Harsh attacks over GI bill

There was a time in American that life was hopeful and one could live out the American Dream, but this was all under Democrataic rule. Since Republicans have gotten into power, the dream has slowly died until it is now almost dead and in its deaththroes. The GOP has done nothing for the American families or way of life, although they always spout "family values". If we allow them to fool us again by their clever way of manipulating words like a "dagger" on their opponents and the use of their tricks - "now you see it, now you don't", then may be we deserve high gas prices, increased food prices, more wars, a loss of jobs, higher health-care costs and complete desolation of America, who will become a third-world country!

Unfortunately, McCain and the GOP have no positive ideas on foreign policy or anything else. They say no the Farm Bill; No to the G.I. Bill, No to a higher minimum wage; No to helping those with foreclosure problems in otherwords no to charity and taking care of one's brother. The Bible teaches us that anger only begets anger and that we should love. What happened to these values we used to live by? How can a party which pretends to be religious live with such an anti-Christian way? They say and do the antithesis of the teachings of Christ!

Unfortunatly both parties can't seem to spend money wisely. Either way expect to get much much less for your dollar.

It is ironic that those who say they support the troops turn their back on them when the vets need them.

The McCain GI bill was nothing more than a continuation of Bush policy. The Webb bill on the other hand is very similar to the GI bill for vets returning from WWII.

Suggesting that Obama does not understand the military because he supports the bill is a slap in the face to Webb (a veteran), the overwhelming majority of congressmen who support the Webb bill and the veterans who are returning from the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

And we should follow the democratic party whose candidate has ZERO experience in foreign policy, who's willing to meet with socialist and terrorist country leaded without preconditions, who will do nothing to protect the border, who will raise taxes to pay for health insurance/other benefits of those who're here illegally, who's been sitting on the pew for 20 yrs listening to all kinds of anti-American rhetoric and the list goes on and on. Please get your head out of the kool-aid fountain and filter the news so that you will get a fair and balanced information, not only from the MoveOn.org and George Soros's cronies.
While I do support the G.I Bill, the option other than McCain at this juncture is simply too harsh. That's unless Hillary will get fair treatments by the media, and get to be the democratic sole presidential candidate. In terms of stands, many people believe that she's a far better candidate than the far left Obama.

They are hypocrites. They're running a racket. They want power to get what they want but refuse to use it to help those they're elected to aid. They're the embodiment of the darker parts of American nature. They use racism, xenophobia, insecurity, religious bigotry, corruption, ignorance perpetuation, and any form of hate they can turn to their advantage for the sake of getting themselves elected to positions that, once obtained, they corrupt and abuse in order to get themselves more power, all the while neglecting the real needs of internal and foreign policies.

In short, they do whatever it takes to get elected, no matter how ruthlessly evil, and then use their new power to enable further ruthless evil action to get more power, and all the while treat real problems as things that only "bleeding-heart liberals" choose to care about. I deeply and profoundly hope their regime finally ends.

Does anyone know where benefits come from? They are provided on the backs of hard working Americans who earn a living "AND" pay taxes. To give any benefit away to a person who has not earned it is irresponsible government, and quite frankly, I'm tired of paying your way.

Served the Army for 20-years, supported numerous wars and was in a couple of war zones. Two Metorious Service medals, seven Army Commendation Medals, Numerous Army Achievement medals, Expeditionary Medal, on & on. When I retired they made me pay an extra $1200 on top of the normal $1200 to have the GI bill. I should have stayed home and went on welfare.

Angellight,

Best comment I have ever read! Very, very, well stated.

Angellight it is obvious that you are an idiot. I am a Democrat but I do not blame every problem in the world on the GOP, or any political institution, for that matter.

You are probably the one who needs the charity; I suggest you move to North Korea or Cuba to be taken care of you piece of crap.

Republicans like John McCain and President Bush only seem to "support our troops" when they are being shot at.

Shameful.

Good for Senator Webb. I hope he can deliver a veto-proof majority on this bill.

Our brave kids deserve a chance to join the middle class when they are finished serving our country.

Um...at present both The House and The Senate are under Democratic rule. Republicans only hold the office of President.

The real sad part is that instead of getting together and hashing out a comprehensive bill that addresses all the issues from everyone concerned both sides are content to bash eachother and point at percieved flaws. Are a couple partisan brownie points worth the destruction of our nation?

Angellight, you're showing a prime example of part of the problem. Instead of asking for collaboration and agreement you rail against your "opposition" party.

As a service member who qualifies for both McCain and Webb's proposals I'd really like to see them get together as military veterans caring about the troops instead of bull-headed partisan hacks. I'm sure both proposals have their individual merits.

Angellight writes, "...The Bible teaches us that anger only begets anger and that we should love. ."

I am very angry that my hard work from dawn to dusk is ripped away from my family to provide "benefits" to those who choose - CHOOSE, to not work.

I am a disabled combat veteran and have no problem with Vets Benefits...but for all the lazy SOBs waiting in line for the Pork Barrel Democrats to give them MY daily bread...well, they can rot and die hungry in the cold dark night!

Yes...anger does beget anger.

Unfortunately, Dems and especially liberal Dems(who now want to be called progressives, out of imbarassment), think the way out of our problems in this country is through entitlements. Try giving your hard erned money away for a change and leave the rest of us alone. Those who would take something for nothing should get off their asses and be productive, not progressive.

why bother with an election campaign for mcCain. Bush may as well stay there for the next 7 years. what change would there be.
Good luck Democrats whichever of you make it it will be history made.

I am a Veteran of Desert Storm and had to work as many as three jobs while receiving the GI Bill to afford college. It was hard to do and I didn't have a family at the time. The GI Bill doesn't cover tuition or the cost of living. It is a pittance.

I knew a lot of people in the service who feel trapped because they have families and there was no way they could afford college while supporting their family getting the GI Bill.

