Why Does the New York Times Shortchange Veterans and Their Families?

Posted May 27th, 2008 at 11.38am in Protect America.

Yesterday, the New York Times shamelessly politicized Memorial Day by publishing an editorial attacking President Bush and Sen. John McCain for not supporting Sen. Jim Webb’s (D-Va.) “Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act.” The New York Times is free to criticize the president as much as it wants (we sure do) but it’s editorial writers owe our men and women in uniform an honest debate on an issue that greatly affects their lives. And this editorial leaves out half of the GI Bill story.

The paper completely fails to mention that McCain has sponsored his own alternative education assistance bill that ABC News reports “would offer more benefits to soldiers who have served longer terms” and “would also provide benefits accrued by soldiers to be transferred to spouses and dependents.” McCain’s bill increases the monthly G.I. educational benefit from $1,101 a month to $1,500 a month and, for those who serve in active duty for 12 years or more, the benefit reaches $2,000 a month.

Furthermore, to better help military families, the McCain bill allows half the educational benefit to be transferred to a spouse or children after six years, and the entire benefit is transferable after 12 years. The Webb bill, which the Times so wholeheartedly promotes, does not contain any such family friendly provision.

Author: Conn Carroll
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May 27, 2008 Ian Gallagher writes:

Jim Webb, D-Va., a former Marine and Navy secretary, would pay the entire tuition, room and board of veterans and provide them with a monthly stipend of $1,000.

McCain’s bill increases the monthly G.I. educational benefit from $1,101 a month to $1,500 a month and, for those who serve in active duty for 12 years or more, the benefit reaches $2,000 a month.

This is the story

May 27, 2008 Mike Petersohn, Philadelphia writes:

So much for the straight talk express. Next McCain will be taking candy from welfare babies. The Veterans all deserve the same deal our fathers got.

June 12, 2008 Louis, Ohio writes:

Hooray for John McCain, the abiltiy to transfer benefits if needed and the fact that his bill also addresses the retention issue as well demonstrates the ‘experience’ he has gained in his many years on Capitol Hill; and oh by the way the McCain bill also keeps the cost of the program within reasonable limits. NO ONE can question the well deserved benefits that the members of our armed forces deserve but lets make sure we are responsible in how and what we are providing. As the parent of two active duty military members I applaud Senator McCain’s efforts to improve the benefits that all members receive; the Webb bill is bad economics and bad for the militaries retention efforts. As usual the Democratic solution only adds unnecessary costs… but since when does a Democrat think about cost?

July 21, 2008 Media keeping it quiet on attacks on Vets - Political Wrinkles writes:

[…] Times Shortchange Veterans and Their Families? Posted May 27th, 2008 at 11.38am in Protect America. Why Does the New York Times Shortchange Veterans and Their Families? The Foundry If the media does it why not some of the foolish readers…. __________________ The White […]

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