On Wed, 13 Feb 2008 18:29:39 -0600, Vic Smith
wrote:

On Wed, 13 Feb 2008 20:44:51 GMT, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:

On Wed, 13 Feb 2008 10:22:40 -0600, Vic Smith
wrote:

What's your beef? Don't like Jim Webb?

I served '66 to '72 and know full well what $238/month did - squat.
Might have paid for books if you had a light semester. And it did
nothing for out-of-state tuition if you were living somewhere other
than your home state of enlistment.

I got 400 a month with 2 kids and it made all the difference in the
world. State school was fine for me, and books weren't nearly as
expensive as they are for kids now. It really ****es me off when my
kids are forced to pay OVER 200 BUCKS for a book, and there is no
"used book" option. The book/author/teacher scam was alive when I
went to school, but didn't hurt like it does now.

You think that's expensive - HA!! Try medical books. :)

Do a direct comparision of benefits from WWII and Vietnam. WWII vets
to this day can get totally free education paid for by the VA - can
you?

I do recall Webb mentioning WWII vets going to Columbia and Harvard
on the bill, so I see your point. Doubt there was the huge cost
difference then for the WWII vets then though, since those schools
weren't so hoity toity. And Webb did mention what he's pushing for
applies to state schools only.

I went to a state school - the problem was that it wasn't the state in
which I enlisted.

Fortunately, after my first semester, I received an academic
scholarship which paid for the tuition - books and living expenses
were still mine.

I don't give a rat's ass about Jim Webb.

Given what John said about current benefits, I'm starting to question
Webb's motives. Since I don't know the details of what Webb wants,
I'll reserve judgement. One thing I don't like about the current
system is opting in, since the enlisting kid might make an error
about needing it in his future. Post-service education wasn't a
thought in my mind when I enlisted. Should be automatic.

I agree with that. I mean, I don't begrudge the current veterans
their due - good for them.

It just annoys me that Korean and Vietnam vets weren't given the same
status as WWII vets.

Sorry if I sounded a little strident. I have issues with Jim Webb
that go back a few years.