Where's McCain On the New GI Bill?
By anniepa
@anniepa (27955)
United States
April 3, 2008 10:33pm CST
Two Senators, one Democrat and one Republican, Jim Webb and Chuck Hagel unveiled a new GI Modernization Bill over a year ago which would increase benefits to troops to help pay for their education. This seems like a win/win proposal since it would certainly help the troops to further their education after serving their country plus it may help in recruitment.
http://www.airamerica.com/blog/2008/apr/03/modernizing-gi-bill-%E2%80%94-where%E2%80%99s-mccain
So far, more than 50 Senators, including many Republicans have already signed on as co-sponsors of the bill. But - WHERE is John McCain? I know, he's busy running for President and all that but his fellow candidates Senators Clinton and Obama have both somehow found the time to co-sponsor the bill. What do you think - am I nit-picking here or is it indefensible that McCain, military man and war-monger that he is hasn't come on board with this bill that would greatly support our troops? I understand Bush is opposed to this as well saying "We can't make it too good for our troops."
Annie
2 responses
@skinnychick (6905)
• United States
5 Apr 08
That just shows you what is important to the Republican party and what is important to the Democratic party.
We wouldn't want to make it too good for our troops, they are just dying needlessly over in Iraq...the ones that suvive to come home,they don't deserve anything? This is another great American travesty.
The more I read about politics and further I delve, the more hopeless I get. It's getting ridiculous now.
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
5 Apr 08
Isn't it ridiculous? The Administration is more concerned with not making it too attractive for someone to want to get out and start their life. I know and have known many people who have made a career out of the military but that's definitely not for everyone. However, the time they put into it is time they could have been spending making money as civilians and getting an education and buying a home, that's time they'll never get back and I think they should be compensated for it.
Annie
@skinnychick (6905)
• United States
6 Apr 08
Absolutely they should be compensated and more...the government can start with decent health care for vet's and work their way from there.
1 person likes this
@bobmnu (8157)
• United States
4 Apr 08
I would like to see better benefits for our service men and women. One of the problems with the GI bill is many of the troops already have their college degree. One very interesting suggestion that would help with the retention of the troops is to allow the spouse and children of a vet use the money. Each Vet would have a fixed amount to use and it could be used by family members. Ihave talked to several military people and they think it would be a great idea. I was in the airport talking to troops returning from Iraq and one of them said he would reenlist if his children could use the GI bill to help with college.
I have two sons in the military and they like the idea. I think we have to be creative with the benefits. We also need to consider the families as they go through a lot to with the deployments of the National Guard and reserves and the moving around that the career military has to do.
I would be very interested in what the troops have to say on this subject.
Thanks for the post
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
4 Apr 08
Thanks for responding. I also think that would be great if the spouses and children could use the benefits, it should be flexible for whoever wants or needs it. I sure do feel for the families as I have two nephews in Afghanistan and one just got married a few months ago. These men and women along with their families make a tremendous sacrifice to serve our country and I think we really owe them.
Annie
