McCain Refuses to Support New GI Bill of Rights

Despite its bipartisan appeal in the Senate, Jim Webb's new GI Bill for the 21st Century is being dismissed by that grand old champion of veterans, John McCain.

Grampaw McCain has been shuffling around the country talking some big shit about being the veterans' friend, even to the point of crowing on ABC's The View that we ought to provide the troops "significant educational benefits in return for serving".

So what's up with his refusal to sign on with 55 of his fellow senators -- from both sides of the aisle -- who are cosponsoring or supporting Webb's bill?

It might be hard to believe, but here's what he says: Expanding the GI Bill to reflect the realities of the new veterans would be an incentive that would lead current military personnel to get out of the service!!!

With this line of reasoning, McCain is proving more and more that his rule would be Bush III, and that the first line of offense for corporate America will remain the service members who are thrust into the far outposts of empire.

After all, how can Bombin' Johnny attack Iran with a military that has been decimated by all those men and women who bail out for the lavish benefits provided by the GI Bill. Jeez, they might actually go to college, get an education, and start voting Democratic!

Nope, can't have that. Wouldn't be prudent. Wouldn't be right.