McCain shouldn't count too hard on veterans' support
In light of the vote on a modernized, bipartisan GI Bill for U.S. troops, John McCain was forced to defend his position against general educational benefits for veterans. (For the record, McCain didn’t vote on the bill, preferring to go to a fundraiser in California.)
McCain responded by changing the subject away from the bill, emphasizing his service and support from fellow veterans.
“I believe that I have earned the right to speak out on veterans’ issues,” McCain said. “As a matter of fact I received the highest award from literally every veteran’s organization in America. I don’t know if the American people will judge Senator Obama as to whether he has military experience or not, but I think they may judge him as to whether he has experience and knowledge to make the judgment necessary to care for the veterans.”
The funny thing about the word “literally,” of course, is that it has a rather specific meaning.
And in McCain’s case, it invites critics to point out just how disappointed several veterans’ organizations have been in his willingness to support measures to help the troops.
Time magazine, for example, posed the question this week: “Does McCain Have a Vets Problem?” Keying off the GI Bill vote, Time reported:
“This isn’t about anything partisan; we are firmly supporting the bill that does right by the veterans, does right by the troops, and that is not McCain’s bill,” said Ramona Joyce, a spokeswoman for the American Legion. “It could do McCain damage with veteran voters if this issue drags out.” […]
This is not the first time McCain, who has a proud history of opposing what he views as excessive government spending, has found himself at odds with his fellow veterans on legislation. He’s voted for veterans funding bills only 30% of the time, according to a scorecard of roll-call votes put out by the nonpartisan Disabled Americans for America. Under the same system Obama has a 90% rating — though, of course, he has spent a much shorter time in Washington. “Senator McCain clearly needs to be recognized for his military service and in some respects that will play to his advantage, but when it actually comes to delivering health care and benefits during war, Senator McCain’s going to have some explaining to do,” said Paul Sullivan, director of the nonpartisan Veterans for Common Sense.
TP added some key tidbits, including the fact that Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America gave McCain a grade of D for his record of voting against veterans (Obama got a B+), and the Vietnam Veterans of America compiled a list of key votes, and found McCain voted against the group’s position 15 times and with the group eight times. (Obama, in contrast, voted with the VVA 12 times, and against it only once.)
McCain obviously has “the right to speak out on veterans’ issues”; we all do. But McCain is also under the impression that his service trumps his voting record. And on this, he’s clearly mistaken.
Well, I don't know about other vets, but this 22-year Navy Chief (retired) would never vote for today's John McCain. In fact, I'm embarrassed that I ever thought of him as a viable candidate for president.
McCain defends his opposition to increased veteran's benefits by pointing out that one of the senators who voted in favor of the bill is not a veteran, and thus is unqualified to "care for veterans?"
Huh?
This is even more illogical than the usual nonsense that comes from the Wingers.
Maverick McStraightalk cut and ran from the vets.
Well my Father-in-Law has you by 6years(28) Bajaboy he disagrees with you completely. He says this bill was designed by Dems to entice the servicemen to opt out rather than re-up because the pay package is so exorbitant and it was designed to specifically target as well as entice our military out of the service. The Dems can't withdraw the troops and this is the next best thing.
Yes, the Senator (R - MIA POW coverups) will be lucky to get much intelligent veteran support.
How do we call him a "hero"?
Somwrhing I found in the dictionary.
3. the principal male character in a story, play, film, etc.
Vicki Hampton @ 4:
its easy to pull out, just cut the money off and the DoD brings them home.
McCain's idea of withdrawing troops is bodybags, 1500 per year for the next 100 years.
Thats how the Republicans plan on bring back the 150,000 US troops stranded in the Iraq quagmire.
I reckon they consider it cheaper too than bring back live soldiers.
I don't think your father-in-law understands what this word really means, Vicki.
He should be taken to task for his position on this one. Go for the jugular, Obama.
If mini-Mc doesn't have a lock on the Vets or the religious right then who does he have? Oh, I know he'll flip and then he can flop. I still wonder if the Repubs are looking for some way to dump him.
Vicki Hampton @ 4:
The new Vets' education bill just restores what veterans were entitled to in the past.
And if people really want to stay in military service, the promise of an education won't "entice" them to leave. Most of the military in GW Bush's wars haven't had a choice anyway -- they've been sent back time and time again against their will.
Veterans' benefits were established as a payback for those who risked life and limb in military service to America. They were not recompensed financially with anything but a pittance as they served, they had to leave jobs and families, or if young, put education, jobs, and families on hold for later if they made it back alive. America OWES these people some way of catching up, even if only partially.
Hey nobody held a gun to my head and made me join the military. Here is common sense if you join the military and it is in time of war than more than likely you will go to war. When you sign the dotted line you are giving up your life to the United States. If you dont want to take orders from the president dont join. The military is not a democracy. Now I dont like that I have had friends that have died in Iraq but they knew when they signed on the dotted line what could happen to them and I think them for there sacrifice. The hardest thing a soldier, marine, sailor, airman must do it stand there watching his buddy die and then have to stand there at attention while saluting and listening to someone call out your buddies name and playing one of the most saddest songs that can be played (taps) ever man and woman there trying to hold back tears and hold a strait face. Then if that is not enough then you have to meet your buddies parents face to face. If you think you can handle this then by all means join and face it. But unless you have the guts to stand up walk to the recuirting station, join, go to boot camp, go put your life in the hands of thirty other men, and then live or die. Do it. Until then please shut up! You have no idea what your talking about. Support your troops and thank them for there sacrifices instead of critizing them. And by the way if you think you can do a better job of president then please run. Ask yourself this question can you send thousands to there death if not dont run. If you happen to be apart of Iraqi Veterans against the war stop complaining nobody held a gun to your head when you signed the contract. Theres no draft. I am on IRR and I personally do not want to go back to Iraq however if I am called back I will do my duty that I swore to uphold. And by the way "Your Welcome!"
