Senate Republicans Defy Bush and McCain
They passed a GI bill that Bush is threatening to veto and McCain would have voted against if he showed up for work like Clinton and Obama did. The bill calls for a 13 week extension of unemployment insurance, home heating assistance and, most significantly, expanded educational benefits for returning soldiers. Half of the Senate’s Republicans voted for what McCain and Bush rejected.
According to Time Magazine:
This is not the first time McCain, who has a proud history of opposing what he views as excessive government spending, has found himself at odds with his fellow veterans on legislation. He’s voted for veterans funding bills only 30% of the time, according to a scorecard of roll-call votes put out by the nonpartisan Disabled Americans for America. Under the same system Obama has a 90% rating – though, of course, he has spent a much shorter time in Washington.
Well, that sucks.
May 22nd, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Thousand s of people have died since September 11, 2001. Thousands died that day and thousands more have died since in Iraq and Afghanistan, both innocent civilians and US soldiers. The death or casualty that is not reported is our right’s, our citizen sovereignty, our Liberty, the Separation of Powers, The Rule of Law that is our Constitution. Should we add the names of our forefathers to the list of victims? What they secured in blood has been left in tatters. What they fought for is taking on water from tyranny marauding as security. The words of Paul McMasters ring true with every new story of Constitutional abuse or thwarting of domestic or international law, “Do we really want to add Constitutional Freedoms to that sorrowful list of casualties?’ September 12, 2002 at Martin Espada, University of Mass. in Amherst on the Jim Lehrer News Hour,
“Ultimately, Osama Bin Laden cannot restrict our Civil Liberties. Only we can do that to ourselves. Al-Qaeda cannot take away our freedoms. Only we can do that to ourselves. The only way the essential character of this country will change is if we permit it to change.” How about the words of a true patriot, “Power makes men wanton…. It intoxicates the mind.” Sam Adams, Boston Gazette, 1771 Edward Bennett Williams stated the value of Civil Liberties in his book “One Man’s Freedom – 1962” with such accuracy. “By Civil Liberties, I mean an individuals immunity from governmental oppression. A society, which respects Civil Liberty, realizes that the freedom of its people is built, in large part, upon their privacy. The Bill of Rights, in the eyes of its framers, was a catalogue of immunities, not a schedule of claims.”
“It was, in other words, a Bill of Liberties. The immunities defined in this Bill of Liberties were set forth in order that the promise of individual freedom might be made explicit. The framers dreamed that if their hope were codified, man’s energies of mind and spirit might be released from fear.” Justice Davis of the Supreme Court. “ The Constitution of the United States is for rulers and people, equally in war and in peace, and covers with the shield of its protection all classes of men, at all times, and under all circumstances….” “ No doctrine, involving more pernicious consequences was ever invented by the wit of man than that any of the provisions (of the constitution) can be suspended during any of the great exigencies of government.” “Such a doctrine leads directly to anarchy or despotism, but the theory of necessity on which it is based is false. For the government, within the Constitution, has all the powers granted to it, which are necessary to reserve its existence…” “This Nation, as experience has proved, cannot always remain at peace, and has no right to expect that it will always have wise and humane rulers, sincerely attached to the principles of the Constitution….” “If the calamities of war again befall us, if the Constitution is bypassed, the dangers to human Liberty are frightful to contemplate…” “The framers of the Constitution knew the history of the world told them. The nation they were founded, be its existence short or long, would be involved in war; how often or how long continued, human foresight could not tell; and that unlimited power, where ever lodged at such a time, was especially hazardous to Freemen. For this, and other equally weighty reasons, they secured the inheritance they had fought to maintain; by incorporating in a written Constitution the safeguards which time had proved were essential to its preservation. Not one of these safeguards can the President, or Congress, or the Judiciary disturb.”
