CNN

Aside from wincing at the fact that apparently nobody who posts e-mails on this forum has a freaking spellchecker, I must comment on the post from AZM (May 22nd, 2008 2:40 pm ET) which states "Their (sic) making an issue out of nothing. Under the current GI bill you get 20K or more for college after one tour… full tuition while you are on active duty… and most States already give honorable discharge veterans free tuition to state funded universities… I know Illinois does from experience. Mountain out of a Mole Hill…"

DO THE MATH, AZM! And please, DO THE LOGIC.

(1) $20 K after one tour = $5K per year. Have you checked some real-world tuition rates? That might get you into the University of Lower Slobbovia.

(2) "Full tuition while on active duty" doesn't help our guys in Afghanistan a whole lot.

(3) "Most states already give honorable discharge vets...etc." is patently untrue. Hooray for Illinois but not Hooray for all of our enlightened States and territories.

(4) When it comes to questioning the integrity of our veterans to either re-up or bail out after 3 years in combat, John McCain betrays his chronic inability to think straight. What is it worth to put your life on the line 24 X 7 X 365 X 3? Is it worth $20K or a typical CEO's annual salary? Sheesh.

(5) About the potential for this bill to "deplete retention rates" - Since when has a mere 3 years under fire been a cop-out? Since when have we denigrated soldiers who decide those 3 years under fire is enough, already? Since when have we deemed his or her commitment to be worth less than, say, the amount per year that a typical Congressperson spends on lunches? Since when have those numbers been more than Dubya's oil-industry cronies spend on their shower curtains? And, by the way, since when are tour-of-duty extensions in Iraq voluntary?

NOTE: I am a Korean War vet who put in a fair amount of my allotted time on earth to help resolve that crisis, but No Complaints. I owe a great debt of gratitude to my country, because the G.I. Bill allowed a naive farm boy to end up with a graduate degree and a chance to give back a whole lot more to my country than I could otherwise have done. Thanks, America, and Shame on You, John McCain, for being so short-sighted and (to say the obvious) Extremely Unqualified to be Commander-in-Chief.

We really do need Barack Obama: He is the one and only candidate who can restore America to its right path in history.

McBush is all talk and no action!!!

If you read McCain's statement in full he has some very valid points for not endorsing this bill. McCain has worked hard for the GI's and i think Obama is arrogant to again accuse McCain of letting them down by not endorsing the bill that 'he' wants pushed through.

This struggle between the democrats and rebublicans to get bills through is becoming a joke. They wont allow eachothers through so we are basically getting nowhere. The dems are to blame at the moment – take the Farm bill, what a joke. full of pork bellies for their own people and not 300bn going to farmers (who are making record profits right now so dont actually need this subsidy). Give the money to teachers and hospitals.....

Obama will be our next president and he will be a good one. I'm telling everyone right now, you're not going to get everything you want, as fast as you want it, but he will be on the right track.

He will definitely support the troops because America will back him up 100%.

President Obama–sounds good.

O/08

Okay, so now we know that it takes more than wearing a freakin pin, to make you patriotic. Pay up John, the men and women deserve it, and they also deserve to be discharged with honor without having to serve 4 and 5 tours.

This is the same government that was paying widows 12,000. for the service of their loved ones. I'm glad that has changed, but now the GI bill has to change. I heard that 1% of the country has sent a loved one to the wars. Well let's beef up the GI bill to show them how much we care, that's the least we can do. Just ask yourself, when is the last time you took a bullet or was blasted for your country?

I also think we need to beef up the payments that we give to miners too, that's hard and dangerous work.

Thanks for your service John, but get real.

He is such a military leader he sends military personel out into war without appropriate vehicles to defend themselves from roadside bombs but those who survive don't deserve a higher education.

(maybe he knows that the more educated someone is the more likely they are to vote democrat – not a judgement. just another fact)

At least Bush is consistant. The worst president in modern history picked McSame, his man to finish the job. As if we're not already finished. This country needs to turn the corner and we can't do it with excess baggage. Enough is enough.

Well, it's been awhile since he had to worry about pesky things such as gas prices, GI bills, and housing. Take a nap McCain, maybe you will wake up in 2008, the nightmare that your buddy Bush created.

Good, I hope all the bills pose a problem for McCain, because he does not live like the rest of us. He couldn't care less about GI bills or the price of gas. He can afford to keep 8 houses, so he's living large, while pandering to vets.

No to McCain the McSame as Bush.

Hello All,

This is Senator Obama. I want to bow out of the race.

Hillary is a better choice.

VOTE Clinton because thats what I am going to do.

FAREWELL,

Obama

Good, I hope all the bill pose a problem for McCain because he does not live like the rest of us. He couldn't care less about GI bills or the price of gas. He can afford to keep 8 houses, so he's living large, while pandering to vets.

No to McCain the McSame as Bush.

Jason from Wilmington: So, just because he can shoot a gun makes him suitable to run our country? He's suitable to run the military? Well, maybe he can serve in the branch of the Secretary of Defense. A true President doesn't only need strong foreign policy, he needs strong domestic policy as well... i.e. getting us out of this recession. McCain is only good for war, like Bush. Our country is better off without him. Thanks, but no Thanks!!

Democrats United.

"with the exception of the first blogger, do you all have military experience? If you don't – then maybe you shouldn't comment… unless you're willing to put your suggestions into practice and enlist.

Otherwise, you're all just hypocrites."

Not sure why you have to serve in the military in order to know that vets deserve the best we can give them...did you learn something different?

McCain wants to make sure military members have only ONE option once in service: STAY in service and NEVER leave. **uck that.

USMC '98-'03

As a Viet Nam veteran, serving the same war as McCain, the GI bill was 3-4 years for full tuition. I don't remember the exact number of years. It helped me through college as I am sure it did a lot of other veterans.

We all could not marry into money, John.

Give the current veterans the same opportunity you had.

This isn't the first time McCain has refused services to veterans and this is totally disgraceful. Why would America want John McCain who runs on his POW experience, then wants to continue a 100 year war in Iraq, then turns around and not support veterans. Furthermore, the soldiers serving in Iraq don't want him either.

