Comments on: Soltz: Pentagon’s Spin On GI Bill Is ‘Offensive Nonsense’ That ‘Insults The Intelligence’ Of Soldiers http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 02:42:02 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: MonkeyButt http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/comment-page-1/#comment-4950586 MonkeyButt Thu, 08 May 2008 10:09:58 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/#comment-4950586 As a deployed soldier, I appreciate the support of those Americans who see the frustrations we face. It's a difficult decision whether or not to re-enlist when your options are so limited. I could re-enlist for a few more years, (with an undetermined number of deployments, in a war the soldier may or may not agree with), or try to join the job force in a struggling economy with little to nothing to keep you afloat for the first few months. My initial enlistment is 6 years. I have a year left after I get back to the states (assuming I don't fall into the stop-loss trap). I want to become an RN. Todays soldiers aren't all 20 year old kids just out of high school. I will be 29 when I return to civilian life. I'll spend the last few months of my enlistment trying to start a new life. I have to find a job, a place to live, furniture, and all the other things everyone takes for granted. When someone seperates from the military, it's hard. Honestly, I'm scared. It would be amazing if I could come out of the army, and transition to school. Just like the kids who didn't join the military, and went to college after high school on their parents dime. I guess that's too much to ask for though. All the folks that have the (made in China,) "Support Our Troops," magnets on their bumpers that don't support better GI Bill benefits, only have that magnet to ease their own minds about the men and women who are fighting and dying for their country, while they complain about how they can't seem to get rid of their love handles. Boot camp is a hell of a weight loss program, think about it. As a deployed soldier, I appreciate the support of those Americans who see the frustrations we face. It’s a difficult decision whether or not to re-enlist when your options are so limited. I could re-enlist for a few more years, (with an undetermined number of deployments, in a war the soldier may or may not agree with), or try to join the job force in a struggling economy with little to nothing to keep you afloat for the first few months. My initial enlistment is 6 years. I have a year left after I get back to the states (assuming I don’t fall into the stop-loss trap). I want to become an RN. Todays soldiers aren’t all 20 year old kids just out of high school. I will be 29 when I return to civilian life. I’ll spend the last few months of my enlistment trying to start a new life. I have to find a job, a place to live, furniture, and all the other things everyone takes for granted. When someone seperates from the military, it’s hard. Honestly, I’m scared. It would be amazing if I could come out of the army, and transition to school. Just like the kids who didn’t join the military, and went to college after high school on their parents dime. I guess that’s too much to ask for though. All the folks that have the (made in China,) “Support Our Troops,” magnets on their bumpers that don’t support better GI Bill benefits, only have that magnet to ease their own minds about the men and women who are fighting and dying for their country, while they complain about how they can’t seem to get rid of their love handles. Boot camp is a hell of a weight loss program, think about it.

]]> By: Max-1 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/comment-page-1/#comment-4950576 Max-1 Thu, 08 May 2008 08:40:32 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/#comment-4950576 . Just as we have learned from how we spat in the faces of returning troops from one war and that disgrace, here we see another 'spit in the face' of a different but similar war all by the lips of the NeoCon <strong>G</strong>ang <strong>O</strong>f <strong>P</strong>hascists and Loyal supporters... what a disgrace they make of themselves... NO? . .

Just as we have learned from how we spat in the faces of returning troops from one war and that disgrace, here we see another ’spit in the face’ of a different but similar war all by the lips of the NeoCon Gang Of Phascists and Loyal supporters… what a disgrace they make of themselves… NO?

.

]]> By: texaslady http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/comment-page-1/#comment-4949834 texaslady Wed, 07 May 2008 21:16:08 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/#comment-4949834 Wounded soldiers need tuition money to earn the education for a career that accommodates their injuries, so length of service should not be a factor. An IED isn't particular who gets blown apart. The GI Bill needs updating and grandfathered into everyone serving in this illegal war. When are Americans going to step up for those who believed this war mongering president ? Wounded soldiers need tuition money to earn the education for a career that accommodates their injuries, so length of service should not be a factor. An IED isn’t particular who gets blown apart. The GI Bill needs updating and grandfathered into everyone serving in this illegal war. When are Americans going to step up for those who believed this war mongering president ?