Vets deserve better and McCain should be ashamed. Is this guy all talk. And to think I had such a high regard for him.. that is diminished greatly.

Anybody that lays their life on the line for this country, even if the war is a rediculous misadventure that damages, rather than ensures our nations security, deserves a full ticket to a higher education. Wear the uniform, get the benefit. Career soldiers get a pension that reflect their service and dedication. You can take a bullet just as easy on your first day as on your 5,000th. McCain talks a good game, but made sure that he wouldn't be around to be called on voting the party line against the bill. Very classy, John.

"McCain is a cosponsor of a different version of the bill that would require soldiers to have more time in the service to qualify for full benefits. He and other supporters say that would encourage troops to stay longer in the military and consider it as a career."

Is he joking??? Has he checked recruitment lately??? Less recruits and the standards for entry into the services are being lowered and lowered.

What's next?? A market based army??

No to helping those with foreclosure problems? You mean taking money from those who planned ahead and can afford their home and giving it to those who made a reckless purchase. higher minimum wages may increase the dollars in the pocket of those already working, but it will also decrease the number of new jobs. I agree that this new GI bill should be passed, but using the bible as any sort of backing removes any sort of credibility you might have had in your statements. The bible tells us that one old man gathered 2 of every animal on earth and put them in a huge boat with enough food for more than a month, then, through incest, repopulated the earth. gimme a break

As a veteran who just graduated from college under the current GI Bill, the $50,000 in tax free money was more than enough to pay for my $30,000 in college expenses. Too many people criticize the GI Bill without having any understanding of what it is or without ever having used it. I long for the days when people ignorant of the issue at hand will shut up and listen to those who do have experience and understanding of the issue, in this case myself and McCain, and others who have used the GI Bill to attend college. Too many people such as Clinton, Obama, and the Angellight poster spew inaccurate and uninformed rhetoric and will never take the time to actually understand the issue before they spread their ignorance to others, like a virus which only harms other Americans. I am all for free speech, but if you are going to use it, please make use of the free information sources out there and make your speech intelligent and informed.

He could at least show up and register his vote. Isn't that what we pay him for?

McCan't tries to turn the discussion to "who served" - not who's deserving of benefits - especially from the fiasco that is Iraq.

So many families have had careers and businesses demolished - hundreds of billions are thrown down the rathole, but McCan't seems to get all fiscally excited when the REAL bills come due.

Nice goin', "Songbird"!

Angellight:
I promise the "American Dream" is not dead. Nor is in danger. But, continue to over tax those who have money and employee those who need money and you lose the "American Dream" and insert European Socialism.

Poor judgement, as usual, for Senator Obama to criticize a war veteran, concerning our men and women in uniform. I really doubt Senator Obama will be capable of doing much more than offending folks who serve, and served. Folks always say that they don't doubt his patriotism, but I do. It really doesn't take much to hear what he has been saying over the past couple of years - 'America is the problem with the world today' - which I couldn't disagree more.

Senator Obama is much talk, no action and certainly has no understanding of what is offensive. Another example of how far from the norm the Liberal Left really is from the majority of Americans.

Angellight
Not allowed to drill for oil on our own soil or off our shores for 30 years. No refining operations permitted 30 years. The ecological ethanol effort costing us more waste of energy then benfit. Therefore cost of transportation of food, energy to produce it, and grains being diverted to worthless projects driving prices up make food more expensive.

No one who votes a democrat party ticket should be allowed to complain about rising cost of fuel or food. Also the high taxes loved by your party have driven business from our country, lost those jobs, and made us noncompetitive in the market.

I'm a 4 year veteran who always thought it was wrong for two year draftees to receive the same benefits I was allowed. Just as I think it is wrong for me to receive the same as one who has served longer enlistments.

But then again you won't happy be until you take everything dime we work for and then tell us what we can have back or what the government is going to do for us.

By the way, I've never taken a dime from the government other then using my GI loan guarantee. When the people sitting around on their porches all day have exactly the same as we who have gotten up and gone to work every day of our lives, I guess you will consider that a job well done. Liberals beware you are about to awaken a sleeping giant. That mass of people that go to work, pay their bills, made certain they could pay for their houses when they took loans, served their country, qualify for not one government program but pay for them all, try to better themselves only to have the government take more of what they earn.

By the way, my Savior said to turn the other cheek. I got two. After that it's time to kick butt.

mccain is a hypocrite and has sold his soul to the lunatic right wing fringe of his decimated party

I'll have to agree with McCain on this one, his bill would benefit both the soldiers and the military, unlike this not very well thought out bill Barrack and Hil made it a point to race back and vote for so they could try to beat McCain over the head with it. McCain is bulletproof on military and veterans issues, and if the Dems aren't smart enough to see that, then they will be snatching defeat from the jaws of victory in November. The Republicans couldn't do much more to make people vote for Democrats, but the Democrats are too busy fighting each other to pick up the presidency lying at their feet. John McCain must be a big fan of the Hillary campaign. C'mon Dems, step up! Please!

One more clear reason that Obama is the best choice for America! McCain thinks that the new GI bill is too generous and would discourage reenlistment because too many soldiers would be pursuing college educations. then he goes on to say that Obama is talking about "an issue he has less than zero understanding of,"
..... That is not correct, Obama serves on the senate Veterans affairs committee and is has a strong record of supporting veterans, he is also voting FOR the new GI bill. McCain = Bush

Obama 2008 - 2012!!!

McCain refusal to vote for G.I. Bill is showing how out of touch the Reppublican party has gone too far. It's not a surprise to me...look at what the Republicans did in the Bible. They pretended as if they "Love" Jesus The Christ but rather decided to help kill christ. My friends,brothers and sisters, it will be a disaster if someone wakes up in the morning of election day to go and vote for McCain. This is a good time to take the Republican party out of government to avoid further hike in gas prices,the war in Irag,Mortgage slump and all other bargage the Republicans have. Enough is enough and please lets take back the country and move it to a new direction with people with good minds...THE DEMOCRAT !!!