Having heard Sen. Jim Webb (one of the bills sponsors) discuss this quite a few times recently, I can't believe McCain – or anyone – would be against it. It has wide bi-partisan support in Congress and among veterans groups. Webb mentioned that McCain was opposed, but I am appalled that he didn't even have the guts to show up and vote NO. Never thought I'd say this about McCain but, that is a cowardly thing to do. I sure hope I never hear one word out of his mouth about Obama voting "present" during his days in IL . At least to vote "present" you had to show up.

The McCain "marry rich" option isn't available to most vets. He should go to Iraq and tell the troops to their face why he doesn't support the bill. I think he would carry a different tune.

Peter,

You agree with a sliding scale for veterans. Simply put the longer you are in service the more you should receive. Well, lets say you go to Iraq and get physically injured or mentally distrubed, you have only been in the service for three months, when do you think the GI Bill should go into affect for you? Remember to use the sliding scale.

maybe if we weren't sending our brave young men and women to die for oil under the guise of democracy building and then dumping millions of dollars into the pockets of Blackwater, KBR & Halliburton in an obvious attempt to pay back this administrations biggest donors....right in the faces of our brave young men and women as well as the faces of the Iraqi civilians, and then over extending them on multiple tours, and then putting the success of this presidents crazy experiment on their backs, while the pols play golf and go hunting, maybe the rentintion rates would be higher.

This bill is just a drop in the bucket of what we owe them.

It's good to see that so many of these blogs are pro to giving our GI's the benefits they have so justifibly earned and to which these benefits McCain and Bush would so readily like to diminish. This is an excellent bill. Just because McCain chose to stay in the military to retirement doesn't mean that everyone wants to or should they have to in order to receive a full scholorship. He was an officer in the Navy. "Most worrying to me, is that by hurting retention we will reduce the numbers of men and women who we train to become the backbone of all the services, the noncommissioned officer," McCain also said Thursday. Sounds like he believes the backbone isn't as entitled as the elite officers.

This is pathetic I have 4 people in the Navy and Mc CAin should be ashame and any one who votes for him is only supportting Bush again

McCain doesn't want his soldiers educated. He wants them dumb and poor and easily manipulated. It is no coincidence that the recruiting stations are most plentiful in poorer neighborhoods. These kids have little choices in their lives.

Sen. Wayne Allard (R-Colo) voted AGAINST benefits for our troops. As a constituent of Sen. Allard, I hang my head in shame that he would place loyalty to Bush over the education of our men and women in uniform. Call Sen. Allard and let him know you"re glad he''s chosen not to run for a third term he"d likely lose. Go Congressman Mark Udall for Senate!

What a messed up thing to do. Why doesn't he just come out and say, "We want to limit opportunities for soldiers so they will have limited options and will have little choice but to serve a full twenty year term."

I've just lost some respect for this man.

Mccain should have endorse the bill instead of bill complaining about it!!

Wow, I guess that is a bit of the McCain temper showing, huh? What an over the top response by McCain today in the Senate. Especially considering John has stood behind George W. Bush's cutting and hiding during his National Guard (non) service regarding Viet Nam. He said George Bush and Dick Cheney had every right not to serve. But I guess Barack Obama doesn't have that equal right, huh, John? Barack shows more concern for our young troops than you ever have. 4200 dead and you want this war to continue. You voted against body armor. Now you won't vote for the more expensive G.I. Bill. Way to let your brother soldiers down in their time of need.

To noemi in los angeles:

I'd rather have Bush's 3rd term any day over Left Elitist Obama administration. The latter scares me.

Obama has no idea what he is talking about when it comes to the subject of national security. It is his weakness and he knows it. How about on May 18 he says "Iran is a "tiny" threat compared to Soviet Union" and then on May 20 he says "Iran is a grave threat"? Does this make sense to anyone? So which on is it, Obama? It can't be both.

McCain 08! McCain all the way!

Dear Bush/McCain,

I would think that offering veterans an education would actually help bolster military recruiting. If you are worried about retention rates, then maybe you should take a look at what you are asking the troops to do – like fight in unjustified and unnecessary wars.

I currently have friends in Iraq and they would like the opportunity to have the GI Bill. Please vote democrat in November!!!!

I am so ashamed of the way this country treat our veterans. They receive inadequate base housing, medical care, pay, funding for education and substandard equipment in war. They are asked to make ultimate sacrifices. The least we can do is give them our best when they come home.Mccain and anyone that cannot support this isn't fit to be a politician.

How about this, we train the military to fix roads and houses??? How about you have them build US schools and fix our roads, thats what the Military should do, then when they rebuild the US we give them a free ride in education.

I was in the military for 8 years, and was in Bosnia, why would you all want to pay for a full education for me??? I was doing my job, lets take this one step further how about EVERY American get free Education like in England...

I will tell you as soon as the people did the time they would leave the military to go to school and never come back thats the retention they are talking about, why would anyone stay?

I have said it once and I will say it again..... Senator McCain...... "NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN"!

McCain has stated that he wants to support the bill, but that it needs to be repaired to better serve the GIs and the country as a whole. McCain will cause the necessary adjustments to be made and then he will sign it, as will the president.

Have you heard that Sen. Obama means a third Bush term?
Hey, it makes as much sense as when it is pinned on Sen. McCain.
Oh yeah, and Obama is also a warmonger. And senile. Allegedly.

Americans for McCain '08

So only a handful of Repulicans were against this bill including Bush and McCain and we're supposed to believe that he is not more of the same? For all of those "if not Hillary then Mccain" people....wake up....McCain=Bush....period. What more proof do you need.

Mr. McCain, for all his military background was and still is, a military officer. Most officers I have met have little knowledge or understanding of the real concerns of the enlisted people who serve under them. Until the mid 1980's the Navy's Officers were trained that the enlisted were "sly and devious and bear constant monitoring". The simple fact is enlisted people stay in the military or not based on other things besides the GI Bill and bonuses. How bad or good the NCO and/or the CO is, and the feeling of comaradarie that is established has more to do with retention than offers of the GI Bill. A look at those who have gotten out of the military shows that the GI bill is more often than not left unused.

Retired Navy Enlisted (MMC/SS)

Here we go again and again! The older generation is having difficulty thinking outside the box about Obama's campaign and his call for change. Jewish elders need to listen to their children who are well educated as the elders have wished. Listening to younger people clears up a lot of misconceptions. Isreal is no safer today than before despite all the useless wars and skirmishes, so why not try diplomacy more? Aren't Isreali leaders sitting down with Syrian leaders at the peace table? And is this not what Obama has been advocating? Do not allow bigots to accuse Jewish people of caring more about Israel than the United States. We have to unite together to stop bigotry and prejudice from advancing this country forward.

