Comments on: GI Bill poses challenge to McCain http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/ All politics, all the time Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:07:36 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Bill Warriner (my real name, I'm not undercover) http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1128866 Bill Warriner (my real name, I'm not undercover) Fri, 23 May 2008 00:29:12 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1128866 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. 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.

]]> By: Tony in Michigan http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1128550 Tony in Michigan Thu, 22 May 2008 23:00:08 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1128550 McBush is all talk and no action!!! McBush is all talk and no action!!!

]]> By: Ann http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1128455 Ann Thu, 22 May 2008 22:49:02 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1128455 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..... 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.....

]]> By: Rita, CO http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1128336 Rita, CO Thu, 22 May 2008 22:32:11 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1128336 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 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

]]> By: Jenny, ID http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1128321 Jenny, ID Thu, 22 May 2008 22:30:09 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1128321 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. 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.

]]> By: Aimee, TN http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1128308 Aimee, TN Thu, 22 May 2008 22:28:28 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1128308 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. 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.

]]> By: Dr. Truth, Boston http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1128262 Dr. Truth, Boston Thu, 22 May 2008 22:23:15 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1128262 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) 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)

]]> By: Joe, NV http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1128251 Joe, NV Thu, 22 May 2008 22:21:50 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1128251 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. 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.

]]> By: Josh, OR http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1128231 Josh, OR Thu, 22 May 2008 22:19:18 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1128231 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. 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.

]]> By: Warren, Silver Spring http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1128210 Warren, Silver Spring Thu, 22 May 2008 22:17:14 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1128210 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. 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.

]]> By: Obama http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1128203 Obama Thu, 22 May 2008 22:16:48 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1128203 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 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

]]> By: Warren, MD http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1128193 Warren, MD Thu, 22 May 2008 22:15:44 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1128193 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. 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.

]]> By: noemi in los angeles http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1128180 noemi in los angeles Thu, 22 May 2008 22:14:31 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1128180 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. 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.

]]> By: BTHogan http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1128173 BTHogan Thu, 22 May 2008 22:13:47 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1128173 "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? "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?

]]> By: Kevin http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1128132 Kevin Thu, 22 May 2008 22:07:29 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1128132 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 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

]]> By: Sgt. USMC http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1128092 Sgt. USMC Thu, 22 May 2008 22:03:27 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1128092 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. 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.

]]> By: Farrell, Houston, Tx http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1128083 Farrell, Houston, Tx Thu, 22 May 2008 22:01:53 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1128083 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. 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.

]]> By: Jill http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1128076 Jill Thu, 22 May 2008 22:01:08 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1128076 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. 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.

]]> By: Mr. Coffey, Raleigh, NC http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1128070 Mr. Coffey, Raleigh, NC Thu, 22 May 2008 22:00:15 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1128070 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. 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.

]]> By: Donovan K. - Atlanta, GA http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1128063 Donovan K. - Atlanta, GA Thu, 22 May 2008 21:59:18 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1128063 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. 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.

]]> By: taylor richmond virginia http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1128005 taylor richmond virginia Thu, 22 May 2008 21:53:19 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1128005 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. 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.

]]> By: marinemom07 http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1127969 marinemom07 Thu, 22 May 2008 21:50:35 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1127969 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. 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.

]]> By: sabrina01 http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1127923 sabrina01 Thu, 22 May 2008 21:47:24 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1127923 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 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

]]> By: km http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1127921 km Thu, 22 May 2008 21:47:17 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1127921 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. 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.

]]> By: artiejoe68 http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1127907 artiejoe68 Thu, 22 May 2008 21:46:19 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1127907 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! 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!

]]> By: Allen Childs http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1127841 Allen Childs Thu, 22 May 2008 21:42:37 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1127841 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. 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.

]]> By: REAL TALK http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1127738 REAL TALK Thu, 22 May 2008 21:36:02 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1127738 Mccain should have endorse the bill instead of bill complaining about it!! Mccain should have endorse the bill instead of bill complaining about it!!