"Angellight" said it better than I could - but for my 2 cents:

The Republican party of "values," "mom" and "apple pie" always SAY We have a 'better idea' " . . . but only ACT when it is for their rich friends Keating, Abrahamoff), big companies and the like.

They have a better idea for our soldiers and veterans - keep them at war or in harm's way for '100 years' - yet refuse them the care they need when they get home or better educational benefits (to replace those 50+ years old).

They have a better idea for health care - only if it benefits big health companies and their multi million-dollar profit motives on the backs of the ill.

They have a better idea for workers - but it can't be that a higher minimum wage would help them. That would hurt "small business"!!! Workers can live on $11,000/year but small business can't afford to pay any more!

They have a better idea for immigration! Arrest 18 million illegals today, send them all back to their countries of origin tomorrow (leave their legally born children here) and make them apply for status before returning - (I know, some may think that is really doable - like we have the government mechanism to actually arrest 18 million people in one day/month/year/decade - house them until we can send them back to their country of origin and then actually arrange transportation for these 18 million to? - the borders? )

McCain used to have a perspective we could HOPE for. Not any longer - he sold out to the GOP power brokers, the Falwells and Hagees.

All I really feel is that REAL CHANGE - not just the rhetoric kind- is needed.

No current party takes the interest of the people to heart. Only one current candidate does that ... Ron Paul. Any of the other three will makes things much worse than they are today.

Mr. Foon Rhea has no understanding at all...anyone who believes you can use the 2 words, "Political Intelligence" together, has to be a nincompoop, or some other kind of poop.

When Obama was trying to beat box, McCain was in a Bamboo box for his country.

Do not EVER question the resolve and moral fiber of a man who gave so much as a military vet. Make your sweeping generalizations, blame those in charge for the new world economics, remember the good days of the Rwandan and Yugoslavian genocides and the dot com bust as happier years BUT DONT EVER QUESTION what a man who spent fucking nearly 5 years in a box, eating rats, dreaming of the day he would make it home and what he thinks about the military and the country he DID NOT SELL OUT. He deserves the right to say what should be required to get a free ride out of the government.

You angelight, have done nothing to earn putting your opinion out here.

Third world country. We are the freest and most progressive society in the HISTORY OF MAN. What cant Iraq be a microwave burrito....it should be so easy....maybe you havent noticed we are still working on our society 225 years after it was started. Liberal whiners, show me bread lines and 20% unemployment and I will believe in recession. Show me that we are using all our power to squeeze the oil our of our own land and refine as much as we can then I might hear its the governments fault that the gas prices are going up. Show me an ATTEMPT at tort reform and then I will believe we have done all we can do to limit medical insurance cost.

Until then, STFU...you are hot air with no substance.

Please let this election hinge on international experience and war service.

@angellight do you drink the democrats(demagogues) kool-aid daily or only when attempting yet miserably failing to think. Anyone who thinks the dems or the GOP is the root of all evil needs to take a long hard look at what they have contributed to their community, and consider ending our socialist downward spiral. Basically think of it like this.....If you didn't earn it you don't deserve it...try that one on for size you handout seeking freak.

There are no differences in the Dems or the GOP...they are all power seeking, creeps using a bloated bureacracy to further their careers. And americans are more than willing to sit back and believe the something for nothing promises.
Life isn't free sweetheart...how do you expect to pay for all your kumbaya ideas?

Great, the return of a tired red herring from a tired Republican campaign. McCain deserves credit for his military service, but his criticism of Obama for not serving in the armed forces (he "did not feel it was his responsibility to serve our country in uniform," according to McCain) applies to 76% of the US Congress. McCain is going to have to come up with some better distraction than that. Anyone who is paying attention sees his criticism as hollow, desperate, and out of touch.

Well obviously ANGELLIGHT - reading comprehension isn't one of your strong points. Both the Farm Bill and the GI Bill passed by "veto-proof majorities" - This means that both Dem's and Repubs voted for the bill.

Less than truthful partisan Nut-jobs like you add nothing to the dialogue - grow up already.

Why did the meda close Ron Paul out he is the only one who made sence I think he should have got more of a chance to speak. I trust him above them all.I know the meda runs the country.

our Democratic congress has done nothing to bring down gas prices{which they promised to do} their bio-fuel has caused skyrocketlng food prices and in a time of economic slow down, they want to give away more money. They will not allow domestic eploration and drilling for oil, and they blame the Saudis. No new distillerys are authorized, no gas tax relief, same old politics as usual.

"Poor judgement, as usual, for Senator Obama to criticize a war veteran, concerning our men and women in uniform."

It's OK if Cheney criticizes McCan't on torture? Hmmmm?

Do we really want a president already in the first stages of Alzheimers?

How can you have less than zero understanding of an issue??? Is this a sign of senility or just poor knowledge of math skills?

Majority of this comment related to ANGELLIGHT

WOW!?!? A little too much deep personal preaching in that first comment huh ANGELLIGHT? I don't know if you read the article or not, but he did not vote at all, neither for nor against that particular G.I. Bill. He is supporting a similar program with different requirements and rewards, one he believes will be better, (in case you didn't know, he was in the military for a long time, unlike Hilary or Obama, I would assume he knows a little more about that subject).

Regarding foreclosures.... People make mistakes, but that's how they learn from them. Unfortunately our housing market turned south, but that did not effect the monthly payments that most people were very aware and agreed to make. I believe your outlook on the issue is clouded by your extreme Democratic support & Replican hatred. You can't reward people for making bad mistakes, otherwise they will not have learned anything. If I agree to pay something, regardless of what happens to the value of it tomorrow, I will pay it. Most (notice how I am not saying all, there is exceptions to every rule) people got into homes they knew they could not afford, but had to keep up with the Jones's.

