I have to admit, there was a time in the pre-2000 election that I had a man-crush on McCain. I didn't agree with a lot of his policies, but I fell for his fake siren song of finally having someone in office who, on occasion, might be able to tell the truth without having his head explode.
Yeah, I know, I was wrong.
Given his cowardly non-vote on the Webb bi-partisan veterans bill, which he has since stated he would have opposed, and his tirade against Obama, this is truly a man that will do or saying anything in an election. He has become everything he says he was against.
Obama spoke during this vote, to change the GI Bill which in its present form reflects payments to soldiers wanting to better themselves and their lives that have not been updated in ages. The paltry amounts which are paid monthly for college do not reflect the realities of the price of an education today. Obama challenged McCain on this:
I respect Sen. John McCain's service to our country. He is one of those heroes of which I speak. But I can't understand why he would line up behind the president in his opposition to this GI bill. I can't believe why he believes it is too generous to our veterans. I could not disagree with him and the president more on this issue. There are many issues that lend themselves to partisan posturing, but giving our veterans the chance to go to college should not be one of them.
Seems pretty respectful, centers on the policy difference, so nicely done in all. However, in a move similar to the grumpy old man from the neighborhood chasing kids off his lawn with the garden hose, we get this:
It is typical, but no less offensive that Senator Obama uses the Senate floor to take cheap shots at an opponent and easy advantage of an issue he has less than zero understanding of. Let me say first in response to Senator Obama, running for President is different than serving as President. The office comes with responsibilities so serious that the occupant can't always take the politically easy route without hurting the country he is sworn to defend. Unlike Senator Obama, my admiration, respect and deep gratitude for America's veterans is something more than a convenient campaign pledge. I think I have earned the right to make that claim.
And then the insanity starts:
But I am running for the office of Commander-in-Chief. That is the highest privilege in this country, and it imposes the greatest responsibilities. It would be easier politically for me to have joined Senator Webb in offering his legislation. More importantly, I feel just as he does, that we owe veterans the respect and generosity of a great nation because no matter how generously we show our gratitude it will never compensate them fully for all the sacrifices they have borne on our behalf.
"...never compensate them fully..." So what? We shouldn't even try? This is the rhetoric that gets me. Love the vets, wear your lapel pin, get the yellow ribbon, etc., etc. Ok, how about we do something meaningful, like give these guys and gals a free education, you know, like we give guys who can dribble a basketball or kick field goals? No wait a minute, let's not get crazy. Let's just keep them on food stamps and in rat infested hospitals while we talk about how much we care.
Logic then tragically dies an ugly death.
I know that my friend and fellow veteran, Senator Jim Webb, an honorable man who takes his responsibility to veterans very seriously, has offered legislation with very generous benefits. I respect and admire his position, and I would never suggest that he has anything other than the best of intentions to honor the service of deserving veterans.
So Webb, who actually authored the bill is honorable, but Obama, who supports it, is the devil. Hmmkay..... Hey, Old Guy, THEY ARE SUPPORTING THE SAME THING! Yet one is ok, and one is not - exactly who is playing politics with our troops lives?
So why does McCain allegedly oppose it?
At a time when the United States military is fighting in two wars, and as we finally are beginning the long overdue and very urgent necessity of increasing the size of the Army and Marine Corps, one study estimates that Senator Webb's bill will reduce retention rates by 16%.
Oh, so if we make their lives better, who will be be able to put out there as cannon fodder? I guess McCain doesn't realize that these guys can't leave anyway due to stop loss. Also, these wars won't be there forever (unless McCain is elected) so why not do something meaningful to help them. Another message to Old Guy, if you make it a good deal, then the guys that leave will be replaced by other guys that want the same deal.
While spouting support for the troops, we see once again that McCain is a liar and will shamelessly use the lives of our soldiers as fuel for his campaign. Do we need another Republican that hides behind the troops?McCain doesn't realize that not everyone has a daddy and granddaddy who can get them into college based on who they are, like he did, even though he didn't deserve it and graduated in the bottom of his class (sound familiar?) In all fairness, maybe McCain has a plan where GI's will be given the opportunity to dump their first wives and marry beer heiresss. I really can't be sure. It is time for McCain to put on the big boy Depends and support the troops, or move out of the way of those who will.