McCain the choice to send our troops into arms way without giving them support! Clearly Bin Laden perfers McCain to be our next president

VETERANS UNITE TO BACK SEN. WEBB'S BILL TO INCREASE EDUCATION BENEFITS! Rumsfeld took away alot of benefits from vets/retirees. Too bad McBush is still following suit. This alone should be reason enough for all military men/women to vote against McBush. If he won't help you take care of your people, elect someone who will!

OBAMA/WEBB 08-16 followed by WEBB/? 16-24!!!
(McCain can't hold a candle to Webb)

McCain doesn't care about vets or soldiers, just wars and the military and getting revenge on our enemies. I'm sure that, to him, they ALL represent the people who held him hostage. It's disgraceful to say that a bill that helps people who've served our country is "too generous".

Ol' Johnie boy can't seem to organize his thought processes in a very coherent manner. Pro military, but screw them out of the little benefits they have. Has he been taking his medications?

McCain should be ashamed of himself!

Obama '08

Congratulations, President McCain.

Anyone who considers McCain a "war hero" would do themselves a disservice if they did not google "songbird McCain" to find out the REAL story behind McCain time as a prisoner of war.

I think McCain has the perfect plan to keep our military strong. Do not offer troops benefits and opportunities. Then we can keep a nice supply of under paid and under educated troops. It's too bad all of us can't marry a heiress months after divorcing our first wife. Anyway, Vets who vote for this clown should be slapped. This guy is a disgrace!

Is this a guy-McCain to trust with the defense of this nation? Consider these;
1. He wants to keep our soldiers in Iraq for 50-100 years.
2. He is so timid and frightened just to talk to "our enemies" that he would`nt mind the isolation and further exposure of Americans to harm around the world-by the way Senator were you freed by the SEALS or negotiations/talks when you were POW in Vietnam?
3. He wants to freeze the gas tax so our roads/ highways will be filled with potholes exposing us to accidents and deaths.
4. AND NOW, HE IS ONLY HAPPY TO SEE OUR SOLDIERS DIE IN IRAQ A AND AFGHANISTAN BUT DOES NOT WANT TO SEE THEM GET AN EDUCATION.. HA, HO, HE, HI...
5. Over to you American People....McCain thinks you can`t see through him.

This makes me so angry. Bush and McCain are basically saying that they prefer not to give veterans an education AFTER they've already made a huge sacrifice because it's not ENOUGH of a sacrifice.

McCain and Bush are afraid giving scholarships to the people who most deserve them would make it harder to sacrifice their lives for political reasons.

That's patriotism? It's cool to demand more and more sacrifices and lives of vets, but it's not cool to leave your flag pin at home?

If it's better retention you want, John, maybe the answer is not to perpetuate these stupid wars in the first place.

Your arguments disgust me.

CNN – I look at some of the comments posted here and I can't help wondering why my comment is in moderation. What's going on here?

I don't think Clinton is stupid enough to be a loser's VP.

By opposinig this bill, this is no different than Mc"Bush" spitting in the eye of every single man and woman who have, are and will serve.

His disrespect is unforgiveable.

Mc"Bush" should hang his head in shame for opposing this bill.

And he calls himself a patriot and allows others to call him a hero. He is a disgrace!

How on EARTH can McCain claim to be an American Military Hero when he has CONSISTENTLY voted AGAINST veterans' benefits??? Not just on the new G.I. Bill, but other bills that have been brouggt forward in the past. McCain doesn't want veterans to go to college to get a better job? He wants them to be trapped in the military for life so that they can fight McCain's 100 year war? That's so unAmerican I can't even stand it. He's a total joke. Obama has continually voted to improve the lives of our veterans who serve this country honorably. McCain does not. The choice is clear, VOTE OBAMA.

If McCain complains that offering them free tuition will hurt retention rates, then isn't he agreeing that people only go into service because they are not smart or wealthy enough to. Not that people go into service for love of the country or any other reasons.

Just what he needs, another challenge. This won't even be a fair race against Obama. I almost feel sad for McCain, not!

veterans ,beware this man!he is a military elitist,who doesn't have the same needs as less well to do vets.

mccain's age is about 5435 on the list of reasons he should NEVER be POTUS!!!!

we dont want mcshame as leader of our country b/c of his hypocracy, slef-serving actions, his belief that MORE WAR is actually the solution, his views are old-fashioned, he doesnt support our troops but is willing to send them off to another FAILED invasion, he will keep our economy in shambles, he supports bush and his FAILED policies, mccain let bush rip into him and his family and now he's kising him on the cheek, his TERRIBLE judgment supporting the repugs....

WOW! This is really deplorable.

Democrats '08!

I think it is a great idea. It will definitely help in recruiting. Oh well, this is another example of John McBush.

Hey Joel King, the McCain of 2004 is not the same guy whose running for President today!!!!!

Obama 2008

I wonder how many people really ead the artical or are just using it to push a personal and un-informed position.

As a vet of many years:

1) As someone previously stated, the veterans already have a tremendous educational benefit already working for them. And to add to that Sen McCain did try to push an additional education bill that provided more money but at a sliding scale to provide more for those vets that dedicated more of thier life to the military. Sounds like a reward for more dedication, must be novel concept to most.

2) Every political subject that comes up with the word "Vet" in it, doesn't make it right or good. Maybe more poeple need that educational benefit.

3) Education for veteran's is a public debate, but in the big scheme of things, pretty much of very minor importantance. For vets, why aren't we pushing for more medical care, a critical issue. I wonder how many vets would chose health over education? TO most I don't hink it would be a difficult choice.

As in most subjects, we chose to hear what we want to hear and yell over those that oppose our point of view.

To Bush and McCain it is more important to keep soldiers as cannon fodder rather than let them leave the military, get an education, and raise a family,

John Mcshame dont give a rat azz about veterans or the GI BILL!

Of course he is feeding "old" off of cindy "botox face" mcbush Darfur genocide millions!!!!

VOTE OBAMA – YES WE CAN!!!!

