I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to the fine people of DailyKos, MyDD, and NMFBIHOP, for their support in our push to get President Bush to sign the new GI Bill. On Wednesday, we diaried (kos, mydd, nmfbihop) about Tom's letter to the President urging him to sign the bill.
Click here if you'd still like to sign the letter, it's not too late.
I just wanted to take a moment to point out how much of a help you've all been in this process. This was the map when we posted on Wednesday:
I just wanted to take a moment to point out how much of a help you've all been in this process. This was the map when we posted on Wednesday:
Image of the GI Bill supporter map on Wednesday.
And this is the map today:
Image of the GI Bill supporter map as of this morning.
The outpouring of support for this push has vastly expanded the number of supporter signatures and their messages to the President. Tom was the first to sign the letter on Saturday afternoon, in Bataan Park in Albuquerque, where he was soon joined by a hundred-plus veterans and other concerned citizens.
Tom speaking at Bataan park just before signing the letter.
But we still have until Monday to collect signatures before we send the letter out, and President Bush is still signaling he won't sign the bill. That's why it's still imperative that you sign the letter to the president.
I'll leave you all with some of the wonderful messages we've received in support of this bill since Wednesday.
Jon Pressley, of Springfield, IL, writes:
I am a veteran of the Navy and served in support of Operation Southern Watch and Supported our Bosnia efforts onboard an Aircraft Carrier. Afterward I went to college on the GI Bill and still racked up $45,000 in student loans. Please increase sign the bill for all the soldiers sakes.
Paul Geddes, from Richland, MO, writes:
As a retired U.S. Army First Sergeant, I personally understand the the need for a better G.I. Bill for our military personnel. As a Vietnam Veteran I know that our military personal need to understand that they have a President that SUPPORTS them!! Not JUST lip service!! I am asking you to sign this important piece of legislation. Thank you, Mr. President
Anderson Norton, of Blacksburg, VA, writes:
My two Iraq War veterans would appreciate the sentiment.
And Patricia White, hailing from Albuquerque, NM, writes:
Rather than lowering standards for military service, we should add real inducements for service, such as educational benefits (for those who survive) and high-quality healthcare for those who are wounded physically and/or psychologically.
Thank you for your time and your commitment.
Bryan Barash
Internet Communications Manager
Tom Udall for Senate