McCain and the new GI Bill

It mystifies me why John McCain, a veteran of some renown, would be against updating the new GI Bill now before Congress. To be entirely fair, he hasn't come out against it, but he certainly hasn't thrown his support behind the bill, which one would think he would do.

The GI Bill, which provides money for the higher education of veterans, was one of the best things this country did to not only show appreciation for the service it's armed forces vets, but to help this nation in general by providing a better educated work force and populace.

But the Bush administration, run by a president who choose not to serve in Viet Nam and a vice-president with multiple deferments, has shown it's contempt for veterans in various ways. The "stop-loss" concept throws returning Iraq veterans back to combat against the agreed upon terms of the contract these men and women signed when joining the military; Walter Reed Army Hospital, where many Iraq vets go for rehabilitation after suffering debiliating wounds in combat, was allowed to lapse into decrepitude; the aforementioned GI Bill is woefully inadequate and the Bush White House likes it that way because the idea of a future with a good, affordable education will prompt soldiers to enter civilian life rather than re-enlist. The Bush administration should be ashamed of itself, but we all know this is not a group of people that feels shame.

And why does McCain not jump on board and endorse the new GI Bill? Because he wants the continued support of the Bush White House? That seems pretty sad for a man who claims to be so independent of thought and action.

The following is a video from "Countdown" on MSNBC. Be forewarned, the video lasts over five minutes, so you may want to crack open a beer, mix a martini or whatever before sitting down to watch this. And after you see it, maybe send McCain an e-mail and let him know what you think.