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I suppose that he came to that conclusion without the benefit of Hate Radio? Doubtful. Besides, did he learn how to type in the military, or are you his secretary?
It must be the election season, the Trolls are coming out of their dens.
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Viki Hampton wrote:
Well my Father-in-Law has you by 6years(28) Bajaboy he disagrees with you completely. He says this bill was designed by Dems to entice the servicemen to opt out rather than re-up because the pay package is so exorbitant and it was designed to specifically target as well as entice our military out of the service. The Dems can’t withdraw the troops and this is the next best thing.
his support might come from the swift boat veterans for totally ridiculous, fallacious bullshit.
bajaboy @ 1:
Agreed. I'm also retired Navy (20 years). I can not vote for McCain in good conscience. I respect his service and sacrifices, but that does not make him an expert on foreign affairs, the economy, energy, etc. And, his vote this week on the G.I. Bill and veteran's benefits shows his hypocrisy. It's as if he's saying, "I got mine and that's what matters." Positions like this will continue to cost him the support of active duty members and veterans.
– Voted AGAINST an amendment providing $20 billion to the VA’s medical facilities. [5/4/06]
– Voted AGAINST providing $430 million to the VA for outpatient care “and treatment for veterans,” one of only 13 senators to do so. [4/26/06]
– Voted AGAINST increasing VA funding by $1.5 billion by closing corporate loopholes. [3/14/06]
– Voted AGAINST increasing VA funding by $1.8 billion by ending “abusive tax loopholes.” [3/10/04]
Corporate whore for hire.
Vicki Hampton @ 4:
your F-I-L was apparently in the service before there was a literacy requirement. So he doesn't think other veterans deserve what he got?
The Republican Party doesn't want McCain's actual voting record and other actions examined closely. Who could blame them? As John Boehner told George Stephanopoulos several times just last Sunday, I believe, "Elections aren't about the past, they're about the future." Which means the vote McCain missed this week on the veteran benefits bill is now in the past, so neither his absence nor Hillary's and Obama's vote for the bill count for anything...only the future matters! But then...what of the saying that the best predictor of the future is past behavior?
So what's his plan for returning vets with arms, legs and brains blown out, if not decent medical care and job training?
Dump the first wife and marry a beer heiress?
That's all McCain's "uniquely qualified" to recommend.
What an ass.
Like to see him have to live off social security and his military pension.
It's a lot less than the $400K he nominally makes, the millions his wife makes, not to mention the fuel for the lear jet.
There's a homeless vet here in Austin whose sign reads "Lear Jet Out of Fuel. Please Help."
cf Says:
Dump the first wife and marry a beer heiress?
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Cut him some slack. His wife waited for him and just because she was in a care accident and got disfigured does not mean he has to stay married with her.
Rich @ 16:
the son-of-an-admiral who was the son-of-an-admiral never had a care in the world. he's been on the public tit since birth. his vacation at the hanoi hilton was a booze-filled sex romp between radio appearances.
how can he be expected to give a flying fuck about a veteran or anyone except a lobbyist?
Vicki Hampton @ 4
*McCain* 'songbird', fortunate son, rehashing the same ol Bushco failures.
"And, his vote this week on the G.I. Bill and veteran’s benefits shows his hypocrisy."
This week? This is votes since he was out pimping the "surge":
– Voted AGAINST an amendment providing $20 billion to the VA’s medical facilities. [5/4/06]
– Voted AGAINST providing $430 million to the VA for outpatient care “and treatment for veterans,” one of only 13 senators to do so. [4/26/06]
– Voted AGAINST increasing VA funding by $1.5 billion by closing corporate loopholes. [3/14/06]
– Voted AGAINST increasing VA funding by $1.8 billion by ending “abusive tax loopholes.” [3/10/04]
Norwood Woman @ 19:
McCain's actual voting record
harley @ 17:
Please keep hammering this here and elsewhere, because the more "real" straight talk the better. Good to see that the military won't be taking orders from Officer McSame....just because of some strange kind of loyalty, or expectation.
Cap Jones @ 2:
hey! that's repugSpeak for ya!
Vicki Hampton @ 4:
The poverty level pay, the fourth-class-citizen treatment, the strain on family relationships, the lack of assistance upon leaving the service, the 'screw you, do your job' attitude from higher ups, the hours, days, weeks of PT and marching and policing the company area, the food, the foot rot, the mud in your shorts and second degree sunburn on your neck, the 'birth-control' glasses (I had 'em, real sexy 'n sporty those), etc., etc. , I could go on for FIVE YEARS (and I did, for five long years).
Your 28yr. veteran should know better! It isn't the tangible things that keep people in the service (cause if it were nobody in their right mind would do it), it's the intangible. Those things that make you proud to put on the uniform of your country. Those things that make you well up a little when the flag marches past during a parade even though you've been standing at attention for hours and your knees feel like given way.