I am also pretty sure that the comment box provided under each article, is intended for comments relating to that particular article only. If you feel the need to preach your views, you should start a blog online, invite some from friends and stop projecting your unrelated personal thoughts on websites such as this.

Heh, all under Democratic rule? Have you read a history book that talks about anything that's happened in our country before 2001? Democrats have done more than their share to run this country in to the ground. Personally I think McCain is just as dangerous as Obama and Clinton. It's a shame there are too many idiots that believe the lies that their respective parties tell them.

I'm actually suprised that Bush veto'd that Farm Bill. The bill helps out the "big business" farmers and screws the family farmers...right up his alley. The GI Bill veto makes sense, since you don't want to give the same benefits to a 3 year Lance Corporal that you give a Gunny that served 20 years...they should either make the enlistment time longer or bump up some more benefits for the career folks so there's actually incentive to stay in the military than bail before a standard 4 year tour by claiming a med board or family hardship.

About the jesus thing, I agree the republicans don't practice what they preach, but the Democrats blatently attack Christians and laugh when crosses are broken off of war memorials. A time will come when the liberal/communist "utopia" of a godless America will come to pass, and I bet you'll still be blaming George Bush and the republicans for it.

Americans need to wake up and kick all these frauds out of office. John McCain, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama will make promises and make you feel "hope"ful, but in the end they are going to run this country in to the ground. If we don't do anything about it, then we deserve what's happening to our dollar, what's happening to our borders, and what's happening to our culture.

Forgive me if I don't fall into a particular party rank and file. I think both parties are full of idiots, and the people that follow them blindly are even more so.

For Godness sake, we veterans served to defend the rights, freedoms of everyone.
Having served in Vietnam,or not. But having served does not mean that those who did not serve are not worthy of becoming President. I can think of a few great Presidents who did not serve on the Armed Forces. Also a few who served were less than examplary. I served to save the right of those who did not, could not, or would not serve. I choose to pay tribute to the many Blessings America bestowed upon me. I had a debt to pay, and I pay'd it. I am an adopted son of this Country, I love America, and I thank America for helpping me when I needed help. Memorial day is here so lets celebrate, our freedoms.

Dear Anglellight,
I'm so very sad but not suprised to see that your socalist public education has failed you. However, if you would like we can request from your Demogogues i mean democrats to give more money to our brothers who are struggling to pay the mortgages they VOLUNTARILY took out that they can pay (and knew they couldn't when they took them out) even though there is nothing in our Constitution authorizing such acts. But you have never read the constitution have you? It is such a shame to do so would then take the American Dream from citizens like me who worked multiple jobs to pay my way through college, and is now starting to see some success (just enough success to NOT be able to deduct the interest on my student loans although some democrat somewhere promised me i would be able to)....I would love to give to my brothers, but i give all my money to congress to help those who squandered their opportunities and money. I would love to give the underpriveliged more...but I'm paying for a private education for my children so they don't become welfare cases when they grow up. I would love to offer a hand to those who deserve it...OH WAIT I am...I'm producing jobs for those who are willing to work. I guess that is not considered generous enough. It would be nice if someone in Congress would take a tiny lesson in economics or maybe we could have all the Kumbaya socialists pay all the taxes and see how they like it for once. I suspect when the takers start to be the ones who are required to give the stories will change.

McCain is totally out of touch with the front line troop....Oh yea, that's because he was a silver-spoon fed officer! And for you lamebrains that bitch about your taxes, SHUT UP, pick up a rifle and EARN your freedom!!! Just because you were born here entitles you to NOTHING!

The G.I. Bill is not welfare. Where do people get the idea that it is? It's money for college tuition and expenses, so they can work a more meaningful job down the road. Further, and very importantly, they've found that money spent on the G.I. Bill is an investment, that supplies the economy more money down the road, making America a better place for not just those who served in the military, but for everyone else as well.

As for the argument that it's paid for by "hard working Americans," the new G.I. Bill is to be paid for by individuals making $500,000+ dollars a year, and couples making $1 million + per year. They may, or may not, work hard, but they can afford it, as they are the ones who own everything in this country.

If I made a decent living working hard, instead of hardly anything for working hard, I'd be more willing to foot the bill. As it stands, the rich people who get all the money for my work should pay for it.

I only did 4 years in the army, but I was deployed twice. I shouldnt get the same VA package as those that did 6years without being sent to Iraq? I dont think so. I think this bill is great in a time when joining the military means you wil be sent to war. We dont draft so those that stand up and fight should get this kind of treatment.
I am glad to see Sen. Webb understands that it doesnt take a re-enlistment or two to die for you country. I am here to tell you that my friends that didnt come home earned this for the rest of us.

"McCain is a cosponsor of a different version of the bill that would require soldiers to have more time in the service to qualify for full benefits. He and other supporters say that would encourage troops to stay longer in the military and consider it as a career.."
So with this statement he is saying if we give them less money for college, they might not go. Glad we have leaders in the country that wouldn't mind thier citizens ignorant. This makes me feel good.

As McCain said, if the American people do not support the Iraq War, he will lose. Supporting the Iraq War means not being "too generous" to veterans to encourage them to re-enlist. McCain calls "generous" benefits for veterans the "politically easy route." He says these benefits will encourage veterans to only serve one enlistment and that this will hurt this country. He ignores the increasing number of veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from stop losses and multiple enlistments. The truth is, these benefits will help our troops but hurt the Iraq War. Whether or not this will hurt this country depends on whether or not the Iraq War helps or hurts this country. So do you think the Iraq War helps or hurts this country? Do you support the troops or the Iraq War? McCain is saying, as unpopular as it may be to say, you can not support both.

