newsobserver.com projects - Robert Gates - Comments

Re: Another Vet Voice...

ThomasBrock — Thu, 22 May 2008 08:26:06 -0400

"I feel bad for the enlisted folks who have gotten out, who don't live near their parents, who don't have savings, how are we setting them up for success???"

Ding! Ding! Ding!!

What's worse is that some schools don't defer tuition payment for the receipt of GI Bill cash. Veterans have to pay in advance for books, supplies, and tuition. That's easily a $500 bill for one single class, much less a full-load.

The current GI Bill plan has failed the American veteran. Any plan short of full tuition and books fails the American veteran.

Another Vet Voice...

captsfufp — Wed, 21 May 2008 22:30:55 -0400

As an Iraq vet, I think any Senator who does not support the Webb-Hagel bill is turning their backs on Iraq/Afghanistan vets, telling us that we are "not worthy" of the benefits of the WWII generation.

Unlike most others who speak about this, I'm an actual GI Bill recipient, currently receiving benefits. Luckily I'm going to school near home, so I live with my parents, and as a former officer, I had a decent amount of savings to feed off of for living/tuition/books/gas expenses. Don't get me wrong, my GI Bill monthly check helps, but it is truly a drop in the bucket. The "Greatest Generation" had 100% of their education paid for. But I have 8% percent of mine paid for, so I guess my service is only 8 percent "as great." I feel bad for the enlisted folks who have gotten out, who don't live near their parents, who don't have savings, how are we setting them up for success??? It isn't just for college...it's for community college and technical schools.

This is the message that the American people and the U.S. Senate wish to send us vets and currently serving military? Instead of spending $1.35 on a stupid yellow ribbon sticker that's most likely made from another country, how about we spend money on our vets and support them when the LEAVE they combat zone??

Re: Burr keeps pushing his GI bill

MattM — Wed, 21 May 2008 22:11:02 -0400

I don't have a problem with either bill per se, but I wish Burr's bill would get a fair shake on here. There are a few aspects of the Burr bill that would make the Webb bill stronger and it doesn't appear that they will get a hearing or be voted on if offered as amendments.

It's also nice to have actual debate on the issue. I have great respect for all the veterans, especially the ones I've had the opportunity to meet in school since I've been in college.

MattM, have you served in the military?

ThomasBrock — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:41:52 -0400

n/t

Re: Burr keeps pushing his GI bill

MattM — Wed, 21 May 2008 17:50:16 -0400

Thomas, that myth has been disproved time and again by people who actually do the research. The people at the lowest levels you speak of make up a slim minority of active military members, the majority come from the middle-class. Oops, bet you didn't know that, as your liberal victimhood blinders refuse to let you see truth, only hollow platitudes and sweeping generalizations.

Thank you, Senator Burr!

ThomasBrock — Wed, 21 May 2008 16:12:23 -0400

Senator Burr,

Thank you for doing what you can to keep the uneducated military uneducated.

How dare any the lowly folks that enlist believe that American dreams of education, good paying jobs, and financial security should be available to them? After all, aren't they fighting and dying for your right to the American dream?

Everyone knows that the majority of military enlistees are from the lower socio-economic levels of American society. They should stay there, because that's where they belong.

Right, Senator Burr? Right?

Re: The four percent nation

dahedgehog — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 11:53:00 -0500

"9/11 proved that you can't avoid evil by sticking your head in the sand or running away."

True. It also proved that our greatest security threat these days comes from unconventional sources. I think it's great that the new F-22 raptor has done well in combat exercises. However, it's totally irrelevant when it comes to combating the threat of terrorism.

Re: The four percent nation

kmisegades — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 10:45:11 -0500

Useless new planes? Have you not read the news? The latest terrorist leader was killed using a UCAV, unmanned combat aerial vehicle, piloted by someone far from danger. Such systems can't be built in someone's attic shop, they cost money. read also of the amazing abilities of the new F-22 raptor and its success in combat exercises against top-of-the line F-15E aircraft over Alaska. Well worth the investment. Ask any Marine now flying at high speed an altitude in the V-22 Osprey, 20+ years under development but light years ahead of the bad guys. Get the facts before you throw stones. 9/11 proved that you can't avoid evil by sticking your head in the sand or running away.

Re: The four percent nation

dahedgehog — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 10:26:09 -0500

Well, I agree with this: "The Air Force is flying planes that should have been retired." After all, we no longer have to be prepared to fight the Ruskies! Retire them, I say!

Unfortunately, Dole wants to replace the old planes with new, more expensive, and equally useless airplanes. That sounds like a bad idea to me.