Those intangible things that helped my grandfather survive four years in a Nazi prison camp after his unit pulled out of a fight with Rommel without so much as contacting him and his four buddies. Thoughts of a GI Bill waiting for him back home didn't help him live just one more day, and its not the reason service men and women don't reenlist.
Funny how the anti-democrat crowd can't think of those intangibles, and McCain wants the troops to win with honor! Yet he is afraid they wont stay in the service for honor!
This vet does not support you sir, so don't count on it, and NEVER assume it again.
Vicki 'Teenygopper' wrote elsewhere
pass the puke bucket please somebody
we should be getting out those totals more DAV, VVA, IAVA, etc. etc. and show the contrast between the rhetoric and the action is stark and one does not support the other
ferrofluid @ 29:
forgot to add the title of the website which is...
... 'How I lost my heart to John McCain'
:) :| :O
I would like to point out that Obama has been in the senate for FAR LESS TIME than McSame...yet has voted FOR veteran's issues more times than McSame.
I don't know about YOU, but that tells ME that Obama cares far more about the health and security of veterans than a neotard child-bombing "hero" like McSame.
I will NEVER vote for McSame (nor any other republican such as Hillary), niether will my Vietnam veteran father, neither will my WWII veteran grandparents. We are ALL voting for Obama...unless Hillary is on the same ticket. Then we are voting for Gore as a write-in.
Old School Patriot @ 32:
Hillary just kicked herself out of the race with that RFK comment esp following the rifle mailer advert attack on Obama in Indiana.
Shes history.
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How in the world could one vet vote against anything that would benefit his fellow vets? I just can't understand that.
Obama is probably waking up this morning to business as usual
McCain is probably waking up this morning and trying to remember where he stands on various issues.
Hillary is probably waking up this morning with a hell of a hangover.
Yes it does. McCain is making a big deal about his Christian beliefs, even going so far as to ditch his longtime church to be a Baptist after 72 years. What does the Bible say? His record of adultery and heiress pursuit speaks to a lack of loyality and true devotion to his faith.
John McCain is a phony Christian.
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harley Says:
Cut him some slack. His wife waited for him and just because she was in a care accident and got disfigured does not mean he has to stay married with her.
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cf Says:
Dump the first wife and marry a beer heiress?
Quote This Comment May 24th, 2008 at 5:53 AM - PDT
So now we have a two horse race with two Senatorial candidates, one a young progressive civil rights lawyer, and the other an elderly reichwing Alzheimeric fortunate son conservative with cancer and not much time left on this mortal coil.
No contest really, pity the poor Retugs they have finally lost it big time, their great white hope is somebody that flip flops between causes and views depending on which way the wind is blowing and which lobbyist or xtian fuhrer is offering money this week.
And only a fractional of the hardcore GOP like him too, quite a chunk prefer either Ron Paul or Mike Huckabee, and we wont go into the likes and hates of the rank and file apathetic lay Republican voters or independents.
Well Senator mccain, experience in coming in almost last in your class is NOT the kind of experience this veteran wants in our White House! Nor is crashing a number of million dollar aircraft through pilot error the kind of experience I'm looking for.
ferrofluid @ 29:
Never Forget that McCain has been recruiting paid trolls to post on targeted blogs.( Not Saying that Miss Vicki is a troll, just something to be aware of) You will see this more and more closer to the election.
And For the record, the servicemen and women that will get out after 24 months of service ( if they aren't stoplossed) will be more than replaced by new recruits that this bill will then entice them to join the armed services. Statistically, it will be greater than the number of troops leaving.
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As a Marine corps veteran I am glad to see that Obama voted for this bill. McCain can try and make the arguement that it could lead to a mass exodus of military people from the service but he fails to mention the fact that the G.I. bill usually has specific guidelines that need to be met by the service person in order to get it. In my case, to qualify to receive those benefits I had to serve at least 3 years of honorable service. If I didn't meet those terms then I knew I wouldn't get the G.I. Bill when I did get out. McCain makes it sound like a person can just join, serve a few days and then simply leave the military. It doesn't work that way as many other veterans can confirm. You sign a contract for 8 total years enlisted (I.E. 4 active plus 4 IRR, or 4 years reserve plus 4 IRR) or some other combination and then you officially get out after that 8 years. At any point during that 8 years the military can recall you to active duty. The contracts remain the same. McCain and his ilk just do not want to pay for top quality people and therefore if they continue this way they will eventually end up with a dumbed down, sub-standard military down the road. That is usually what happens when you constantly do things on the cheap.
McCain makes it sound like a person can just join, serve a few days and then simply leave the military. It doesn’t work that way as many other veterans can confirm.
Yeap. He is held up the military expert but clearly does not understand anything. Maybe the reason he finished 2nd from the bottom in and his class and was still offered a top of the class pilot assignment?
Ahhhhhhhhhhh, I crack myself up.
I am very sorry for McCain's Vietnam war imprisonment. That however does not add qualification for him to be the president UNLESS it added to his compassion. Not so, he has flip-flopped on every expediency to be elected rather than become a rabid anti-war statesman.
bill DOH @ 6:
Hero is a word a lot of people like to throw around. It's got very little meaning in today's world. I've heard the chimp referred to as a hero. Ok if hero now means draft dodging asshole moron frat boy, sure.
mcstain is a politician. The soldier who endured captivity has been rewarded for his sacrifice. The politician who remains needs a kick in his pasty white ass.