As a veteran who served for 7 years four over 3 1/2 after 911, I think McCain's GI Bill proposal is horrible. After 911 many have sacrificed to do what they thought was right and that was to find those responsible for 911 and bring them to justice, not to fight an unjsut war in Iraq, that is crippling our economy. Those that served in the military since 911, I included, have been injured, have lost family and friends, and have had inadequate health coverage and other supposed "benefits." While I respect McCain's service to this nation, he is out of touch with today's soldier, today's economy, and the state of America today. We need to help educate and provide our service members with as much as possible given what we have asked them to do over the last seven years. Obama wants to do what is right for hard-working American and every American, regardless of whether or not one views this as "well-fare" or a "leftists social agenda", we has American's must wake up and realize that there is something wrong with the status quo, some of us do need help, and McCain does not offer help, only the status quo.

As a veteran who served for 7 years four over 3 1/2 after 911, I think McCain's GI Bill proposal is horrible. After 911 many have sacrificed to do what they thought was right and that was to find those responsible for 911 and bring them to justice, not to fight an unjsut war in Iraq, that is crippling our economy. Those that served in the military since 911, I included, have been injured, have lost family and friends, and have had inadequate health coverage and other supposed "benefits." While I respect McCain's service to this nation, he is out of touch with today's soldier, today's economy, and the state of America today. We need to help educate and provide our service members with as much as possible given what we have asked them to do over the last seven years. Obama wants to do what is right for hard-working American and every American, regardless of whether or not one views this as "well-fare" or a "leftists social agenda", we has American's must wake up and realize that there is something wrong with the status quo, some of us do need help, and McCain does not offer help, only the status quo.

Juan McInsane misses yet ANOTHER critical vote. He is supposed to be one of my Senators, yet has the worst voting attendance record in the Senate for anyone not in a coma. (Or maybe he is in a coma....)

McCain, methinks thou dost protest too loudly. Anyone who couldn't take the time to make a vote has NO RIGHT to even participate in the discussion. What a tired old F*** falling back on his military service. His military service is IRRELEVANT to the GI Bill. He can't defend himself on the merits, so he attacks Obama. Whether and to what extent ANYONE served or did not is irrelevant to the merits of the bill. McCain is not telling America what his stance is or why. Anyone who votes for this hotheaded fool ought to go out and enlist to serve in Iraq. This guy can't take the heat.

Bob, Tim, and PK, -- others, especially vets!

All of you who say that because McCain is a war vet that he cannot be questioned concerning vet issues need to WAKE UP!

I am a combat vet and I say we HAVE to question him. He has only supported 30% of the bills that have been sponsored to extend greater support to veterans. Why is that if he is such a great advocate for us???!!??

Why is it that Obama has supported 90% of the bills that support veterans??!!??

We have to question our leaders values or we will get another Bush. Who will lead us to bleed for corporate greed!

This issue is HUGE. Will McCain next say that expanding the mental health care to care for all the PTSD Iraq vets is too expensive? WIll be have more veterans treated like the Vietnam vets? Where does he draw the line?

We cannot blindly get aboard the Straight Talk express if it has taken a detour or is it has turned into the Double-Talk express.

McCain has lost my vote as a veteran over his refusal to support us! I say veterans vote for Obama. At least he wants to end blood for oil and supports the needs of vets. Go Obama!

Okay someone please tell me wher ein that article it stated that Obama said those things.

The are states that "Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean said in a statement." and continues with the banter on McCain. Then McCain slams Obama for making the statements. I don't get it. Am I missing something?

I don't understand why a large block of people at the lower economic ladder vote for a political party that undercuts most measures that would uplift their economic condition and station in life. You don't have to be college educated or make over $50,000,00 to figure out that voting for your economic survival should be just as important if not more important than voting against cultural inclusion/differences. When the democrats are in charge, people thrive and prosper and then, when they are doing well, seem to forget and put a Republican back in the White House. Soon after, the big companies get bigger with record profit, the little guy gets poorer and the national deficit soars. Which party is known for opposing minimum wage increases? Which person now running for president has voted eight times against a minimum wage increase? Who's looking out for who?

Everyone talks about the war but life goes on as usual here at home as if nothing is happening in Iraq and Afghanistan. Not that we have to stop living but we are in the same mindset now as we were before 911. We were more connected to and felt the pain of other wars we fought. Our soldiers are having to battle for health care after returning from battle in the middle east. Something is very wrong!

Why is it that some Christian communities have no tolerance for those unlike themselves? Is that the Christian way?

Oh and folks, Obama is getting more campaign contributions from service members than McCain. Telling point, eh?

How about all the tax breaks we give to big business in this country ... I see lots of comments about folks worried about their taxes going to people who choose not to work, however, there are a lot of people who can't work, cannot find work, etc. The oil companies just appeared (again) before congress to discuss their record breaking profits (again). Each oil guy - at least the ones who could recall - made millions of dollars in salary/bonus last year. Meanwhile, they are getting billions of dollars in tax breaks - aren't you concerned about your tax dollars going to big oil companies?

John McCain should retire to his luxurious ranch to tend to his barbecue and horses after November. He is a relic of the past still dwelling in his nightmare years in Viet-Nam.

He still believes that the United States was justified in sending over a million troops to that small southeast Asian country. We lost over 47,000 and suffered 240,000 dreadful casualties while killing over 2,000,000 Vietnamese people and largely destroying their country- for what? They were no threat to us or to anyone else. His mindset is the same in Iraq. John McCain doesn't know the difference between sunni or shia, or that Iran is an enemy of al queda.

He knows nothing about economics and could care less.

He will not make us safer in any manner . I believe our world would be a far more dangerous place with this cantankerous and hot headed man in the White House.

