Obama uses W.Va. speech to open debate with McCain on new GI Bill

[DearAbby]

Obama uses W.Va. speech to open debate with McCain on new GI Bill
By: Mark Memmott and Jill Lawrence

"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 Sen. 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.

The Webb bill would pay the in-state, public university tuition costs of veterans who serve in the military at least three years (and give them a housing stipend)."

>snip<

McCain, along with fellow Republicans Lindsey Graham and Richard Burr, has introduced alternative legislation http://mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressOffice.PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=9f88e8e7-dcdb-2ee0-38a2-eccee8f83fb6">link
that would "immediately increase education benefits for active duty personnel from $1,100 to $1,500 a month. To encourage careers in the military, the education benefits would increase to $2000 a month after 12 or more years of service."

As this Associated Press story makes clear http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jvWovlqUaqkZ_IuMvNikChKnb0uwD90K6850A">link, McCain and several other Republican lawmakers believe Webb's approach is both too expensive (nearly $52 billion over 10 years) and could make it more difficult for the military to retain its personnel -- because many might opt to retire and take advantage of the more generous benefits.

Update at 2:40 p.m. ET: McCain campaign spokesman Tucker Bounds says in a statement sent to reporters that it is "absurd for Barack Obama to question John McCain's commitment to America's veterans."



http://blogs.usatoday.com/onpolitics/2008/05/obama-uses-wva.html

[DearAbby]

1. We can make the choice to change this forum

back to discussing issues that really matter. Obama is moving forward, So should we. Let's talk.

[Bill McBlueState]

2. This is great

Maybe once he's President, Obama will work toward making public higher education free for all Americans.

[DearAbby]

3. GI Bill desperately needs to be updated.

This country placed these people in harm's way over lies. They trusted this government not to do that unless it was absolutely necessary.

I am happy Obama is looking ahead to the GE, and addressing this issue.