Most combat Veterans, like myself, are disinclined to listen to draft dodging Radio Yakkers trumpeting up war. All talk and no walk is the phrase that comes to mind. But Veterans espousing anti-Troop (keep 'em fighting) rhetoric are even more reviled by us. Initially Veterans bought the anti-Democratic crap the GOP shoveled but we are not stupid and saw through it.
I agree, McSame has a Veteran problem.
McBush is not relevant to todays vet. I know lots of Vietnam era vets, non of them have that problem. McBush comes across like he's the last survivor of the Civil War. Interesting but belongs in a museum.
Besides, McCain's Vietnam experience came as a Lieutenant Commander. McCain was 30 years old by then, and had only been promoted to the army equivlient of an Army Lieutenant in 9 years during a big naval wartime expansion- even though he is an Anapolis graduate and the son and grandson of Admirals. The Navy was not too impressed with this guy.
John McCain was forced to retire from the Navy in 1981 as a Captain after he was turned down for promotion. Besides, by that time he had bagged his beer heiress and went to work for her Daddy in Arizona where he bankrolled McCain's political ambitions. Daddy Warbucks was a rabid Republican- so it turned out that McCain was too! What a coincidence!
If military experience is so important to being president, then why don't we elect a General or an Admiral? At least elect somebody who was a success!
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at 38 Terrible wrote:
Well Senator mccain, experience in coming in almost last in your class is NOT the kind of experience this veteran wants in our White House! Nor is crashing a number of million dollar aircraft through pilot error the kind of experience I’m looking for.
The Manchurian Candidate
I am so sick of all this war hero shit. Getting shot down and becoming a pow does not make one a war hero. If this chump was a hero he would have spent his time in congress fighting for vets rights and keeping future vets out of worthless wars. I am a Viet Nam Combat vet who thinks that any vet who would vote for this clown doesn't give a shit about the brothers and sisters they served with.
So...Obama wants to give the military vets more benefits than McCain does, yet he, in McCain's words, doesn't have the experience and knowledge to care for the military?
You, sir, are a (expletive deleted) idiot.
The Bush Administration has gotten away with murder, treason, torture, imperial warmongering, domestic spying, taking away our Constitutional rights, looting the treasury, showering money on themselves and friends, and other crimes too numerous to mention for almost 8 YEARS!!!
Face it, they have NO SERIOUS OPPOSITION.
McCain: “I believe that I have earned the right to speak out on veterans’ issues,” McCain said. “As a matter of fact I received the highest award from literally every veteran’s organization in America. I don’t know if the American people will judge Senator Obama as to whether he has military experience or not, but I think they may judge him as to whether he has experience and knowledge to make the judgment necessary to care for the veterans.”
Do you apply that same thinking to George W. Bush?
McCain was a good POW.
NOT a good pilot.
He does not care about the men and women in the military.
“I believe that I have earned the right to speak out on veterans’ issues. As a matter of fact I received the highest award from literally every veteran’s organization in America. I don’t know if the American people will judge Senator Obama as to whether he has military experience or not, but I think they may judge him as to whether he has experience and knowledge to make the judgment necessary to care for the veterans.”
Hey John-Boy. How about addressing the MERITS of the bill? Your statement does not speak at all about WHY you are against the GI Bill. And how about WHY you didn't show up for the vote!
Talk about a PROFILE IN COURAGE!
I am a vet. I ain't voting for McCain. He may be a vet but he's also a republican and Republicans are hypocrites when it comes to veterans issues.
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"Well my Father-in-Law has you by 6years(28) Bajaboy he disagrees with you completely. He says this bill was designed by Dems to entice the servicemen to opt out rather than re-up because the pay package is so exorbitant and it was designed to specifically target as well as entice our military out of the service. The Dems can’t withdraw the troops and this is the next best thing."
Laughable. A bill like this would increase recruiting to a level never before experienced in our military, and career soldiers sailors airmen and Marines do not quit because someone offers them college. It has nothing to do with any hidden agenda, and everything to do with doing what is right by our veterans and our society. Society does better when people are educated, and this group of brave young men and women have earned the right to go to college!
I went to your website vickie, and it is "all McCain", but let me ask you this, if you were in our military, would you support the Webb GI Bill or not?
What about "your father"... would he want you to get a good education after you finished your service? Would he make such a blatantly disingenuous argument if he had kids serving in this war? Let me guess, you are not for want, therefore those that are, especially those in Uniform, are here to serve you, and do not deserve the same educational opportunities you have... right?
We are putting guys in Iraq for years; the least we can do is offer them an education after they decide to leave the service. No? That is why every major veteran group opposes McCain on this issue. The fact is, McCain has a poor record on veterans issues. The Democrats are right to do good things for our vets, and smart to make this a political issues by applying pressure to those, like McCain, and you, who oppose educational benefits for young men and women fighting and dying everyday.
