Yesterday, the Senate approved a measure that would create what’s being called the “New GI Bill.” The final tally on the vote was 75-Yeas to 22-Nays. Three Senators didn’t vote and one failed to vote but voiced an opposition to the bill that is in line with that wacky Bush administration. Yep, Captain John S. McCain (Navy-Ret.) the illustrious hero of Vietnam, Arizona Senator and GOP Presidential Nominee didn’t bother to show up and cast his vote. Apparently, he was busily attending to preparations for this weekend’s Veepstakes Pajama Party at the McCain Ranch.
As a veteran and Democrat, I’ve often complained that Republican/Conservative admiration for the military men and women was merely lip service. Yet, McCain and Bush have proven my point with their opposition to the New GI Bill. “Support the Troops” is merely a bumper sticker phrase for Bush and McCain and it is said with the same obligatory sentiment that makes them stab their suit lapel with a midget version of Old Glory.
But what is in the bill that is making McCain and Bush turn their noses up to it? First, the was drafted and introduced by two of the most famous Vietnam Vets in the senate, Jim Webb (D-VA) and Chuck Hagel (R-NE). Under Ronald Reagan, Webb was Secretary of the Navy and Hagel held the position of Deputy Administrator of Veterans Affairs. Both have received numerous medals and accommodations for their service to their country. The military bona fides of these two men are equal to those held by McCain without a doubt. Equally unquestionable is the fact that these men, McCain included, put George Bush to shame when comes to service to country.
To explain away his absence, McCain took time from raising money in California to pen this response:
“It is typical, but no less offensive that Senator Obama uses the Senate floor to take cheap shots at an opponent and easy advantage of an issue he has less than zero understanding of. Let me say first in response to Senator Obama, running for President is different than serving as President. The office comes with responsibilities so serious that the occupant can’t always take the politically easy route without hurting the country he is sworn to defend. Unlike Senator Obama, my admiration, respect and deep gratitude for America’s veterans is something more than a convenient campaign pledge. I think I have earned the right to make that claim.” [emphasis added]
We’ve all heard that “talk is cheap” and “what have you done for me lately?” These would seem appropriate to the current situation with particular interest in the latter. McCain is such a CHAMPION of the people who put on the uniform, well what has he done lately? Where’s the love John? I’m thinking that you’ve been snuggling up with the Bushites too long and their obvious disdain for the military is beginning to rub off on you. What is your opposition to military folks bettering themselves through education? You’ve remarked that the kids that joined the service after 9/11 we’re reminiscent of the much lauded “Greatest Generation” that fought in WWII. Why should this Greatest Generation sacrificing in Iraq not be afforded the same opportunity bestowed on the men who returned triumphantly from the Pacific and European theaters of war?
McCain and the other Hollow Support for the Troops folks present basically one argument against the bill. They argue that it is TOO generous and this overwhelming generosity would compel folks to bolt from the military to go and get that Harvard education. Not that the promise of a never-ending war or many more wars to come wouldn’t make a soldier think twice when
re-enlistment time comes.
John Sidney McCain, your position against this bill is plainly and obviously absurd. Further, it only goes to prove that electing YOU president would be tantamount to giving our current Idiot in Chief a third term by proxy.
McCain instead of attending the debates on the bill and proposing a separate version, decided to stay away so that there would be no evidence on the record of his TRUE regard for our brother and sisters in arms. Nope, when it was time to take the high road, Johnnie Mac decide the turn the Straight Talk Express onto the low road. (That’s Exit 8 off the Dumbass Turnpike).
He even fired up some pre-general election rhetoric by noting that Obama has never served in uniform and somehow by that logic should not comment on military matters. This is an old Republican ploy and when the shoes on the other foot they get a little upset and they forget the principle. Example: Why didn’t McCain question Dick Cheney’s military bona fides we Sir Phallus went on Meet the Press and said “We’d be greeted as liberators?”
While McCain on the one hand laments Obama’s “Yes we can” rhetoric, he continues with his “No YOU can’t” hyperbole. The soldier who comes from a working class background and no finds himself/herself in Iraq, may dream of one day improving their station in life. To that dream, McCain has said “No YOU can’t.” The Democratic led Congress has put forth a bill that rewards and honors our troops. To that honorarium for service and bravery, McCain has retorted with a resounding “No YOU can’t.”
Nope, it’s simple really, John McCain’s love for the military folks has proved to be nothing more than slogan. An apt description for George W. Bush is equally as appropriate when applied to McCain’s respect and regard for enlisted military folks, “He’s all hat and NO cattle!”