I think McCain's personal mascot should be a lemming, since he's spent the past 8 years leaping off the same cliffs as the rest of the Republican leadership. McCain2008 is such a different person from McCain2000. If he resembled McCain2000 more closely, he might be able to garner a larger percentage of votes from Democrats. However, the Faith of My Fathers (ebooks and audiobooks version, which is actually narrated by McCain so it's kind of cool) McCain no longer exists, sadly. I can't believe he wouldn't support education benefits for veterans; how do you expect to be strong on defense if you treat your army this poorly when they return from active service?

What - are we commenting on AngelLight or the article?

The new bill looks like an improvement. We did the same for the troops returning from WWII - let's do it again. I back Jim Webb over John McCain on this.

Meanwhile, Obama supports it and attacks McCain for not. McCain, showing he has no content to stand on when it comes to this bill, attacks Obama for -- his position on the bill? No. His standing with Jim Webb? Definitely not. Whether he was in the military? Yes. How is that relevant?

Look - joining the military - esp. during war time - is the greatest sacrifice - absolutely. Meanwhile, there was a time in this country that considered it noble as well to give your time to the community and in other ways just as valuable to the strength of this country. I see in this story McCain taking another step away from his principles. Of all the people to attack because they did not join the military, you don't go after someone who did community service during peace time. Go after Cheney or Bush who ran away from the draft.

Someone out there who is a McCain supporter - send a note to HQ - He is taking too much advice from his lobbyist/handlers.

Hooray to anyone that points out the obvious fact that McCain's Vietnam service and time as a POW, while honorable, do not make him an expert on foreign policy.

McCain has repeatedly displayed a misunderstanding of even the basic structural elements of the very complicated situation in Iraq. I don't think Obama needs to have served in the military to be the better choice. He understands the geo/socio/political elements at play. In the end, no military might can fix Iraq (we have the best army in the world and still the country is in a shambles), because the conflict is an ideological one. Just like in Gaza, where free elections were held and Hamas became the ruling party, so will similar events likely unfold in Iraq. Brokered peace is the only way. And it will only be achieved (1) by engaging Iraq's neighbors in Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, etc; and (2) by UNDERSTANDING THE IDEOLOGIES OF THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE THERE.

McCain is totally clueless on foreign policy.

as a disabled veteran 1967-71, i wonder how everyone thinks ! like mcbush was the only person to ever spend time in a nam prison? war hero my ass, he's lucky his chute worked. these kids fighting now deserve the best,its to late for us old vets i remember getting $62 bucks a mo. under the g.i. bill, my history book cost almost half that,wow! talk about a second job. staying in the service,retiring, does not a expert make! how about cindy and sudan? thats what i'am about ( profits the game ) wash. is m game ha!..................................................................grunted x

As the father of two military sons - one at the US Naval Academy and one one who just completed four years as Navy enlisted, I find this bill politically motivated more than anything else. My enlisted son goes to a major state school this fall with enough money from his Navy college fund to cover all tuition, room & board, and books. With another military tution grant from the state lottery fund, he'll have his spending money covered, too. I realize some schools charge higher tuition than our state colleges, but I'm thankful that both sons will receive a full college education compliments of the US Navy. From my perspective, all the bantering about this bill is pure politics. Maybe some people need it, but we don't.

I had a different approach www.IraqERAVeteranGIBill.com

It is interesting, if disappointing, that so many people are quick to confuse the real issues surrounding the new GI bill. Yes, I am a vet and yes I used the GI bill for education after enlisting during the Viet Nam war. However, that isn't the point. Every citizen in this country has a right to give their opinion about the way we treat our veterans.

Many who have written here seem to ignore the fact that between seventy and eighty percent of American citizens do not support the Iraq war. Yet it continues.
The cost of the new GI bill is less than one week's cost for the Iraq war. It all comes from the same hard earned taxpayer money.

Senator McCain has lost all credibility on veterans issues, which follows the lose of credibility on foreign policy and economic issues.

If you want these folks to serve longer, stop playing with their lives and get a policy that actually makes sense. Make the touch choices and fix the Op-tempo problems. Make the tough choices and fix the housing problems and the medical access problems.

I thank him for his service, and unfortunately, I think he actually believes what he said about this issue. Which tells me everything I need to know about the man!

Chuck

It is shameful that Senator McCain would not support an enhanced GI Bill for our veterans. It would be a recognition of the veterans service to this country. I can only hope this Bill passes and that this country backs supports for our veterans.

Jerry,

Your sons are lucky. This is not true across all branches of the service. Some have higher rates and some lower for the GI Bill. The basic GI Bill that I got was 1,200 a month. It was a pittance and did not suffice.

I was supposed to get more, but they denied it. For people like myself, after coming home from Desert Storm, we feel like it was not enough. It wasn't. I think some get a better deal, but not all. I didn't get enough to cover tuition let alone expenses. Maybe it is just the Army, which I was in.

And Jerry, one of the McCain's arguments against it is that it costs too much. This really does beef up the benefits and is not just pandering. If it was McCain would be all over it just like he was on the gas tax. Empty promises that can't happen he will do, but not real change to help vets out.

That, Jerry and all, is just disgraceful.

McCain a hero who can criticize? give me a break; he recieved a "legacy" appt to the Naval Academy("legacies" are nothing more than Affirmative Action for people with "connections"; you think Bush got into Yale based on his SAT scores,or that it was a coincidence that McCain's father and grandfather both went to the Academy). And I'm wondering why didn't McCain go into the Marines after his Graduation if he really wanted to show his patriotism/manhood?

Oh good grief people!!! Listen to yourselves bickering about this! So many people here are speaking as if either Obama or McCain must be COMPLETELY wrong on this issue, when the facts seem to show me that they both have valid points and are just taking slightly different approaches in trying to help the same group of people.