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At first blush his stand on this seems mind-boggling, but there are events in his personal life that foretold this kind of neglectful behavior. Have you ever read his first wife's take on his behavior regarding their divorce? Being a military 'hero' clearly does not confer heroic status on every other part of your life (think Duke Cunningham). McCain was no hero--in fact, he was not even a reasonably decent guy--in how he dealt with his first family, so maybe is it not reasonable to expect him to care for his extended military family either. We all do things in our life that we are not proud of, but it galls me that this guy gets a pass every time he demonstrates a serious character flaw because he is a 'hero.' His service WAS admirable. His politics and his personal life are not.
Big turning point for me was when he embraced Bush, literally and metaphorically, in 2004 after what the Bush/Rove machine had done to him in 2000. This is a guy with no moral fortitude whatsoever. He is clearly guided by expediency and not by recognition of the difference between right and wrong. In this way, he is as typical a rightwing party hack as they come and is certainly no 'maverick.' His own daughter said she was ashamed of him.
I think when McCain said "literally" he meant to say "Virtually."
As in "in my mind, pretty much all of them, but in reality, not."
He does live in virtual reality, as does Bush.
I am also a retired member of the US Navy, combat with the 1st Marine Division in Viet Nam as a Navy Corpsman. I respect Sen. McCain's service but he is completely wrong about the new GI Bill introduced by Viet Nam US Marine veteran Sen. Jim Webb. As we saw this was passed by a huge bipartisan majority in the Senate and the House of Reps. If anyone had listened to Sen. Webb in regards to the cost and the alleged loss of military members this argument would be moot. Sen. Webb has experience working for the Pentagon on Manpower issues and disputed any of these arguments. This bill is the least that can be done for the current veterans.
I would also like to mention a comment that Sen McCain made regarding "negotiating with the enemy" I seem to recall that we negotiated for years in Paris with the North Vietnamese to end the war in Viet Nam. This negotiation actually led to the release of the POW's, perhaps we should not have negotiated and Sen. (LCDR) McCain may have spent the rest of his life in the Hanoi Hilton. I think he "does not remember" this negotiation.
lj@11:
If mini-Mc doesn’t have a lock on the Vets or the religious right then who does he have? Oh, I know he’ll flip and then he can flop. I still wonder if the Repubs are looking for some way to dump him
I bet they are, unfortunately BushCo wants big, bad John so that's who they're going to get and they better like it.
I think it's very telling that he's only getting 70% of the votes in his remaining primaries. There's a BIG disconnect betwixt McCain and the Republican faithful.
jb @ 59:
You know, I think the voters should have all the information regarding his entire service record. I find it annoying that he's called a hero. If he's a hero, although I do not believe he saved another soldier's life,,,,,,and I could be wrong, but if he's a hero, then so is my brother.
DEAD at 55 from multiple brain tumors.........Giloblastoma is what they call it, and the Viet Nam Vets are STILL trying to get it covered as an AGENT ORANGE related disease. Now, I might call McBush a hero IF he had done ONE THING to actually help the cause of all vets while serving in the senate.............
I want to find out more about WHO McCain really is, as a man and as a Vet..........where are those resourceful SWIFTBOATERS when you need them???
I read the other day that the IRS ended up getting back $8 for every $1 they spent on the GI bill. That's because the college educated vets made better money than they would have without a college degree, and paid more taxes. Simple, isn't it?
These days, many soldirs are coming back missing arms and legs. They CAN'T work blue collar jobs, becasue they're not physically fit enough. Either they get an education, or sleep under the freeway. It makes me sick to see vets homeless. They risked their LIVES for us. We OWE them.
Why does McCain hate our troops?
Interesting precedent McCain's suggesting. By an extension of his logic, heterosexual senators shouldn't be allowed to vote on the gay marriage issue, and men shouldn't be allowed to vote on laws related to maternity leave.
What an utter and complete buffoon. Oh that's right, he's a Republican. It's to be expected.
Vicki Hampton @ 4:
You know very well what entices us out of military service... fighting in unnecessary combat.
Give us our benefits.
Rich @ 15:
This family includes a Navy veteran (CTT2 - me - 4 years), married to a retired Navy Senior Chief (CTMSC - Randall - 22 years), and parents of an Army infantry scout (SGT - Kristofer - 11 years) along with about a dozen cousins who were in various branches - none of us will support McCain.
MikeF @ 9:
Who needs 'exorbitant' GI Bills, can't veterans just marry a rich Budweiser heiress and live off the wife?
McCain is a liar. He has voted against veterans at least twice as often as he has voted for them.
How stupid are Americans? Stupid enough to put this guy in the Oval Office? The answer is?
YES!
ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding!
Where's Bob Barker?
McLame...a hero...laughable...he's scum, look at the company he keeps and his voting record, speaks for him. not to mention prior to his "presidential" runs he has always been thought of as an irrelevant body in government that no one took seriously...the guy is an ass and a disgrace to the uniform, can't wait till he gets his ass handed to him and he and his Jackie O wanna be sugar mama are out of the public view...go back to pushing shitty "beer". oh yeah....haven't seen a "flag pin" on his lapel lately, HE'S A TERRORIST THAT HATES AMERICA!!!!.... =:/\
I'm a vet, and he doesn't speak for me.
