Jim Webb Supports More Than Bush or McCain

We hear the slogan constantly, repeated as if a soothing mantra for neo-conservatives across the land - support the troops. But, what does that truly mean? Can you show support for the American military without supporting the mission? Several within the Republican party have insisted that the two are not mutually exclusive. I beg to differ.

I would have you ask yourself - what has George W. Bush done that you considering 'supporting' the American military? You may state that his requests ( read : demands ) for more money to fund the conflicts in Iraq and Afgansitan constitute support. But, what about inadequate material, the shortage of ammunition, body armor, vehicles, et al? Is it still support when that support is less than desireable? Rumsfeld stated that 'we go to war with the army that we have'. This may be true, but one can still enhance that army as needed.

John McCain consistantly uses the American military - and his service in Vietnam - as a tool in his campaign. He claims to 'support' but didn't even bother to show up to vote for it. Of course, McCain's absence didn't stop bush from praising McCain for his assitance in expanding the GI Bill.



This is, as some of you may remember, a bill that McCain was staunchly against. Bush was even against it. Both his, and McCain's rationale were less than convincing to many.




This new GI Bill was passed - along with more money for Iraq and Afgansitan. And what is troubling me most is the fact that Bush and McCain don't seem eager to support the American military personel that are returning home. Jim Webb, on the other hand, knows what support truly means.


From the Daily Press

WASHINGTON - President Bush signed into law a new GI Bill Monday that promises to give hundreds of thousands of military veterans a free college education at state universities.

The legislation is the handiwork of Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., who made passage of a 21st century GI Bill his top priority since joining the Senate last year.

The bill, which is expected to cost $62.8 billion over a decade, aims to give war veterans the same education benefit enjoyed by veterans of World War II.

Veterans who have served at least three years of active duty since Sept. 11, 2001, will be eligible for a full four-year college education. The benefit covers tuition at the most expensive in-state public university, along with a monthly housing stipend and $1,000 a year for books and supplies.