Gotta do the right thing.
Lotta money now, but......
Run Jim Webb and a lot of vets would get on board regardless of party. One of only a handfull with any sense of leadership or integrity.
Semper Fi'

you don't need a GI bill to have a future. Remember, being a veteran entitles them all to be president one day, right John?

Grow a brain.

I hope those ardent Clinton supporters who say they will vote for McCain over Obama read this article. This is the person who you settle for if Clinton does not get the nomination ??!! The candidate whose stand on the issuses is most opposite of her. McCain wants to keep our husbands, sons, daughters over in Iraq for at LEAST another 5 years, but doesn't believe America should offer them an education in exchange for their services.

Once the smoke has cleared, Dems lets unite and get the Republicans out of office.

As a Marine Non-Commissioned Officer myself, I can understand Senator McCain's opposition to a program that could hurt the retention of individuals like myself. But I also support the expansion of the G.I. Bill.

I don't think Senator McCain's version is too much to ask; he simply says that the more time you put in the military, the more of a benefit you get. I have put in 9 years so far, yet get the same benefit as someone who put in 3 years. With this new bill, albeit generous, that fact will remain the same. There should be more debate on this topic; expansion of the G.I. Bill is needed, but the method should be more closely scrutinized.

Saying John McCain doesn't support the military is misleading; his life has been dedicated to it as has my adult life so far.

Haba! McCain!

What is wrong with this GI bill?

In the first place our military entice us with helping for School fees to join the military

Certainly, three years is not too bad!

Admit your mistake and go back to the senate to support the bill, at least for your own good. Otherwise , its going to backfire on you.

I see the reason, why you were absent anyway.

American people will not follow you on this.

You should no better!!

Wow!!! And so many people would vote against the Democratic candidate and vote for McCain? You would think, as a veteran he'd be for it. Unbelievable!!

shame on you, mcain. this is APPALLING and DISGUSTING!!!!!!! they'll squander money on a FAILED invasion and work our troops to the bone OVER AND OVER, and mccain/bush/and their ilk have the nerve to deny them what they DESERVE!!!!!

for this reason alone (although there are many, many other reasons too) mccain doesnt deserve the HONOR of being leader of our amazing country!!!!!!!!!!!!

The problem with the sliding scale is that it has never been used before to earn educational benefits. At a time when we need to make sure that our sons and daughters that are willing to fight with their lives for us, know that we are totally behind them, McCain is saying that they will have to stay in the military longer than anyone has had to do in the past. With that kind of mentality is that? When they are looking at their friends that are have to do 3-4-or 5 tours in Irag now, he is tellling them it may be 8-9- or 10 tours.

IMPRESSIVE PHOTO.

HE IS USING CELL PHONE & WALKING DOWN THE STAIRS.

DOES HE KNOW WHERE HE HAS LANDED.

Seems like they are more interested in trying to keeping people in instead of taking care of them when they leave. Here is one for you in case you did not know, Marines have to buy their own clothes. Man, the country really know how to take care of the few and the proud. Funny they are not told that when before they enlist.

HE HAS BEEN TALKING OUT BOTH SIDES OF HIS MOUTH

NOW HE WILL ADD A THIRD SIDE. NO PROBLEM FOR MCBIGOT.

Hey McCain! How about some 'walk the talk' instead of the same old 'straight talk'. There is no way you should be hesitating on this bill.

The Republicans have nothing on Obama while McCain continues to show us the road to The Bush Third Term. Experience??? Yeah with lobbists and oil companies. We need new policies in the White House. Ones without stains from lobbists and special interest groups.

Obama 08

So McCain and Bush do not support the bill because they are afraid that the retention rates will drop because the people have servered thier country and want to get on with thier lives and family just like Mccain and Bush are? Perhaps they would like get married, have a family and future like his recently married daughter.

that is the problem try to hold someone down to benefit ones self

sad

I can't believe this. I would think he'd be the first in line to endorse a bill that supports veterans. This is quite sad, quite sad indeed.

Don't educate them so they will keep reenlisting...is that like keeping women barefoot and pregnant?

All McCain cares about is WAR, WAR ,WAR. And not at all about those who are fighting the war. Being a veteran, I am appalled that he would deny soldiers their right to education. Did McCain take advantage of the free education when he was in the army? Is McCain also one of those who are hindering the citizenship of all those foreigners who were promised citizenship to join the US army (who were, i am sure, put in the most dangerous position in Iraq)?

I think it's pretty hypocritical that the repubs say "Support the troops, Support the troops" and then their nominee says NO BENEFITS FOR YOU!!!!!! Sen. Obama was right to be critical of McSame. I just don't understand the logic behind McCains position here.?.?.?.?.?

Some of you need to stop the age bias and moronic comments
against McCain.

People today are staying healthy and working longer and living active lives longer. People don't retire or drop dead at seventy.
My mother worked past eighty years old. No, she wasn't POTUS, but
it was a demanding and important job. And she could run circles around everyone.

So, please open your mind about age. Don't stay locked in your stereotypes. Maybe you don't have a role model to look up to, but your whole way of thinking is outdated.

Think of McCain of being sixty years old or maybe even younger.
He is energetic and sharp to respond on the issues. He meets criticism and problems head on. He doesn't duck and run.

He is a very young seventy.

"FEDUP May 22nd, 2008 2:53 pm ET

Obama is milking MLK for all it's worth. Every topic brings up MLK by somebody?"

He's trying to pick up where MLK left off.

Got MLK?

Brian from New Jersey + Louis Battaglia: Thanks, for sharing a service member's opinion. You have done and sacrificed a lot for our country and you should definitely be rewarded for this with an education.

How can McBush treat veterans this way??

What other crazy things will McBush do if he were in office?

McCain is a 3rd Bush term!
Bush has drowned our country deep enough!
McCain will sink us.

Vote Democratic and Save America.

Mcain can't remember his own last name let alone talking about countries and people far away. Can't republicans have a better candidate than one over 70 years old? Public service doesn't hire workers his age. why would we?

As a Gulf War era veteran, and former republican I am truly ashamed of my former party. I have since declared myself an independent, and voted for Sen. Obama in the NC Primary. He is the only candidate that stands any chance of undoing the 8 years of chaos that the Bush legacy has given us. Sen. McCain has proven that he is a 3rd Bush term, and cannot be allowed to get into the White House. Bush has essentially spawned the high gas prices by his invasion of Iraq under the lie of WMD's. All the while his closest friends the Saudi's get rich off of our suffering. End the madness now!