And veterans have "earned the right" to vote for someone who supports their sacrificies and the risking of their lives with more than the pandering words of a phony war-mongering presidential wannabe. McCain dishonors veterans when he claims that a man or woman who risks his or her life during four years of service is more deserving of full educational benefits than a man or woman who risks his or her life for one year of service. In other words, the lives of more junior military personnel are worth less "money" than the lives of more senior military personnel. Evidently, McCain believes dying sooner rather than later means their sacrifice didn't offer enough return on investment (ROI) to financialy justify providing them equal educational benefits. McCain is a disgrace to every man and woman who serves or has served our country no matter who he might once have been. Who he is now is someone who has "earned" the comtempt of every combat and non-combat veteran who ever served our country. He doesn't deserve our votes.
I am retired military (Army) and question whether John McCain as a Navy aviator had any significant contact with the troops (enlisted personnel) in his Navy career. I don't believe he really knows the troops or can empathize with them to the degree he claims. And I sure don't believe that any right wing ideologue, which he is, has any real empathy with the common man or woman, be that person civilian or military. The right wingers only have empathy for the bottom line. For these ideologues, the troops are great for public relations such as photo op backdrops. If the Bush/McCAinites had an ounce of empathy, we would have pulled out of Iraq long ago. In fact, we would have completed the task in Afghanistan long ago and never have invaded Iraq. But such is life under simple-minded right wing ideologues.
I don’t know if the American people will judge Senator Obama as to whether he has military experience or not
That's the second time I've heard Mccain make back-handed comments about Obama's lack
of military service in as many days.
Are you REALLY going to play that game, Idiot? Seriously.
You have got to be kidding me.
Schmedlap-
And I sure don’t believe that any right wing ideologue, which he is...
I'm going off on a slightly OT tangent, but McCain is anything but an idealogue. He's a reactionary will take any stance that he thinks will get him elected. In this case McCain is making an appeal to the 28%ers (actually, most of his new found positions, dating back a year or two, have been appeals to the 28%ers).
Don't try to confuse the issue with half-truths and gorilla dust.
I find it amusing that as a sitting Senator, McCain now avoids any vote that can hold his feet to the fire on a subject. If he votes then there is no way he can lie (I like that word better than flip-flop because he's a lier pure and simple) about his views or beliefs on a subject.
So Johnny, if you're elected as the President how are you going to deal with tough situations? Hard to run away and hide when you're the President, you actually have to show up and do the job you're elected to do.
At least Obama and Clinton are doing their jobs as Senators while campaining for President. McCain has totally forgotten about being a Senator because it can affect his election bid and if I was a citizen of Arizona I would be more than PO'ed about this.
I spent 23 years in the military and would never consider voting for McCain. Anyone who has spent anytime in the military knows that kids of senior military officers are some of the biggest punks on the planet. McCain has certainly proven this throughout his life and if you look at his military record you can see how his privelaged upbringing has cost this country in terms of lost aircraft and the deaths of fellow shipmates. If it wasn't for being shot down he would have surely slid in to obscurity after Vietnam and not been this media produced POW War Vet Hero Gold-Digging Found Me a Rich Wife Senator.
Sorry for the length of this but I have no patience for people like McCain. I have no time for lying hypocrites in my life so McCain can go play Doctor with the Painkiller Over-The-Hill Trophy Wife and let us begin to rebuild the country that Bush and The Neocons have ruined.
#82.....As someone pointed out previously, Obama was born Aug. 4, 1961, so
when the Viet Nam War was on-going(1972-75), Obama was between age 11
and 14; hardly eligible to serve...and during the Gulf War I(1991) and the Bosnia
War(1993-95) he was in his early to mid 30's...and with us having a total voluntary
Army, there were very, very few 30 year olds who volunteered.
McCain's no-show for the new, much improved GI Bill coupled with his irrelevant remarks for not voting need to be amplified and carried into the general election. This is a great example of how Obama is doing his job by working with Republican Senate members to pass a well-needed bill to support our veterans, while John McCain is not. Furthermore, McCain only offers "platitudes" and excuses as to why he didn't vote for a bill that helps the current war veterans he is so fond of aligning himself with.
My point is this. We need to stop wondering who Obama is going to pick for VP and instead draw attention to the important policy and leadership blunders of John McCain. This is a very important moment that shows how Obama cares about making good policies and working with the Right and fulfilling his promises to increase funding for veterans. We need to make sure that all voters remember that Obama did his job and contributed to veterans' causes, while McCain was fielding interviews on cable talk shows.
What do you think are good ways to make sure this issue gets more exposure? Should this situation be a good talking point for Obama in the general election? Yes WE can!
Don't forget, the cost of this GI Bill is estimated at up to $5.2 billion a year for 10 years...LESS THAN WE SPEND IN TWO WEEK IN IRAQ.
Sneaky@87: Yes, and about one third of the money unaccounted for by the
Pentagon. Yep, that's right...the Pentagon has been audited by the GAO, and
they have found that in excess of $15BILLION has inappropirately been spent
and/or unaccounted for...and those are "our" tax dollars.
Vicki Hampton @ 4:
Vicky, well I have your Father-in-Law by 3 years (31) and I think he's been smoking weed and drinking excessively.
Veterans have notoriously voted against their best interests. I have never understood it.
Veterans have very poor leaders in their ranks also. John McCain and Colin Powell to name two.
Sadly the visibility of veterans is the poppy salesman, VFW hats, and Homeless Need Food signs at freeway exit ramps.
I pray their ignorance will change, but it never does. I've come to accept that this lifestyle is passed down from generation to generation.