]]> By: paleolib http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/comment-page-1/#comment-4949794 paleolib Wed, 07 May 2008 21:04:56 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/#comment-4949794 Excellent post Mr. Soltz. The obvious flaw in the Bush/McCain objection to the Webb-Hagel bill is the lack of feeling towards soldiers who cannot complete their tour because of wounds. The hypocrisy is most pronounced however in the tolerance of open recruitment of our troops by military contractors supported by the administration. As horrible as the callous Republican use of the troops as a disposable political prop is however, the class warfare aspect of Republican opposition to the bill is perhaps more sinister. The post-WW II G.I. Bill was a tremendous leveler, providing access to higher education to thousands of veterans (my father included) who otherwise could not have afforded it. I can't help but believe that part of the resistance to this bill is just another example of the privileged class not wanting to see what it regards as its servants earning the same opportunity that the patricians enjoy from birth. Excellent post Mr. Soltz. The obvious flaw in the Bush/McCain objection to the Webb-Hagel bill is the lack of feeling towards soldiers who cannot complete their tour because of wounds. The hypocrisy is most pronounced however in the tolerance of open recruitment of our troops by military contractors supported by the administration. As horrible as the callous Republican use of the troops as a disposable political prop is however, the class warfare aspect of Republican opposition to the bill is perhaps more sinister. The post-WW II G.I. Bill was a tremendous leveler, providing access to higher education to thousands of veterans (my father included) who otherwise could not have afforded it. I can’t help but believe that part of the resistance to this bill is just another example of the privileged class not wanting to see what it regards as its servants earning the same opportunity that the patricians enjoy from birth.

]]> By: Zimzone http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/comment-page-1/#comment-4949788 Zimzone Wed, 07 May 2008 20:57:05 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/#comment-4949788 As Riddick so clearly stated, <em>'I hate Mercs'...</em> As Riddick so clearly stated, ‘I hate Mercs’…

]]> By: mary http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/comment-page-1/#comment-4949784 mary Wed, 07 May 2008 20:55:06 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/#comment-4949784 I particularly liked this comment yesterday from deebaser: "I have a compromise. One year of tuition for every year of service. After 4 years, tie it to GPA. If one of our soldiers wants his doctorate after 10 years of service, I have no problem paying for it." That doesn't account for injuries though. I particularly liked this comment yesterday from deebaser:

“I have a compromise. One year of tuition for every year of service. After 4 years, tie it to GPA.

If one of our soldiers wants his doctorate after 10 years of service, I have no problem paying for it.”

That doesn’t account for injuries though.

]]> By: texaslady http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/comment-page-1/#comment-4949766 texaslady Wed, 07 May 2008 20:46:50 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/#comment-4949766 Its all about money, short change our military, National Guard included as they are doing the same as the traditional military to continue spending for Blackwater, KBR and the rest of the scum suckers. Why ANYONE would sign up for this administrations military is beyond me. Its all about money, short change our military, National Guard included as they are doing the same as the traditional military to continue spending for Blackwater, KBR and the rest of the scum suckers. Why ANYONE would sign up for this administrations military is beyond me.

]]> By: Chris L http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/comment-page-1/#comment-4949736 Chris L Wed, 07 May 2008 20:34:44 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/#comment-4949736 texaslady - McCain is claiming that the new GI Bill would hurt retention, and <a href="http://www.vetvoice.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=1080" rel="nofollow">he is trying to push his own watered down version</a>. texaslady –

McCain is claiming that the new GI Bill would hurt retention, and he is trying to push his own watered down version.

]]> By: DanF http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/comment-page-1/#comment-4949734 DanF Wed, 07 May 2008 20:31:58 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/#comment-4949734 My nephew just deployed to Iraq, he had previously been deployed to Afghanistan. He does some form of military intelligence, although I'm not exactly sure what. He has been recruited heavily by contractors (six figures living stateside) and he's got at least a year to go in active service (thanks to stop loss). My nephew just deployed to Iraq, he had previously been deployed to Afghanistan. He does some form of military intelligence, although I’m not exactly sure what. He has been recruited heavily by contractors (six figures living stateside) and he’s got at least a year to go in active service (thanks to stop loss).