Here's a novel perspective...if you ask me, BOTH OF THEM are being stupid about all this! Yeah, you heard me right. The truth is not that Obama is ignorant on this issue while McCain fully understands it, and neither is it that McCain is ignoring vets while Obama is the one who really cares. Both of those conclusions appear way off-base.

Here are the facts: (1) Both of these guys want to make sure vets are getting ample compensation and incentive for their honorable service. (2) Both of these guys would like to see the current rate of military retention increased. (3) Both of these guys want to be the president.

So according to the facts, it looks to me like they both hold respectable, though slightly differing, opinions on this matter. The problem here is not their stances on the GI bill at all (at least in my opinion), it's the way they're throwing mud at each other about it. NEITHER OF THEM are being gentlemenly or presidential about this issue AT ALL. They are slinging mud and it's ridiculous. I think they should BOTH be eliminated from the running. We have NO good, viable candidate AT ALL this election year. It's awful.

As for me, I refuse to vote for either of them OR Hillary...I'm writing in someone who actually deserves it for their honesty and true understanding of issues.

I am extremely disappointed in John McCain. From one veteran to another, I had hoped that he would co-sponsor the new GI Bill. As a direct result of his inactions, I will NOT be voting for him this fall.
I am a current college student and veteran of the Iraq war. I work two jobs and go to school full-time; and I still have to worry if I can pay my rent every month. Sometimes I have to make sacrifices: not eating for a few days out of the month, walking a few miles to school cause I cannot afford gas for my car, or not pay gas or electric bills cause I need to purchase a book for school. I have to fear about being homeless every month.
I know that I am not alone in this struggle. Many other veterans are living under the same conditions. I automatically assumed that McCain would have been the first to board the new GI Bill, I was wrong. I can admit my faith in him, as a champion of veterans rights, has now completely vanished.
I hope that his position on the new GI Bill changes as you continue your bid for the presidency. I wish to see you reassert the continued fight to help veterans gain the assets needed to survive and compete in todays society.

I HOPE THERE ARE MORE PEOPLE LIKE QUINCY.. THE THIRD PARTY NEEDS TO MOBILIZE...

Congress needs to make a force play and put Ron Paul in the president's chair. Screw politics, and screw the American public. Both consist of nothing more than pack mentality. This world sucks, the human race sucks.

I wouldn't necessary oppose an education (of any kind and especially for those who earned to combat action ribbons) for vets but I just the damn litigating chicken hawks clowns digging into my wallet.

You guys that talk about wanting more from the government, here is a novel idea:
stop asking for stuff from the govt
start downsizing half of the legislation (and money for initiatives, agencies, programs, appropriations, etc.) out of our political system
stop asking the govt to fix every single problem that citizens may have because I am tired of paying these bums to do a poor administrative job of managing tax revenues to pay back to their citizens

50% less taxation, 50% less govt, if you oppose this, you need to educate yourself as a freakin American on what the Constitution says and try to picture a country that our founding fathers had envisioned. I guarantee an army of slimebag lawyers in DC was probably not the vision!

In short, get the hell out of my paycheck to fund politicians' lame ideas on how to help every single citizen. Americans are supposed to be resourceful, not a country of bunch of weak complainers who look for freakin handouts all the time. Wake up and smell the Constitution, America!

Hey folks - just heard on radio that it passed with 72 votes. Politically not a good place to be for McCain/Bush and veto-proof- of course, i am glad it passed and appreciate the further insight from our vets on this commentary.

Naturally, Officer McCain was better than the grunts he ordered to take a hill. Look at Werner Enterprises and C.L. Werner. C.L. started off as a truck driver and later learned enough about the trucking industry to screw truck drivers over.

I'm glad I never served this country. Only two wars in the U.S. were needed--the Revolutionary War and the War Of 1812. The rest were for big business. What foreign country ever posed a DIRECT threat to lives and safety of Americans?

Republicans legislators quite sinply speak about active duty military and vote to use them to better enhance their own stock holdings. When it comes to voting for discharged members, who become veterans the republican senate and congress vote for no for any real benefit. It is as if "veterans are like condoms, once used throw away". The current republican members are useless and self serving in my opinion.

I guess when you are a 3rd generation graduate of Annapolis and didn't have to think too hard about how you could afford an education, its pretty easy to veto supporting the education of others and pretend as if your experience from 40 years ago makes you better suited to understand the needs of those who serve today.

If there is any one issue which represents the hypocrisy and corruption of the Bush administration, and Senator McCain (who I would like to support, but cannot, for this very reason), it is the continued abuse of our military personnel. On a day when we are supposed to be honoring our military for their service, we find that President Bush & Senator McCain are in agreement that making our volunteer army ''too voluntary'' is a bad idea. They have coined a euphemism for their abuse: the term is ''retention'', and what it means is: we''re going to make it as difficult as possible for our veterans to get out and lift themselves up economically by getting the education they were promised when they enlisted. Speaking as a Republican, I consider this despicable. Keep our word, pass the new GI Bill!

It is bad enough that President Bush has chosen to saddle this tiny minority of American citizens with the entire burden of sacrifice for his ill-conceived and incompetently prosecuted war. Now, Senator McCain, is realizing that he also might have to persuade the American public to support a continued presence in Iraq in ways other than simply remaining quiet while the existing reservist carry the load. So he, along with Lindsay Graham, are attempting to re-jigger the language of the new GI Bill so they won''t have to face that problem.

Speaking as a Republican: this is, quite simply, despicable. If their contact says they can leave and go get an education, there is no higher obligation of this nation than to keep it''s word and fund that option.