Tims says: "McCain’s no-show for the new, much improved GI Bill coupled with his irrelevant remarks for not voting need to be amplified and carried into the general election. This is a great example of how Obama is doing his job by working with Republican Senate members to pass a well-needed bill to support our veterans, while John McCain is not. Furthermore, McCain only offers “platitudes” and excuses as to why he didn’t vote for a bill that helps the current war veterans he is so fond of aligning himself with.
My point is this. We need to stop wondering who Obama is going to pick for VP and instead draw attention to the important policy and leadership blunders of John McCain. This is a very important moment that shows how Obama cares about making good policies and working with the Right and fulfilling his promises to increase funding for veterans. We need to make sure that all voters remember that Obama did his job and contributed to veterans’ causes, while McCain was fielding interviews on cable talk shows.
What do you think are good ways to make sure this issue gets more exposure? Should this situation be a good talking point for Obama in the general election? Yes WE can!"
Change We Can Believe In
I can't help but wonder what his vote might have been if he did not have government subsidized health care and a very rich wife....I don't think he has a very good perspective of who most veterans are (just average American's like my mom, dad, brother, uncles, cousins...) or an appreciation of what it costs to get an education today. My father used the GI Bill after WWII to get the education he couldn't afford during the depression. For heaven's sake, it's my tax money and the only time I resent paying taxes is when it is NOT used for things like this. This is where I want my taxes spent, not some b.s. bridge in Alaska or another piece of artwork or more tax-breaks for oil companies.
This 'assumption' of his, that he'll get a huge pass from the electorate for his long military record, just shows how arrogant and egotistical he is. And some accuse Obama of being arrogant at times. McCain just proved that he is even more. Amazing that he wasnt even there, to even vote for or against at least, but just to cover the bases. He shouldn't get a 'pass' for his military record at all. John Kerry didn't and look what the GOP did to him. Sheesh.
This is another example of the Democrates not listening to the military commanders.
The only problem with the legislation is that it did not stagger the benefits. McCain wanted soldiers who served longer to get better benefits. This bill gave them the benefits after 3 years of service. We need to reward those who serve longer. Lets listen to all sides before forming an opinion.
Schmedlap-
And I sure don’t believe that any right wing ideologue, which he is…
I’m going off on a slightly OT tangent, but McCain is anything but an idealogue. He’s a reactionary will take any stance that he thinks will get him elected. In this case McCain is making an appeal to the 28%ers (actually, most of his new found positions, dating back a year or two, have been appeals to the 28%ers).
...actually youre right. hes not an ideologue. hes a panderer, a reactionary, and an opportunist. all these are wrapped into being a politician. whatever one has to do at any given moment to get votes, money, make influence, or whatever, McCain is and has done throughout his military and political life. its interesting that Hillary was the only one seen as 'inevitable' to being Prez, well McCain has come across that way also. he certainly feels he deserves the job or has earned it. he does have an ego, and has shown it many times throughout this campaign. again, thank you sir for your service, but you dont 'deserve' or havent 'earned' the job of President. you are very well-qualified, for sure. but the AMERICAN people, the majority of them at least, will decide who will be President. and it may not be you, sir. get a clue and know that.
“I believe that I have earned the right to speak out on veterans’ issues,” McCain said. “As a matter of fact I received the highest award from literally every sucker, um... veteran’s organization in America. I don’t know if the American people will judge Senator Obama as to whether he has military experience or not, but I think they may judge him as to whether he has experience and knowledge to make the judgment necessary to care for the veterans who don't care for better health care and a college education. They just happy to have held a gun.”
i wouldnt be surprised if vets did vote for him anyway.
these ppl (not all but id say most) are notorious for doing things against their (and their families) own self interest in the name of some vague half ass G I Joe idea of patriotism.
i for one am very afraid of the day obama brings these murdering death goons back to the US and they unleash the iraq treatment on their fellow citizens.
i dont trust them one bit.
Heres a retired CWO that could not vote for ANY candidate who supports the shirking George W. Bush and who would even consider M. Rommey for VP. You'll remember Romney who sons are serving their country by supporting him for Pres. This doesn't even take into consideration McSame's lack of support of GI bill. Let's face it sons and grandsons of admirals really don't care much for the EMs and jr officers who do the real fighting.
Mcbush is a corrupt far right republican. It's said that the far right is different than McBush. The different is anything but different they are the same. The fact Hagge and other right wing whackjobs are all alike.
McSame could not even SHOW UP to vote against it . . .
I guess returning Vets should do the "McCain" - come home, fuck around on your wife until you find a RICH replacement, dump the old fat one with the kids, marry the rich one with the MILLIONS, houses, jet and all the beer you want, PLUS a family fortune and connections to futher your political ambitions!!!! Don't need no stinkin' G.I. Bill for THAT!!!!!!!
Did we also mention he has had a lifetime of the best socialized medicine in the world as the son of an ADMIRAL?
Next time ask Johnnie WHY, in addition to the $400.000 plus (not even considering Cindy's '06 MILLIONS), does he find the NEED to collect an additional $28,000 a year from what he considers a "Bankrupt" Social Security System?
Vicki Hampton @ 4:
I clicked on Vicki's name and it links to a blog that is essentially "all the good vets are for McCain" site. Vicki, it's impossible to take you seriously when the Cole Curtis McCain Monitor Site (McCain is the ONLY guy for me!) has posts purporting to offer MORE MORE MORE evidence that Obama is a Muslim, and more of that nature. Nice try, though. Good little troll.
