Originally posted May 28, 2008
Being new to the GI bill debate I do not have a personal connection to the genesis of this legislation. However, I feel that I do have a clear perspective of how the GI Bill looks to the outside world and the larger Veteran's community. In my humble review of the GI Bill (S.22) and the subsequent "alternative" legislation by Sen. Graham (S.2938), I find that Sen. Webb's bill is not only far superior, but makes the most sense given the bigger picture. What sticks out about S.22 is the overwhelming support of the Veterans Service Organizations as well as both parties in Congress. VSOs are not known for playing nice or universally agreeing on veterans' issues, and the political parties can't seem to agree on the weather these days. Yet, we all seem to come together on this GI Bill. The media frequently refers to Sen. Graham's bill as the "Republican Alternative" to S.22. While this claim sounds sexy on TV , it is in contrast to reality as S.22 has more republican co-sponsors than S.2938 has total people signed on to the bill.
75 Senators voted for this bill last week because it is the best thing that we can do for our returning veterans; giving them a proven readjustment benefit as well as strengthening the pool of new recruits to the military ranks. Our leaders did what leaders are supposed to do; make decisions for the betterment of the people rather than the benefit of their political position. However, we are finding this issue being used as a political football in the presidential race. While it does keep the issue in the public eye, it moves dangerously close to becoming a hot button issue that our leaders will no longer be able to objectively look at without the stain of political gamesmanship.
It seems though that positions taken by the White House and Sen. John McCain against S.22 are not entirely resonating with their base or their supporters. In addition to VSOs, members of Congress, and the larger military community, some in the McCain base are pleading with their candidate to not drink the kool-aid and continue to oppose what the country at large seems to be getting behind. This morning I found a reasoned and thorough blog in blogs4mccaain.com. While not an official campaign outlet, it is clearly a McCain fan site. What I find interesting is that while firmly behind the candidate, this blogger (who has a clear grasp of the subject matter) pleads with McCain to do the right thing and support this issue, not just because it is a good idea, but it could cost him the election.
While I personally don't care about how this affects Sen. McCain's presidential chances, I do care about the ability of S.22 to be signed into law. The President really has nothing to lose here by signing this legislation that has such overwhelming support, and I do hope that Sen. McCain comes around to the side of not only the VSOs, but that of many in his party. S.22 is the real deal, and (let's face it) the only deal in town. By getting on board before it's too late, Sen. McCain can take this legislation out of the hands of political theater and put it back in the win column for all of our nation's heroes.
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