And he didn't even have the guts to show up in the Senate and cast a "NO" vote. I've lost my respect for him. No Veteran should vote for him. He certainly has lost his bearings.

Republicans support the troops by sending them to war

Democrats support troops by ACTUALLY SUPPORTING THEM!!!!!!

serve your country and get hung out to dry by the republican president, let's vote for him again, vote mcbush.

It should'nt surprise you, but I'm confused again.
GWB expanded the war into Iraq and placed the needs of the military and veterans as his priority. Still waiting for that to happen.
John McCain, a Vietnam war hero (Yes he is) and POW, has heartburn with this legislation?

I hope everyone in the Military takes a good look at Mc Eddie Munster and let him know what they really thik of him.

I hope McCantwin chooses the governor of Florida as hi running mate.

Then every democrat in Florida will vote for Obama because the Governor and the Republican party are to blame for screwing up the primary for the democrats. Although, when the vote to change the date of the democratic primary came the floor in the Florida legislature all but one of the Florida democrats voted for moving up the date. So, part of the blame should fall squarely on the shoulders of the democrats who whouldnt back the party.

Also, Hillbilly Clinton says everyone does there checking out of the candidates.....Oh sure they do Hillbilly....Most American voters are like sheep or buffalo following the herd off of a clift. If you right Hillbilly, why did gerorge Bush get elected twice?

Dear Sen. McCain,
Why should we be expected to serve longer than three years, when some do not serve at all!!

This is a disgrace to our service and dedication.

This is the least you can do!!

Let me get this straight.... McCain doesn't want to give goodies like college to military people because then they'll drop out (because college is a WAY better experience than killing/being killed in Iraq for most logical people). We shouldn't give them incentives except an enlistment bonus to make sure the low-income under-educated people they target can't get out because they have no other options. Which is why they enlisted anyway. And once they start getting educated at those terrible liberal anti-war institutions, some of that might actually stick. Limit their options, so most can't make the logical choice to get the hell out. McCain, you suck!

*Disclaimer: This is just a general statement that doesn't apply to individuals. It's a fact that the military (i.e., Army) targets and is made up of mostly low-income low-education people, though this is obviously not the entire constituency and money is not the primary motivation for many. I've always thought it was interesting that an increase in education tends to lead to a decrease in desire to participate in the military or military-like activities. This hold true in the US, but especially is true of militias and terrorist bands. And by education, I don't mean indoctrination.

This is another example of how different McCain is now than he was 8 years ago. To withhold an expanded GI Bill because he is afraid people will actually get out of the service when their time is up and better themselves is so wrong. The very least that Bush and anyone who voted for this war owes our young men and women is a guaranteed 4 year degree. Shame on you Mr. McCain.

McCain is a fraud. He doesn't want the expense of war that includes taking care of the Vets.

It is very sad that this issue has to be debated – this should be a no brainer.

Recruiters are out there everyday selling military service as a "yellow brick road" to opportunity to those who may have no other option. Then McCain and the President turn around and say we don't want to provide an education to our service men and women because they'll get out of the military. This should be a wake up to call to anyone voting for McCain – the war hero and so called defender of our military.

As a former service member that served honorably for 8 years in the US Army, I am utterly disgusted with the statements of these two. It's time that we had a President that REALLY does care about our service men and women – instead of a President that asks them to sacrifice on a daily basis yet provide them nothing in return.

"Veterans for Obama"

Republicans will wage wars that should not have been authorized, and extend tours forever, exploiting these men and women. Support the troops.....talk is cheap McCain and Bush.

I swear the GOP is always screaming about being patriots but they screw the troops any chance they get.

"Brian from Fort Mill, S.C. May 22nd, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Unfortunately for McCain, because of Bush's incompetence and utter stupidity, half of the country has gone further to the right, and the other half has gone further to the left.

And McCain doesn't get along with conservatives OR liberals, so he's left with nobody."

Actually Brian, a good 60-70% of the country do not agree with the liberals or conservatives and are fed up with left or right. They are in the middle which is where McCain is standing! This is why Obama is TALKING about working on partisan issues while having a doctrine of left wing positions. He wants those independent votes.

A vote for McBush is a vote AGAINST the men/women he's maiming in Iraq/Afghanistan and anywhere else they are in harm's way.

VETS FOR OBAMA/WEBB 08-12!!!

Well...Let me tell you something Mccain..Being a Navy veteran for 18 years has taught me a few things about military benefits. Military benefits are recruiting tools that are very important when someone is on the fence about joining. Most leave the service anyway to pursue other desires like school, job offers, or want something different altogether. Making the G.I. bill more robust will provide more incentive for joining and probably will convince that man or woman to join if they are on the fence about the decision It is then left up to the military to sell that specific job and lifestyle to each individual. If you can attract more people to the military, your chance of keeping quality people will go up. Being a military man yourself, you should know better. Never under estimate the power of an education.

Whether we are in Iraq or not, we will still need people protecting us. McCain is the best person to run our military and is 100 times better than Obama on Foreign policy. Having actually known what it was like to have lost his country, he would fight for this country.
What has Obama had to deal with? Discrimination because of his race? Whoopdy doo. He has no experience at all, and doesn't vote on any major issues in the Senate. His inconsistencies are blatant and the day he is president will be the day this country truly goes down in flames.

GI Bill should pose a serious problem for McCain. His statement that it is too generous poses a question as to what kind of Commander-IN-Chief he will be. Will he actually take care of the military or just use them for fighting war without end?
And after the soldiers come home, that's it. They ought to fetch on their own with all of the hardships.

John McCain is: GI... Gut's and Intellect... The Hero who took it, and came back....

McCain should walk his talk not just talk!! He talks and brags too much about his foreign policy "strengths" (of which I certainly disagree) of which make many see him as a war hero. However, how can a "War Hero" actually triumph when he is doing nothing for veterans and current soldiers in the military. McCain is trying to retain men and women serving in the front line, just like Bush, without thinking about their lives outside of the uniform-you know, like actually helping them get a college degree. I don't think McBush really thought about this; if you DO think about this, it's actually an incentive for people considering enlisting in the military to do so. The current soldiers and veterans should get more support from the government, instead the government only expects so much sacrifice from soldiers without much in return. I thought McSame was a war hero, in fact, the hero stayed in Vietnam... McSame is not thinking about the people, he's thinking of Power in the Middle East. Plain and Simple.