To Vicki @ 4:
Tell your father-in-law that my son's life was also exorbitant!
What did your father-in-law learn out of 28 years in the military? Can't even tell that his hero McCain is a loser who came in practically last in his graduating class in Annapolis. So you want another nin-compoop to be Commander in Chief to young men and women like the 4,100 who have died these past 5 years? So you haven't had enough?
So the death of my child doesn't faze you. Does the fact we are no longer a world power mean anything to you?
What's the matter with people like you?
Gayle @ 102:
I'm sorry for your loss Gayle.
words can't express the pain and anger that you've gone through.
And for that I am truly sorry. Thank You for your comment. That took courage to say.
Ah yes. SOP for a Republican hack like McCain. While he could have defended his position by stating WHY he opposed the bill--perhaps on its merits like commenter #4 did. McCain chooses the much more common Republican ploy of responding with a non sequitur followed by a personal attack. What a maverick...what a change he would be from Bush....
Vicki Hampton @ 4:
Well your father-in-law is,at the very least, an asshole and probably a chicken hawk who never served in the military like myself and millions of my contemporaries did and the G.I. bill that us Vietnam vets enjoy is the Least the military can do for taking 2 years of my life so tell your idiot father-in-law to go fuck himself. He's probably a repukelican cocksucker just like ALL chicken hawks!
anneyhussein @ 12:
Apparently VERY FEW folks here have actually read the entire proposed bill or had anything to do with its travels. I have done both. This is NOT a good bill. It most certainly DOES NOT restore anything Vets have had in the past. That statement alone is quite asinine. Are you a veteran? If so you ought know better.
You are all sitting here arguing back and forth , most of you without any actual facts or even points for that matter. Mayhap some of you should put the same effort into studying the actual problem and doing something about it. There is no better way to disgrace Veterans than to speak out uneducated and in a asshat partisan way regarding them.
I feel quite strongly with all semblance of circumspection that it is views like many of the aforementioned you folks spew that have caused many of the problems we as veterans face. You mirror the ideological idiotic rants of your idols in DC, and similar to some of them rely on slogans , hit-pieces and nifty lil' news-bits to further your mentality.
The ultimate determinant in the struggle now going on for the world will not be bombs and rockets but a test of wills and ideas-a trial of spiritual resolve: the values we hold, the beliefs we cherish and the ideals to which we are dedicated.
Ronald Reagan
The New G I Bill
On May 22 the Senate overwhelmingly passed ,with a vote of 75-22, the New G I Bill sponsored by Sen. Jim Webb, D-VA. Webb’s enhanced education benefit package was bundled in with the Iraq war funding bill. The New G I Bill has caused quite a bit of controversy and while managing to pass through despite the Senate drama, it still promises an action packed journey through the House. President Bush has vowed to veto this legislation citing Pentagon concerns over retention and the high price tag of an estimated $52 Billion over 10 years paid for through a surtax on individuals with incomes above $500,000. Couples would pay the tax on income exceeding $1 million.
Webb’s plan:
His enhanced GI Bill (S.22) would be available to any member, active or reserve, who has served at least three months on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001. The level of benefits would be tied to length of service. The $1200 member buy-in under the current Montgomery GI Bill would be returned.
The bigger change would be in the value of benefits. Maximum benefits, earned for 36 months' active duty, would cover tuition for up to four years at a level to match tuition at the most expensive in-state public school. The average across states is about $1900 a month. MGIB pays $1100.Webb's bill also would pay a monthly stipend to cover living expenses. The stipend would reflect local housing cost near school on a married E-5 scale.
Sen. McCain has come under fire for not signing on in support of the bill. After taking cues from the Defense Dept, he has crafted along with Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-SC and Sen. Richard Burr, R-NC a bill that offers enhanced education benefits with a lower price tag of an estimated $38 Billion over 10 years, financed by an across-the-board cut of a half percent in discretionary spending.
Graham-Burr-McCain Plan:
Graham's bill (S. 2938)would raise fullt ime MGIB benefits to $1500 a month, up from $1101, for all users. That would include veterans and retirees who left service long before the attacks of 9-11.
It also would offer new enticements – including eligibility to transfer benefits to spouse or children -- for current members who meet new MGIB-enhancement thresholds at six and 12 years of service. After six years, members could transfer half of any unused Montgomery GI Bill benefits to family members. After 12 years' service, the monthly benefit would pop up to $2000 a month, and members could transfer 100 percent of any unused portion to spouses or children.
Other attracted features of S 2938 include an extra $500 a year for books and a fresh chance to buy into the MGIB for roughly 5000 members still on active duty who first entered service when the only education benefit offered was the anemic Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP).
Unfortunately the Graham bill was tabled. The measure now heads to the House, which must approve the war funding portion before it heads to the White House. Republicans believe they can sustain the presidential veto if the measure is sent back to Congress. There are still opportunities to change the Webb version before final passage in the House. Our military veterans need better education funding benefits than the current MGIB offers, but those benefits must go hand in hand with the ability to maintain our volunteer force. If retention numbers drop and the demand for a military presence increases we could be heading towards a draft. Surely the House will wisely consider all options and make the necessary changes that benefit both those that serve and the country they serve.
Ex-POW or not, it's going to be a cold day in hell before that scumbag gets this veteran's support.
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