]]> By: Crusty Old Bastard http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/comment-page-1/#comment-4949728 Crusty Old Bastard Wed, 07 May 2008 20:26:26 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/#comment-4949728 According to my DD-214 I spent one year, eleven, months, and twenty-nine days in Uncle Sam's Army. In return for that involuntary service I received what was termed "The GI Bill" for a college education. Those benefits enabled me to complete my Junior and Senior years and earn a Jewish Engineering Degree (Business Administtration) and also to earn a Master of Public Administration degree(all in 2 1/2 calendar years at night) while working full time as well. In return I worked for some 30 years for the military in a civilian and/or consultant/contractor status. I think both the Military and I got value for value and the most dangerous place I was stationed was Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. It is absolutely criminal to suggest our troops volunteering to serve in King George the Dumb's illegal crusade should not be entitled to the same benefits that have been offered to others for at least the last 50-60 years. The only possible justification is that the bushco brass do not want to see the canon (I guess it is now IED) fodder educated or they may revolt. According to my DD-214 I spent one year, eleven, months, and twenty-nine days in Uncle Sam’s Army. In return for that involuntary service I received what was termed “The GI Bill” for a college education. Those benefits enabled me to complete my Junior and Senior years and earn a Jewish Engineering Degree (Business Administtration) and also to earn a Master of Public Administration degree(all in 2 1/2 calendar years at night) while working full time as well. In return I worked for some 30 years for the military in a civilian and/or consultant/contractor status. I think both the Military and I got value for value and the most dangerous place I was stationed was Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. It is absolutely criminal to suggest our troops volunteering to serve in King George the Dumb’s illegal crusade should not be entitled to the same benefits that have been offered to others for at least the last 50-60 years. The only possible justification is that the bushco brass do not want to see the canon (I guess it is now IED) fodder educated or they may revolt.

]]> By: texaslady http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/comment-page-1/#comment-4949716 texaslady Wed, 07 May 2008 20:23:14 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/#comment-4949716 What is the reason that McCain gives for not backing the Bill ? I haven't heard his reasoning. But why does this surprise anyone after the continuing rotten treatment in every aspect our troops put up with. What is the reason that McCain gives for not backing the Bill ? I haven’t heard his reasoning. But why does this surprise anyone after the continuing rotten treatment in every aspect our troops put up with.

]]> By: Wayne http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/comment-page-1/#comment-4949694 Wayne Wed, 07 May 2008 20:15:38 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/#comment-4949694 <em>Uncle Ho Says: it is a shameful disservice to the veterans who put their life and limb on the line. they deserve better thn that.</em> It is also a violation of the promises to veterans that this country has made for many years. Support the troops my A$$ Uncle Ho Says:

it is a shameful disservice to the veterans who put their life and limb on the line. they deserve better thn that.

It is also a violation of the promises to veterans that this country has made for many years.

Support the troops my A$$

]]> By: Paul W http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/comment-page-1/#comment-4949690 Paul W Wed, 07 May 2008 20:14:40 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/#comment-4949690 <em>So, the latest spin by the Pentagon isn’t just nonsense – it’s offensive nonsense, because it insults the intelligence of the service members who recognize <strong>that the administration has never been serious about retention.</strong> Otherwise, they would have done something about contractors a long, long time ago.</em> Why worry about retention when they can just 'stop loss' the troops they need. This administration has <em>never</em> been serious about giving support to the troops that put their lives on the line. From lack of armor to lack of care (Walter Reed for example), to lack of gratitude. Bush continues to expect sacrifice after sacrifice of the men and women in our armed services while asking for nothing here at home. And the hypocrisy of this is never clearer than in Bush's supporters sporting 'support the troops' magnets on their cars. http://progressiveworldreview.com So, the latest spin by the Pentagon isn’t just nonsense – it’s offensive nonsense, because it insults the intelligence of the service members who recognize that the administration has never been serious about retention. Otherwise, they would have done something about contractors a long, long time ago.

Why worry about retention when they can just ’stop loss’ the troops they need.

This administration has never been serious about giving support to the troops that put their lives on the line. From lack of armor to lack of care (Walter Reed for example), to lack of gratitude. Bush continues to expect sacrifice after sacrifice of the men and women in our armed services while asking for nothing here at home. And the hypocrisy of this is never clearer than in Bush’s supporters sporting ’support the troops’ magnets on their cars.

http://progressiveworldreview.com

]]> By: Uncle Ho http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/comment-page-1/#comment-4949682 Uncle Ho Wed, 07 May 2008 20:13:11 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/#comment-4949682 it is a shameful disservice to the veterans who put their life and limb on the line. they deserve better thn that. it is a shameful disservice to the veterans who put their life and limb on the line. they deserve better thn that.