May 22nd, 2008 at 8:13 pm
There has been a Limbaugh styled concerted effort to pretend to be a Clinton supporter who will vote for McCain if she is not the Democratic Nominee. This is Unethical just as Operation Chaos was Unethical. But for anyone who is a Clinton supporter who is truly considering voting for McCain in November I would ask you why? Why continue to disregard the Constitution? Why continue to provide nation building welfare for the M. East? Why continue that wasteful spending that has increased fundamentalist anger toward the US? Terror and Anti-American feelings by foreign nations is at an all time high. Are we winning the hearts and minds of the world and the M. East? Is the world safer through the Republican foreign policy actions? No. Can we continue the programs put in place by the G. W. Bush Administration in terms of politicians altering scientists research reports, the filling of the EPA with industry lobbyists, the fusing of one form of religion and state, the deregulation of Big Business, the policies that have led to the fall of the value of the dollar, the deregulation of pollution controls, the deregulation of the financial sector that has led to our current market instability, the continuation of wasteful weapons projects that have nothing to do with stopping acts of terror, the continuation of free market solutions (lead toys, toxic plastic products, medications that either do not work or are dangerous, imported unscreened foods, chemical products that perforate our bodies blood thus being passed directly to our offspring, and all the other scandals or tainted products the free market has bestowed innocent American consumers), Abstinence Only Programs, the war on science, the appointment of Judges that value the power of the Executive Branch while disrespecting the sovereignty of the Citizen, and the support or continuation of Bush’s violations of the Constitution’s Article 1 – Section 9, Article 6, plus the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, 9th, and 14th Amendments. If that is not enough, McCain will continue to allow the Department of Justice to disregard Justice. Both Democratic candidates have pledged to reverse the errors of the Bush Administration. If the John McCain factors are OK with you as a voter go ahead and vote for him. It is only your Liberty, your Sovereignty, our Constitution and nation at stake. “Compromise important freedoms in ways that previous Presidents never attempted, even in the midst of formally declared wars. And important changes in the Law have been adopted by the Department of Justice unilaterally, without public input or congressional approval.” NY, University, Law Prof. Stephen J. Schulhofer in September 2002 Century Foundation Report “The enemy within: Intelligence Gathering, Law Enforcement, and Civil Liberties in the wake of September 11th.
“It is crucial that Civil Liberties in this Country be preserved. Otherwise I’m afraid terror will win this battle without firing a shot.” Russ Feingold.
Dick Armey – Describing the Justice Department as, “Out of Control,” “The most Dangerous Agency of Government,” and in the New Republic, October 21, 2002 “The Justice Department… seems to be running amok, this agency right now is the biggest threat to personal Liberty in the country.”
Report by the Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, “Imbalance of Powers: How Changes to US Law and Policy Since 9/11 Erode Human Rights and Civil Liberties.” (March 2003) “ A mantle of secrecy continues to envelop the executive branch, largely with the acquiescence of Congress and the Courts. This makes effective oversight impossible, upsetting the constitutional system of Checks and Balances.”
May 22nd, 2008 at 8:20 pm
Didn’t I read somewhere the other day that McBush’s just released tax returns for 2007 showed $24000/year in SS income and $60000/year from a non-taxed military disability pension?
Sigh …
May 22nd, 2008 at 8:22 pm
How can you claim to support the troops and not support the GI Bill as “wasteful spending”. Bush and McCain ought to be ashamed of themselves. These young men are putting their lives on the line and deserve to be able to go to college and have some basic benefits just as a “thank you”. It’s the least we can do.
Thankfully it looks like there’s enough support to override the veto.
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:09 pm
I just don’t get why people would vote for McCain in November if they can’t vote for Hilary then…this is the most flabbergasting and ridiculous thing I have ever heard. Obama and Hilary practically are for the same issues and are really the same system-
McCain is completely in another galaxy with some major issues…I mean, hello? — Gi Bill?
Give me a break, I think the military, especially all those deployed, need a chance and some type of big reward when it comes to those Montgomery GI BILL benefits. Why is McCain so against it? Why is Bushey planning to veto it? =(
McCain makes it look like he’s never fought a war and yet he will be running for our country as president?
Is it an issue of race…again, that they won’t vote for Obama, or is it just the same old redundant statement that he is just not that “experienced”.
I just got one thing to say—Do your research on Barack Obama, open your eyes, get inspired and reconsider voting for McCain in the fall if you are already a Hilary supporter.
Why switch gears so drastically from democracy to a republic sysytem. HELLO!
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Besides McCain is going deaf and turnging way too senile, he’ll probably end up passing or signing the wrong document.
I don’t know about you guys but I surely wouldn’t want any senile accident or any type of accident for that matter to happen in the White House or anywhere in this country. I mean, what other things can possibly go very wrong with another republican president in the big chair?
We need to reconsider too many things, it is the least of things we SHOULD do.
I would vote for Hilary or Obama any day but NEVER for McCain.
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Just as Virginia’s senator Jim Webb stated, “There’s no politics in this, this is taking care of the people who have taken care of us.”
I think if Bush vetoes this Bill, he is a jerk, and so is McCain for trying to oppose. Hey guess what McCain, what goes around, comes around right back to you like your inoffensive and unwittingly descriptive word— JERK.
I already see the future beneficiaries of the MGIB telling McCain and Bush–> “Thanks for nothing, you JERKS!”
Lol~ Maria, experience or no experience, McCain is senile and that just makes him more capable of “effing” things up in the White House. Pardon my french.
May 22nd, 2008 at 11:18 pm
I’d have to do some research on this bill to try and understand how Bush and McCain could be against it. It does seem quite odd for a party that holds itself up as a pro-military party to not be in support of it. Our Vets deserve to be treated much better than this.
I have a good friend,who after 14 years in the military,ended his career with a helicopter crash. While his physical wounds are healed he has deep emotional issues from time spend first in Afganistan then into Iraq. More needs to be done to address the mental and emotional conditions that these men and women are coming home with.