Yet he is soooo patriotic! He is not for the troops. He is the candidate of wealthy republicans. Period.

SHAME ON MCRAT!

Why wasn't he there to support the Webb GI Bill?

Is McRAT only a veteran in name only for political gain? He's not a true American hero, he's a true LIAR!

McCain will be in trouble if he fights this one. The Dems will have it on every billboard in the country within a week.

If the Republicans are truly pro-military, they must show that involves more than a willingnes to send GI's off to war. After all the rehab and facility problems at the VA, the Right better be right on this issue.

So McCain is a Bush third term? Why is it that the Democrats begged him to be on the ticket in 2004? Wake up people! Don't be puppets!

To every super delegate of the Democratic Party,

Please think long and hard about the simple choice you now have to make:

1) Choose to endorse Hillary Clinton as the Party’s nominee and watch her become the first woman to be elected President of the United States.

or

2) Choose to endorse Barack Obama and watch the first African American nominee of the Democratic Party lose in the general election.

Hillary Clinton will win against John McCain in the states that the Democratic Party needs to win in order to reach 270 electoral votes in the general election.

Obama won’t.

It’s that simple.

Hillary Clinton has been the best candidate in this long primary election, is by far more competent to run against the Republicans in the general election, and is infinitely more qualified to be President of the United States than is Barack Obama.

Endorsing Barack Obama, a relatively unknown candidate with a thin resume who has lost nearly every large state and swing state to Hillary Clinton in the primaries by large margins, is a huge gamble at best.

Please don’t gamble with our futures.

HILLARY CLINTON ’08

EC Obama is nothing but an empty suit who avoids the issues. All he talks about is "hope" and other nonsense that is meaningless unless you have a PLAN. Obama is also way too far left to be good for this country, his voting records prove that. So what if he voted against the MLK holiday years ago? That does not mean he was racist. Yeah he voted for the war, so did most in the government including Hillary. It seemed like the best option at the time and things could have worked out much differently in Iraq.

McCain Agree with tax holiday but oposed the GI bill, why? because he know the tax holoday crap was a joke. He mean America no good.

Why do people support him again?

McCain and Bush worry the new GI Bill will reduce retention rates, but it would likely boost recruitment, as well. Senator McCain's sliding scale proposal, where the longer you serve, the more benefits you'd receive, seems a way to ensure the program has less value. The longer you're out of school, the less likely it is you'll go back.

What Vet would vote for McCain?

He consistently votes against bills that benefit our Servicemen and Women. If he has an alternative plan, it is always to limit those benefits from what was proposed.

It's a shame McCain is not 100% behind our VETS! My apologies to all the VETS. A 4 year-degree fully paid is the least this country can do for you. To all the men and women serving and have served our country – THANK YOU.

Just another example on how Republicans do not support our troops. Short troop levels is a concern that the president will have to answer. The best way is to begin pulling our men and women out of Iraq! College education is a perk that troops should be entitled too. If McCain thinks people will leave after they serve their time-thats their business and we should thank them for their service and provide them with opportunities for success.

Support the Troops!
End the War!

if you look at the mentaly bush an maccain who i mightadd is not
what i would really call a war hero if he cant even support his fellow
comrades. then you throw in billary and you can see why this country
is as screwed up as it is. how sad how very sad .
go senoter obama . may you can turn the u. s. around . you sure cant hurt the u.s.

McBush is an absolute joke. He can't remember what he stands for or against from one minute to the next.....and we are supposed to trust this old relic from the past to lead us for the next 4 years! Cue the band...Swing low, sweet chariott, coming forth to take McBush back to the nursing home!

Obama '08

with the exception of the first blogger, do you all have military experience? If you don't – then maybe you shouldn't comment... unless you're willing to put your suggestions into practice and enlist.

Otherwise, you're all just hypocrites.

Shame on you Senator McCain. Why didn't you show up to vote for this bill. You showed up to vote for the War.

This is insane. You don't want to give the brave men and women anything but another rotation for their service to our country. You are enjoying the American dream and then some with a wife that has more money than any of us can even dream about. And you will deny
our troops a small portion of their dreams.

Please America do not put this person in the White House.

His logic for not voting for this bill is off. The greatest loss of military personnel is at the 4, 8, and 10 year marks - usually the end of the first and second terms of enlistment. Guarenteeing individuals a state university education after three years of enlistment will not increase the rate of attrition in the military, it actually may increase the amount of personnel trying to enlist. This would be a great benefit for citizens trying to use the military to escape their current economic and environmental situations. It would also produce more educated citizens. It also provides one more way to pay back our military men and women for their service to this country. It just seems there has to be more to his refusal of this bill than thinking it would understaff the military.

I am disappointed in the decision by Sen. McCain. As a disabled veteran I have made a choice not to vote for him. I have always voted for the Republican party but for the first time I will vote Democrat.

As a veteran I find it disgusting that he would not support the GI Bill. Where are all the folks who say if you dont support the President's policies then you are not a patriot. I would think as a country we would want the best for our veterans! Right? I also find that is shameful that we have homeless veterans, but I guess we would rather have well paid oil executives and pay 4.00 a gallon for gas, come on people where is the outrage?

As a service member, I find this stance on the GI Bill almost offensive. A sliding scale for GI benefits? That must be a joke. Has he considered that school is the only reason why so many service members ever enlisted in the first place, and denying them that right at the end of their service will deplete the military faster than the promise of education at the end of a contract. The bill in question would help initial enlistment rates, and those that wish to stay in as NCO's will surely do so. The main reason why enlistment efforts are failing so dismally at the moment is that people DO NOT support the occupation in Iraq (Note the use of the word "occupation" and not "war"). Without incentives like a more beneficial GI Bill, enlistment will continue to drop because people looking at the military as an option to pay for school will not be willing to serve for 10 years before they ever get enough money to really help them pay for their education

PS – All the Dems ever care about is how they look as opposed to actually getting anything done. They havent done anything since they took control of congress 3 years ago.

And Jon from Scotland. Yes they do deserve better and that is why McCain proposed a reasonable GI bill, its mentioned in the article if you read it. Explicitly stating he wants a sliding scale whichs makes sense to me.