I am sure that Capt. McCain would have much rather been out fighting and possibly earning some medals like other members of our military were doing during the Vietnam War.
It is quite disingenious the writer to point to Captain McCain’s service during the Vietnam War as he somehow failed to perform as well as others. Do you suppose Hagle or Webb would have taken their free ticket home when offered by the Vietcong? Perhaps after they had gotten some of their bones broken they too would have made the difficult decision to remain. Thankfully we will never know. Historically, Captain McCain stayed so as not to demoralize the other prisoners. That speaks volums of any man’s charactor.
As the writer of this article has done, I can only make a guess as to why Senator McCain would want a different version of the GI Bill. (I know this writer not stupid so when he says Senator McCain opposed the “New GI Bill” he think he is making him look bad.) What I believe Senator McCain wanted to do by proposing the following:
“Presidential candidate Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), joined Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Burr (R-NC), had proposed an alternative bill that would enhance the Montgomery GI Bill. S 2938, with 24 cosponsors, would increase the monthly benefit to $1,500 (rising to $2,000 for those who serve more than 12 years). Similar to S. 22, benefits could be transferable to dependents, but with additional length of service criteria and limits.”
is this; he wants to encourage our Armed Forces to stay longer to earn more benefits. Simply that.
Now, what I believe the true effort of the Democratic lead initiative of this “New GI Bill” is to offer the most with the least. With this New GI Bill (if I’m reading it properly) there is no incentive for staying in after the initial three year enlistment. Hence you have earned all you can earn so grab it and go. The Dems, are just trying to dismantle the Armed Forces. Simple as that.
And FYI since the writer mentioned it (as if it is some qualifier) I too am a Veteran (Vietnam era).
@M54 - from one Veteran to another and in honor of the impending Memorial Day Holdiay, I hope that you would accept my sincere Thanks for your service to this great country of ours.
The niceties aside, Now to the debate!!!
First, you really should read my posts more closely. I never called into question John McCain’s service. Actually what I wrote was the following:
“The military bona fides of these two men are equal to those held by McCain without a doubt. Equally unquestionable is the fact that these men, McCain included, put George Bush to shame when comes to service to country.”
As a Vietnam Vet, you are know doubt knowledgable about the heroic service of Senators Webb and Hagel. Both were highly decorated Vets and both served as ground troops.
That aside, McCain’s position is absurd plain and simple. The average length of an enlistment these days is 4 years! That is the minimum enlistment. After that, ALL discharged from the military have an additonal 8 year ready reserve commitment that they are subject to.
McCain’s plan is peanuts. The little bit of money is barely going to pay for Community College in today’s market. The Webb/Hagel bill gives Vets who entered after 9/11 or served during 9/11, FREE tuition at the college of their choice. It’s that simple and it’s the SAME GI Bill that was given to those that served in WWII.
Here’s the catch - it would only cost the government the equivalent of ONE DAMN WEEK in Iraq.
As for the Dems dismantling the military, I seriously doubt that two former Vets who love the military like Webb and Hagel would do anything to hurt the armed forces. They are trying to honor those that serve in a more meaningul way than the lip service we get from the likes of Bush and Cheney.
If you want to know who’s destroying the military, you need only look at the current occupant at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, Washington, DC 20000.
“He even fired up some pre-general election rhetoric by noting that Obama has never served in uniform and somehow by that logic should not comment on military matters.”
Then guys should shut up about abortion.
I’ve always said that when it comes to the abortion debate, “When I have a uterus, I’ll have an opinion.”
Thank you for the thank you and right back at ya! You misread my post too. (Vietnam era) I wanted to be on one of those river boats. I guess they figured I was just to nuts for that. Instead I was on the JFK when it had two collisions at sea (Belknap/Bordelon). One of them burned to the water line. Lots of dead sailors that night. One of those life moments that kinda stays with you. Fortunately (for me) I was on the air craft carrier not the “tin can”.
I will be the first to admit that I am completely biased when I consider the Democrats’ motives with regards to our military. Trying to “de-fund” our troops while they are on the front lines……
As for Memorial Day, (another personal) too fresh since our American Hero was KIA (15 mos).
I long for the day when I can just be a regular jerk and not have to look at all of this through the eyes of the season my family walks in now.
Best regards to all of you for a fantastic Memorial Day with your families. If you have a mind to, just take a moment during whatever gathering to make sure that everyone knows.
FREEDOM ISN’T FREE isn’t just a catchy slogan.
Seems pretty simple to me. This post explains very clearly the differences in the two bills, and the differences between Barack and McCain.
Barack cares about the troops. McCain cares about the war.
In this instance, those are opposing views. What does that tell you?