Obama supports veterans bill
My son was in the Army reserves in 2003 and was sent to Iraq when Bush invaded. Out of the military now, he is going to college on the Montgomery Bill, so I closely follow any legislation dealing with military veterans. I was happy to see the passage of the new GI Bill that will give veterans better education benefits, and was very pleased that on May 22 Senator Obama voted with the overwhelming majority to pass this bill. I was disgusted that Senator McCain did not support this bill and that he did not vote on May 22.
In fact, on issues concerning veterans, the group Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) rate McCain's voting record "D" and Obama's "B+." Similarly, the group Disabled American Veterans rate McCain's voting record at 20% and Obama's 80% on issues concerning them. Senator Obama has shown by his votes that he cares about veterans and supports their issues. In addition, it now appears that Obama's plan to end our military occupation of Iraq is in line with the wishes of the Iraqi government and Iraqi people. By contrast, Senator McCain's voting record shows a lack of concern for the needs of our veterans and he seems out of touch with the reality in Iraq.
Pat Long
West Manchester Township
KLM · July 27, 2008 4:21 PM
I received my college degree through the military. The deal was...six years of duty for four years of college. I also served a tour of duty with recruit training. I think it's ridiculous to get a college education for one tour of duty. One tour is three years - but, those three years include time for recruit training and time for specialty training. That's the minimum that could be taken up with training. Many recruits are injured or for other reasons placed back in training. So, I'm against the new bill because I know, from experience, that it's too generous. Also, the new bill could lead to low retention rates. Senator Obama, unlike Senator McCain, knows nothing about recruit training/military duty. Senator Obama is for the popular ideal. Senator McCain is for the informed choice.