True Test of Patriotism
Senator Barack Obama has been slammed for not wearing a lapel pin. The right-wing smear machine has asked why Obama will not salute the flag. Of course, these questions and statements are designed to cast doubt in the minds of those who aren’t sure about a Democrat who is a black man. Today, in West Virginia, Obama talks about true patriotism: Supporting the troops. This isn’t some bumper sticker. Do you support the troops? If so, then why can’t we pass Jim Webb’s new GI bill? Why hasn’t Senator John McCain signed this bill?
This is a great speech in a VERY conservative state. I was going to post just a portion of the speech, but it is really good so I’m posting all 21 minutes of it.
There is no reason we shouldn’t pass the 21st Century GI Bill that is being debated in Congress right now. It was introduced by my friend Senator Jim Webb, a Marine who served as Navy Secretary under President Ronald Reagan.. His plan has widespread support from Republicans and Democrats. It would provide every returning veteran with a real chance to afford a college education, and it would not harm retention.
I have great respect for John McCain’s service to this country and I know he loves it dearly and honors those who serve. But he is one of the few Senators of either party who oppose this bill because he thinks it’s too generous. I couldn’t disagree more. At a time when the skyrocketing cost of tuition is pricing thousands of Americans out of a college education, we should be doing everything we can to give the men and women who have risked their lives for this country the chance to pursue the American Dream.
I have my fingers crossed on this one. My son was promised 40,000 in school aid 7 years ago which they dole out in 1400 segments for each month you are in school. You have to pay for your tuition, books housing up front and will only be reimbursed at 1400 a month after the school confirms with the army that yes you have been attending classes for that month. There is no way the veterans can apply for school and run with the money.
My son has 1-1/2 more years on his Inactive reserve contract. Which they can call him up at anytime. He was tempted to reenlist for the final time just to get the extra tuition.The army promises he won’t get deployed ( I am still laughing at this one) and they will pay for 4 more years of school. But if this gets passed he won’t even consider it.
We need to fix our military and this is one of the best places to start. We have to treat our military personnel like they have sacrificed for our country because they have!!
This is an investment into the future for everyone. I can not understand why ANYONE would oppose this bill. Right now my son gets 3 years at a state school for 40,000 that includes housing. He served his 4 years active and 3 years inactive. If he didn’t have long hair he might have reenlisted just so he could go to graduate school without going into debt.. With this bill it is retroacttive to include him in the extended education benefits. It is an education and they deserve it .