navy secretary

Senator Barack Obama has been slammed for not wearing a lapel pin. The right-wing smear machine has asked why Obama will not salute the flag. Of course, these questions and statements are designed to cast doubt in the minds of those who aren’t sure about a Democrat who is a black man. Today, in West Virginia, Obama talks about true patriotism: Supporting the troops. This isn’t some bumper sticker. Do you support the troops? If so, then why can’t we pass Jim Webb’s new GI bill? Why hasn’t Senator John McCain signed this bill?

This is a great speech in a VERY conservative state. I was going to post just a portion of the speech, but it is really good so I’m posting all 21 minutes of it.

There is no reason we shouldn’t pass the 21st Century GI Bill that is being debated in Congress right now. It was introduced by my friend Senator Jim Webb, a Marine who served as Navy Secretary under President Ronald Reagan.. His plan has widespread support from Republicans and Democrats. It would provide every returning veteran with a real chance to afford a college education, and it would not harm retention.

I have great respect for John McCain’s service to this country and I know he loves it dearly and honors those who serve. But he is one of the few Senators of either party who oppose this bill because he thinks it’s too generous. I couldn’t disagree more. At a time when the skyrocketing cost of tuition is pricing thousands of Americans out of a college education, we should be doing everything we can to give the men and women who have risked their lives for this country the chance to pursue the American Dream.