]]> By: IgnoranceIsNotBliss http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/comment-page-1/#comment-4949666 IgnoranceIsNotBliss Wed, 07 May 2008 20:07:09 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/#comment-4949666 What the hell is wrong with these people? They pass a stupid resolution honoring Charles Heston or whatever the hell his name is, but they can't pass a bill that benefits the very men and women they supposedly "support" and have nothing but the highest esteem and regard for their patriotism so that they can get a few more years out of them. JFC these people make me ill. What the hell is wrong with these people? They pass a stupid resolution honoring Charles Heston or whatever the hell his name is, but they can’t pass a bill that benefits the very men and women they supposedly “support” and have nothing but the highest esteem and regard for their patriotism so that they can get a few more years out of them.

JFC these people make me ill.

]]> By: McWars http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/comment-page-1/#comment-4949664 McWars Wed, 07 May 2008 20:06:52 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/#comment-4949664 Why would Bush go after private contractors? Such a move would block his own plans to privatize our military. Bush's plan is for the DoD to recruit them here so KBR can recruit them over there. Why would Bush go after private contractors? Such a move would block his own plans to privatize our military.

Bush’s plan is for the DoD to recruit them here so KBR can recruit them over there.

]]> By: Chris L http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/comment-page-1/#comment-4949634 Chris L Wed, 07 May 2008 19:50:32 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/#comment-4949634 Or what about the female soldier who joined September 12, 2001, did a tour in Afghanistan and two in Iraq - but her husband left her after the first tour and tried to gain custody of the kids during her third? If she gets out with only four years of service, three combat tours, and a broken family to show for it, is she not a <em>committed enough </em>soldier to get educational benefits? Or what about the female soldier who joined September 12, 2001, did a tour in Afghanistan and two in Iraq – but her husband left her after the first tour and tried to gain custody of the kids during her third? If she gets out with only four years of service, three combat tours, and a broken family to show for it, is she not a committed enough soldier to get educational benefits?

]]> By: Anacher Forester http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/comment-page-1/#comment-4949626 Anacher Forester Wed, 07 May 2008 19:46:48 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/#comment-4949626 <blockquote>What about the troops who served under six years, did a few tours in Iraq, and came back without a limb, and could no longer serve?</blockquote> Exactly. Even if they didn't lose a limb or receive any other physical wound, who in their right mind think that any Iraq or Afghanistan veteran does not deserve the benefits proposed in the Webb-Hagel GI Bill? Only this falsely patriotic "Support Our Troops"-car-magnet-sporting-lapel-flag-pin-wearing-Bush Administration and its fans. -AF <a href="http://sullyisafraud.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Andrew Sullivan Is A Fraud</a>

What about the troops who served under six years, did a few tours in Iraq, and came back without a limb, and could no longer serve?

Exactly. Even if they didn’t lose a limb or receive any other physical wound, who in their right mind think that any Iraq or Afghanistan veteran does not deserve the benefits proposed in the Webb-Hagel GI Bill? Only this falsely patriotic “Support Our Troops”-car-magnet-sporting-lapel-flag-pin-wearing-Bush Administration and its fans.

-AF
Andrew Sullivan Is A Fraud

]]> By: Chris L http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/comment-page-1/#comment-4949620 Chris L Wed, 07 May 2008 19:45:41 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/#comment-4949620 I had no idea you were guest blogging here today Jon! You gotta give us a heads up when you do this :) I just emailed Brandon about it. <a href="http://votevets.org/campaigns/states?id=0021" rel="nofollow">Chris LeJeune</a> I had no idea you were guest blogging here today Jon! You gotta give us a heads up when you do this :) I just emailed Brandon about it.

Chris LeJeune

]]> By: Doc Rock http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/comment-page-1/#comment-4949602 Doc Rock Wed, 07 May 2008 19:40:44 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/05/07/soltz-gi-bill-nonsense/#comment-4949602 The Pentagon military-bureaucracy has become corrupt to the core--it is anti-Democratic and filled with schemers looking to make their fortunes in contracting. The Pentagon military-bureaucracy has become corrupt to the core–it is anti-Democratic and filled with schemers looking to make their fortunes in contracting.

]]>