors to end veteran homelessness, announcing that the number of homeless veterans has dropped by 25,000, or approximately one-third, since 2010. The president outlined new measures to assist veterans with loans and student debt. Interest on federal student loans will be set at 6 percent for veterans, and a new partnership with American banks will help simplify the process to obtain low interest rates for mortgages. The White House will also take further steps to help veterans find employment and transition back to civilian life. “If you were a medic in a warzone, you shouldn’t have to take Nursing 101,”

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Obama said. from several members of Congress and He added that veteran unemploy- high-profile veterans—including Ameriment is currently lower than the nation- can Legion president Daniel Dellinger, al average, whereas it had been higher who was present at Tuesday’s address. several years ago. Shinseki’s replacement, Robert McDonThe president’s remarks follow his ald, who served on the Board of Visitors signing of the Veterans for the Fuqua School Access, Choice and Acof Business from 2005ur message to anyone 2012, was approved by countability Act earlier who harms our this month. The overthe Senate in July. whelmingly bipartisan people is so—America does “We are going to fix measure seeks to over- not forget. Our reach is long, what is wrong, we are haul the VA system by going to do right by giving the Secretary of we are patient. you, we are going to do the VA the authority to — President Barack Obama right by your families,” remove incompetent Obama said of the leadsenior executives. ership change. “That is a solemn pledge VA Secretary Eric Shinseki, Duke and commitment I’m making to you Graduate School ‘76, resigned in May here.” amid a growing scandal related to wait Obama also discussed U.S. foreign times at VA hospitals. Following the rev- policy—focusing on the departure of elation that as many as 40 veterans died American troops from Iraq and continwhile awaiting care at the Phoenix VA hospital, calls for Shinseki’s firing came See Obama on Page 4

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