This is an interesting forum. Lots of fellow Republicans willing to support a President who has done more damage than any other in history. While you're ranting about liberal entitlements, try checking out the CIA information page on our nation, and compare it to China (for example). George Bush has doubled our national debt in 8 years to over $10-Trillion, and between them, China and Japan hold $1-Trillion of that. This may explain why your dollar-based assets have deteriorated in value by 30% during that same period, but it's true, Bush has protected our nominal taxation rate. In case you haven't noticed, we're getting our butts kicked on world-trade, and the reason is simple: we all expect an exorbitant standard of living, well beyond the value of the things we produce. Keep whistling past the grave yard.

Jim Webb, many Democrats and many Republicans support this bill.
YOU CAN'T DENY THAT!!

Why, when Congress finally comes together to agree on something, McCain wants to stand with the Neo-con Republican tragedians of our country to stop the bill? I don't get it.

McCain has lost his way. He supports bringing the troops home, in body bags for a hundred years.

He wasn’t tortured in Viet Nam, according to his own republican standards; he received advanced interrogation techniques, of which he approves of nowadays.

Hey, I'm a Vietnam vet. I guess that makes me a foreign policy expert - and I agree with Obama on most foreign policy issues. BTW, I spent 22 months in the Army in 1969-70 and the GI Bill paid most of my college tuition for the 5 years it took me to graduate.

I'm 21 years Retired Navy Chief.

I can only vote for McCain as he is the only one of the 3 who served his country and is best qualified as CINC. The other two comprise one female who hates the military (the days of being 1st lady wanted those "Horrible uniforms out of HER HOUSE") and her husband systematically decimated the strength of our defense forces over an 8 year period and one male who has no experience, no clue, no knowlege, and no prior service.

McCain is my choice. After 10 years from retirement, I had to use my Vietnam Era GI Bill Educational benefits before they expired. I can clearly understand why we should try to find ways to increase retention in the service. I'm not against Webb's version though. Either is good for me. But, the House and Senate AND Executive Office have all three systematically reduced military benefits over the years. There has been a drastic unfair downward trend to veteran support.

In my view, it's all OUR fault for electing officials who don't maintain and PRO-Veteran stance. That includes support, relief, health care, education, etc. Their contribution to your freedoms are not only equal to but in most cases more than a cop or a fireman (not belittling these professionals just making perspective). If you compare a military person's benefits against those of 1st Responders, I'd hope you'd be ashamed!

It's up to you! The proof is in the pudding!

First off, I agree with the Chief... since I just got out of the Navy last year, I still feel the need to agree with the Chief. It's our fault for electing these d-bags to an office that high to begin with. Unfortunately, look at our choices this time around... everyone says if you don't vote, then you can't complain... so you feel like you have to vote for (to steal from South Park) a giant douche, or a turd sandwich.

That's where it stops being completely our fault, and you have to start looking at the system. A bi-partisan system like what we have now is doomed to fail. Look at every major sport in the world, how many teams? 2. You don't see world tournaments of Chinese Checkers, do you? It turns our entire future into a giant game that pits "us" vs "them"... epic battle, winner takes all. Instead of it being about the "good of the people" it's just "good for us, we win".

I believe that's where the root of the problems with this bill come into play. Look at the list of people who voted against the bill, what party are they from? Why? Because a D said this, an R says that. I find it REALLY hard to believe that there are that many people that would actually oppose a bill like this. Some of the R's say no, because a D brought up the idea. In an election year they feel the need to vote against the other part, in my opinion, just because it'll look bad on them for "backing the enemy". So, lets slap together our own bill, and then we can play too. Thank God for some people up there not being team players.

The effects on retention are being blown out of proportion. The same people that said the new GI Bill would hurt retention said it would be effected by @16%. Same group also said that it would boost recruitment by... ... @16%.

At the end of WWII, our economy was almost in shambles... the GI Bill let a lot of service men and women go to the college of their choice for the career of their choice. You know what we got out of them? Thousands of new teachers, doctors, engineers, etc etc, and a little thing we call the Middle Class. People talk about out we can't afford this new bill... how can we NOT afford this bill? From the numbers I've seen, 52 billion over the first 10 years... 52 billion. During the war, we've lost... LOST... can't account for, lost, over 8 billion. And they don't even bat an eye at that. NOW 5.2 billion a year is too much? Too generous?

McCain's Bill acts on a sliding scale... I use sliding loosely since by the time it slides to where it'll be worth using for college, it would be better to just stay in the military and retire since you'd only be a few years away. If you're going to stay in that long, then college probably wasn't your reason for joining in the first place and the bill was pretty much "wasted" on you. The argument that the new bill would hurt retention is balanced by the other bill possibly hurting recruitment, especially now with everyone knowing how amazingly short the current GI Bill falls. I can honestly thank the media for that, because when I signed up, I was just told that college would be taken care of. Now, new recruits should have had it pretty well hammered down their throats that the current GI Bill is half a sham. Between books, housing, food, fees, tuition, and supplies... which on do you want the GI Bill to cover, because for a university, it's only going to be covering one or the other in most cases. With where I'm working on getting into, after the GI Bill is taken out... I'll still owe @ 75,000 in student loans. That's AFTER I pay for a semester at another school out of pocket. I have to pay for that one because the time I did in the military counted against me for the college I'm applying to because it increased the time I was out of school. Now I need to do a semester at another college to get my GPA up to apply to the one I want to go to... fun little thing they don't tell you about.

Well, that's enough rambling for me. Oh, and for post #69 Mr. Nieto... I don't see how what branch he went into makes any difference. If you REALLY wanna be petty, then see if you can pull some of those old Marine paychecks out for a second and see who paid them... a little thing called the Department of the Navy, Marine. But... all joking aside, it doesn't matter what branch anyone goes to. Anyone that leaves their families and friends behind to serve their country; they'll always be my brothers and sisters, and I'll always to everything in my power to help them. I wish some of the higher-ups felt that way, but what we got is what we got.