]]> By: SamSunny http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1127716 SamSunny Thu, 22 May 2008 21:35:02 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1127716 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. 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.

]]> By: Val http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1127677 Val Thu, 22 May 2008 21:32:12 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1127677 To noemi in los angeles: I'd rather have Bush's 3rd term any day over Left Elitist Obama administration. The latter scares me. To noemi in los angeles:

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

]]> By: Val http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1127626 Val Thu, 22 May 2008 21:28:56 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1127626 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! 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!

]]> By: Danny Beaulieu http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1127535 Danny Beaulieu Thu, 22 May 2008 21:22:58 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1127535 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. 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.

]]> By: EDW http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1127451 EDW Thu, 22 May 2008 21:17:14 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1127451 I currently have friends in Iraq and they would like the opportunity to have the GI Bill. Please vote democrat in November!!!! I currently have friends in Iraq and they would like the opportunity to have the GI Bill. Please vote democrat in November!!!!

]]> By: Terry Richmond, Va. http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1127314 Terry Richmond, Va. Thu, 22 May 2008 21:08:30 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1127314 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. 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.

]]> By: Thomas http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1127243 Thomas Thu, 22 May 2008 21:01:43 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1127243 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? 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?

]]> By: RB - Atlanta, GA http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1127204 RB - Atlanta, GA Thu, 22 May 2008 20:58:58 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1127204 I have said it once and I will say it again..... Senator McCain...... "NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN"! I have said it once and I will say it again..... Senator McCain...... "NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN"!

]]> By: TJ Johnson http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1127143 TJ Johnson Thu, 22 May 2008 20:54:02 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1127143 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. 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.

]]> By: Uncle Sam http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1127129 Uncle Sam Thu, 22 May 2008 20:52:10 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1127129 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 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

]]> By: R.I.F. http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1127120 R.I.F. Thu, 22 May 2008 20:51:06 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1127120 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. 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.

]]> By: Randy - Denver http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1127069 Randy - Denver Thu, 22 May 2008 20:41:38 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1127069 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) 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)

]]> By: Dr. Vincent Petrosino http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1127063 Dr. Vincent Petrosino Thu, 22 May 2008 20:40:24 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1127063 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. 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.

]]> By: Brian http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1127059 Brian Thu, 22 May 2008 20:39:24 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1127059 McCain the choice to send our troops into arms way without giving them support! Clearly Bin Laden perfers McCain to be our next president McCain the choice to send our troops into arms way without giving them support! Clearly Bin Laden perfers McCain to be our next president

]]> By: RB http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1127053 RB Thu, 22 May 2008 20:38:26 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1127053 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) 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)

]]> By: LRM http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1127042 LRM Thu, 22 May 2008 20:37:03 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1127042 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". 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".

]]> By: Blabberwitz http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1127038 Blabberwitz Thu, 22 May 2008 20:36:32 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1127038 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? 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?

]]> By: Uncle Sam http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1127012 Uncle Sam Thu, 22 May 2008 20:33:59 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1127012 McCain should be ashamed of himself! Obama '08 McCain should be ashamed of himself!

Obama '08

]]> By: WHY http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1126991 WHY Thu, 22 May 2008 20:31:53 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1126991 Congratulations, President McCain. Congratulations, President McCain.

]]> By: Sean Deason http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1126966 Sean Deason Thu, 22 May 2008 20:28:49 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1126966 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. 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.

]]> By: kvsmith in FL http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1126957 kvsmith in FL Thu, 22 May 2008 20:28:08 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1126957 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! 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!

]]> By: Major http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1126932 Major Thu, 22 May 2008 20:26:44 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1126932 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. 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.

]]> By: raf http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/22/gi-bill-poses-challenge-to-mccain/#comment-1126924 raf Thu, 22 May 2008 20:26:21 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=7293#comment-1126924 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. 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.

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