So Tales from the McCrip is worrying about soldiers fighting in their unjust War for Oil getting an education.

This fool and his right-wing backers need to get a life.

They will finally find their WMD's in November inside voting booths voting Democratic as they did in Mississippi and the other Republican contests they have lost so far this election season.

See you in November.

Obama 2008/2012

If our men and women are good enough to send to Iraq to fight the bush/mccain war, why are they not good enough to receive better benefits. It seems like our government has taken advantage of our military people and are not willing to recognize their sacrifices to this great country.

So let me get this straight: McCain directly admits he doesn't want to give too many benefits to active duty veterans, so they'll decide to stay in the military and not further their education and career elsewhere? What a great way to treat your military, senator.

Obama can't even win Blue states!! The only states he has won in the primary are red states that will NOT support him in the November election....he is a loser!!!

GO HILLARY!!

McCain will end up supporting this bill. He looks to bad not to...having said that Barack will beat him handily this year.

Obama 08'!

How is McCains GI Bill such a bad idea??? A sliding scale for tuition to college makes sense. The more time you put into the service the more money you get taken off your tuition. MAkes sense to me rather then have people join the service and all leave as soon as they qualify for free education. The Dems are only doing this to make McCain look bad because they know he opposed it. Also why they voted down his GI Bill that was much more reasonable. It still improved things for the veterans and gave incentive to stay in the service longer. Its a business model. Just like how companies with pensions, you become fully invested in the pension slowly each year, 5 or 6 years down the road if you leave you get your whole pension, if you leave after 3 years you can only get 50%. The Dems are the ones posturing trying to make McCain look bad by being against the GI bill. Anyone notice how many Dems are filling up the War Funding Bill with all of their pet projects and things that have nothing to do with the war? They dont care about the betterment of the troops, just how good they look to the public.

If your a Democrat, doesn't it concern you that your "golden boy" is still losing primaries by 35-40 percent! Good luck with him in November!

What is the challenge?They served our country proudly ,now let them have what is coming to them.Cut politician's salaries to cover the cost.most of politicians aren't doiing anything anyway.

flip-flop McCain does not suport veterans but supports oil company
with tax cuts but we the veterans have more of then oil company
we have more votes so choose wisely flip-flop McCain

Obama is milking MLK for all it's worth. Every topic brings up MLK by somebody?

Senator, I love you. You have to help our men getting home after 18 months.

This is what we can expect from a McCain presidency because it's what he's always been about. He is disliked by so many in his own party because he is all over the board on the issues, often not even giving very logical reasons as to why. I'd sure hate to have the leader of this country make decisions based on which way the wind was blowing that day.

A major score for Obama!!! Congratulations, President BO! and thank you for caring about those who sacrifice life and limb for their country. Thank you!

The Whitehouse, pentagon and McCain's supposed retention problem as a reason for not supporting this is so disingenuous. The same study that says there would be a 16 % retention loss says there would be at least that much gained in new recruits because of the added benefits. I'm so sick of hearing republicans blast people for being unpatriotic and not supporting the troops, yet when the moment of truth comes the troops and their well being are the last thing they are worried about.

This is exactly the type of thing that makes me want to vote for McCain. Obama / Clinton wants to be all things to all people. There is a natural problem with that, and that is the people want what THEY want not what is best for everyone. We need someone like Mr. McCain who has the courage to not be swayed by loud voices with their own personal agenda. I want a person who will do what is BEST for us.

A child wants candy lots and lots of candy... Parent says no and limits their candy intake. Child thinks parent is mean and out of touch with the youth since all his/her friends get all the candy they want.

Obama / Clinton response is to let the child have all they want and end up with a diabetic and overweight child.

McCain answer is to stick by what he knows is right and limit the child, child may still be angry with parent however the child is better off for the decision to be limited. Parent is happy and proud knowing they did the right thing for their child and made their future better.

Just because you appease the "people" does not mean it is the right thing to do.

P.S. I am aware that the candy analogy is rather simple; however it is not all that different really. As for this topic, before you start your ranting… MY grandfather, father, brothers, and myself are all ex-military so yes I do know what I am talking about.

THE CLOSER WE GET TO THE ELECTION THE LESS PEOPLE LIKE HIM BECAUSE HIS APPEAL WAS HIS CENTRIST VIEWS. BUT HE IS GETTING MORE AND MORE LIKE BUSH.

McCain cannot afford to vote for the war or increase the surge and not pay for the incentive that helped recruit soldiers in the first place. Mr. McCain, face up it's time to pay up.

I am a veteran and have two in my family currently serving. This bill is probably not perfect, but it is so much better than what we have now. If the military and civilian leaders in DoD are worried about retention rates, they should probably look beyond this bill at some of the bigger problems, like pay rates, housing and the outsourcing of vital services to contractors that don't care about military welfare and morale.

We need leadership in our government that respects the service of our military. They are not pawns in a global chess game.

You would think MCsenile was the only POW in American

NO hes the only *glorified* one

POWS and VETS vote for Obama!!!!

I guess McCain forgot what it feels like to be a veteran coming home to very little opportunity and very little aid.

Don't worry McCain will flip, flop and cave in and pander for votes.

"it will deplete retention rates?"

So basically McCain wants to withhold benefits from veterans to pressure them into staying in. way to look out for those folks, John.

So much for wearing a flag pin??????????????????

Were's Karl Rove?

I don't understand why McCain doesn't want benefits to our vets no matter what it is. Stop this political game and give our veterans some help and a piece of the American dream.

Don't Vote McCain, he just doesn't care for our vets or the American people.

25% of the homeless people in LA are Vietnam veterans.

There is no incentive for young men to volunteer when they get treated like that garbage after they return from war. McCain got lucky. He married up.

As a brother to a Ltn. in the Army, who has servied in Iraq and currently is in Afgan. McCant is a joke to what they stand for. They must be rewarded for their will!!!

- Sad thing is many are not returning from Iraq or Afgan., SO if anything this war has stopped the desire to enter into the Arm forces??????? Sir!

Support the Troops not the cause!

Obama '08

This is another gift for Obama to work with!

Go Bam ---– Mc Sane is a sham!

I have a deal for McCain – if he drops out of the election, I'll get off his lawn.

Republicans equate supporting the troops with putting magnets on their cars.

Train them in shoddy barracks, ship them off to unjustified wars with no strategy and a lack of armor, bring them back home to shoddy VA Hospitals and deny them a GI Bill that other generations have had.