May 23rd, 2008 at 8:35 am
What did you do for me today?
That’s the traditional attitude of the government toward veterans. Look up the Bonus Army of 1932. It’s a national disgrace.
May 23rd, 2008 at 9:15 am
~”More needs to be done to address the mental and emotional conditions that these men and women are coming home with.”
Yeah but if it’s hard enough already to pass a very convenient MGIB, what makes you think they’ll get to the mental and physical papers right away. I think passing that MGIB is a great start but Bush is just being a total asshole about it and so is McCain.
Just like Jim Webb said that it’s really about taking care of the military who are over there dying for us. You really need to see past the “excessive government spending” like ol stubborn McCain sees it. It’s enough that they’re spending on an obsolete pointless war.
The military is just doing their job, give them a friggin break. This also shows how much the government cares for us. If they can’t do jack for the military, then what are they doing to help the civilians in this country.
And ultimately, some jobs in the military aren’t transferable to civilian life. The MGIB is great for those leaving the military right after because it carries benefits that will help them with a head start boost once the soldiers and sailors return to civilians.
If we vote for McCain, I can only say then that this will be a “national disgrace”.
May 23rd, 2008 at 11:02 am
From The Times (of London):
“In an effort to “rebrand” the party, Republican leaders offered a risible new slogan: “The Change You Deserve”. Not only did it appear plagiarised from Mr Obama’s “Change We Can Believe In”, it was also the advertising slogan for the anti-depressant Effexor, whose side effects include sweating, nervousness and nausea.”
May 23rd, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Here is a salute for John David Prince’s eleoquent verbiage in these two postings. His words are particilarly significant on this Memorial Day weekend. I just left services at our community celebrating the great sacrifices of men and women to preserve the words of the Constitution and Bill of Rights, and in addition to the general respects, remembered dear friends and colleagues who gave the ultimate price or were severely disabled. Yet McCain and Bush think these youngsters must be further coerced to fight this war of choice, want to limit the fiscal committment to those who honorably served, yet squander billions in unmonitored military contracts in Iraq…and at the same time fail to fess up to the Constitution robbing, law violating behavior they ordered based on faulty legal opinion and now which they want to keep as a classified war secret. The truth must out and the blame be accepted right up to the top…and just punishment doled out so that this never recurrs. JDP…you are so very right!
May 23rd, 2008 at 2:58 pm
I can never get through John’s posts… he doesn’t break things up into paragraphs. It’s honestly a vision issue. (Case in point, my dad had to pick my son up today vs me driving him over there, b/c I can’t find my damned glasses.)
May 23rd, 2008 at 4:36 pm
John David Prince I will send you $19.99 plus shipping and tax (if applicable) if you will break up your comments into paragraphs.
Thank you for your support.
May 23rd, 2008 at 5:06 pm
LOL
May 23rd, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Every time I look at McCain I keep thinking of Top Gun and Tom Cruise and the whole “fighter jock” attitude that kind of colored the movie.
May 23rd, 2008 at 9:24 pm
~ROD–that is very true:
“And ultimately, some jobs in the military aren’t transferable to civilian life. The MGIB is great for those leaving the military right after because it carries benefits that will help them with a head start boost once the soldiers and sailors return to civilians.”
So what is McCain doing, seriously? If he becomes president I hope I don’t find myself asking this question over and over again. He is the prime example of a veteran and should know better about those quasi-decent MGIB benefits.
Of course Obama is for it since his parents were in the military as well long time ago and he is certainly not bragging about it but he does clearly understand the need of the benefits and what it can also do to help many soldiers who transfer to civilian life afterwards.
I completely agree that veterans and those in active duty who want and deserve these benefits should receive them. It is the least Bush should do before he leaves his little toy room, I mean office.
May 23rd, 2008 at 10:44 pm
As someone who actually benefits from the GI bill, I am very very happy that I’m being given the money I need to continue my life outside the military.
Way to go Webb.
Fuc$ off Bush.
Mcain…..so old.
May 24th, 2008 at 1:46 am
OBAMA vs Bush/McCain
1. HIGH IQ vs. Low IQ/Memory Loss
2. TRUE and Practicing Christian (Peace not War) vs. Dr. Evil and Agnostic (non-practicing)
3. ENERGY vs. drug overdosed (from medications)
4. HONEST vs. lies and distortion
5. YOUTH vs. Grandpas
6. DIPLOMACY vs. Bloodsuckers
May 24th, 2008 at 6:02 am
Have to say, somebody that would call a GI Bill for our troops will never get my vote, Republican or Democrat. If that’s “wasteful spending”, I’d hat to think what they would consider not to be wasteful? Tax breaks for corporations and oil companies?
May 24th, 2008 at 6:26 pm