No wonder Republicans are losing elections...

Why won't that old fart McCain help the Vets? John McCain is on somebody's payroll. I am an Army vet and I am supporting Sen. Obama. He is more in touch with reality.

McCain looks to be suffering from senility.

OF COURSE, KEEP THEM STUPI – KEEP THEM OBEDIENT!!!

Go get 'em Obama! From McCain's stances on the Iraq War, War on Terror, the economy to health care, McCain has a lot of explaning to do. Now with his opposition to the G.I. Bill, his "dedication" to the military will be tested.

MCCAIN IS A TOAST NOW.

This Guy's level of judgment and naevity is begining to manifest itself. Ladies and Gentlemen this is no joke. We have to elect a President who has quick reflexes and instincts as in OBAMA.

I respect Mccain for his service to the Nation but this job is not for him.

Apparently Mr. Bush and Mr. McCain don't realize an undermanned military isn't an issue if we're not in Iraq.

Obama knows that you dont have to have served to be able to make descision such as making generous provision for veterans.

Veterans deserve better than what they are getting now.

I do not understand why McCain would be against this bill, the only reason i can find is that he married a rich woman, he has all the money he can ever need, so he doesnt really care what happens to other war veterans.

I think its great the most prodcutive thing they have done in Washington lately.

Of course a story that is unflattering to the establishment candidates gets shoved beneath the "Obama's in trouble" story that has been at the top of the ticker all day.

Clinton v. McCain, CNN's dream for November.

I don't know that much about this GI BIll, so I can't say whether I support it or not, but I do support our troops and anything that can be done for them to make their transition back into every day life easier has got to be a good thing. They have done everything we've asked from them & more so I don't have any problem providing benefits for them. I think McCain may lose on this issue just because it looks like he's not supporting the troops.

Unfortunately for McCain, because of Bush's incompetence and utter stupidity, half of the country has gone further to the right, and the other half has gone further to the left.

And McCain doesn't get along with conservatives OR liberals, so he's left with nobody.

I would think this would help ddom his bid. ow a man who was a POW cannot support the men and women in the military is beyond belief. He would rather take the funds from the military and use it for a continuation of a war that has no end if he wins. Pitiful and shaeful.

EC and James what have you done for this country? McCain has dedicated his whole adult life to this country. Shame on you for disrespecting this man. Do you not know how to argue for your side without going to personal attacks.

Their making an issue out of nothing.
Under the current GI bill you get 20K or more for college after one tour... full tuition while you are on active duty... and most States already give honorable discharge veterans free tuition to state funded universities... I know Illinois does from experience.

Mountain out of a Mole Hill...

The GI bill poses challenge to McCain? How about policies in general pose challenge to McCain. This guy has been on every side of evey issue. McFlip Flop.

Obama 08

Good point in this article.

John McCain cares about the future of the troops.

....and Obama and the Democrats "...see the measure as an opportunity to undermine one of the Arizona senator's greatest strengths...."

Good to know they have Americas interests at heart

Yes, John McCain want to keep us in Iraq for "however long it takes" but god forbid he allows any of us to get an education. I guess keeping us dumb and in the trenches his is plan.
Thanks John, a former veteran that obviously has forgotten his brothers.

MCCAIN...

SIGN THE GI BILL YOU CHEAP POLITICIAN !

McCain is all smoke and mirrors!
He cannot be trusted.

What audacity of Sen. Obama to accuse Sen. McCain of partisan posturing regarding the GI Bill! Hello, pot , may I speak to kettle?

Americans for McCain '08

Maybe Barack Obama was right. Maybe John McCain DID lose his bearings!

I'm just waiting for the debates so I can watch Obama beat him with his own shoe... PRICELESS!!

I swear he is Bush's THIRD TERM!!!!

WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!!

A vote for McCain is a vote for more Bush policies !

OBAMA 08 !!!!!

This would be great for a number of reasons:

1) An instant boost in recruits.
2) Service from people who wouldn't have signed up in the first place.
3) Shorter service = Less chance of post-service conditions.
4) A justified and well-deserved college education to those who are willing to put their lives on the line.

How does this not make sense McCain????

I will never vote for this man. He is a traitor to Veterans.

Kinda sad when a " war hero" doesn't want to help the soldiers now. He can pander to different groups but forget the GIs of now

Glad to read the article, but this isn't really news. It has been obvious for awhile. Senator Obama does not do well in these states. The problem is pretty clearly related to ideology. The lunch bucket folks in these areas are moderate to conservative. Successful Democrats and Republicans have appealed to them, won their votes, and won the general elections. The liberal wing of the Democratic party always seems to ignore them. They can win the nomination without them, but not in November. It is an oft repeated story.

fuel for Obama to use against the bomb bomb bomb McCain fire. I'm sure he'll have some sappy comeback.

With the economy in the tank that it i (thanks George!), the added benefits of the GI Bill would serve as a great incentive to men and women to join the service. McCain is looking at this with too narrow of a perspective.

Support the freaking G.I. Bill and shut up.

(geez... they shouldn't even be OVER there, as you said...... for oil).

By the way..... since the gas crunch is ALLEGEDLY because the saudis/opec won't increase production..... what say the people we LIBERATED and put in power increase production... I-FREAKING-RAQ!

sorry.... didnt mean to blow holes all in the right's pathetic arguments...
wait.... yes i did

McCain is a joke.

Sen. McCain doesn't know what the hell to do. First he voted FOR the war. Then he voted AGAINST the MLK Holiday. NOW he want to speak on the GI Bill. WHAT A BUNCH OF DO-DO!!

After trying win over the African American votes by attending a NAACP event and holding an interview with Essence Magazine. You obviously don't know what the hell your doing or talking about Sen. McCain.

YOU have not been able to sway your own party for support, let alone sway this country.

This whole stupid notion that Sen. Obama can't win the swing states, is nothing but CRAP!! Let's go on with this battle and see exactly where the American People want to take this fight. We're sick of YOU and your BUSHMAN/LOBBYIST mentality and we're NOT going to take it anymore.

Let's get ready to rumble..... shall we?

McCain should be ashamed of himself. I know who this retired military man will vote for. Senator Obama will fight for out rights. No McCain and his let them eat cake attitude!!!

Obama 08/12