G.I. Bill 2008: The worst form of executive arrogance and hypocrisy.
(MOLALLA, Ore.) - The Greatest Generation not only saved the world from murderous monsters but the 1944 G.I. Bill produced the greatest number of doctors, lawyers, engineers, chemists, etc. etc. etc. which truly stoked the educated engine which produced the greatest economic boom the world has ever seen.
After World War One, the veterans were promised pensions for their service and sacrifice. The Congress was so penurious (read cheap) that it almost caused a revolution in the U.S. and was partially responsible for the market crash of 1929 and the following disastrous Depression.
Wise persons in the 1944 Congress, (there were few of them) some veterans of WWI, remembered the stupidly and duplicity of the 1919 Congress and decided for positive action.
The WWII veterans were mostly young infantryman fresh out of high school. They were trained to shoot and duck with few other job skills. My discharge papers said I would be a good polar bear hunter.
There were 16 million people in the service during WWII. About 80 percent were only high school graduates. There were literally no or very few jobs available for those veterans.
The 1944 G.I. Bill was a Godsend and about 8 million took advantage of the educational opportunities. This 8 million really proved to be the Greatest Generation. Before this, college was the province of children of the rich. Now these would become the middle class powerhouse and they did.
To read now that G.W. Bush refused to sign for the 2008 GI Bill reminded me of what Texas Governor Ann Richardson said about him. "He was born with a silver foot in his mouth." I beg a correction. It must have stuck in his head. What other excuse for his numerous blunders and lies?
He says the new bill will cost too much. (5 billion dollars over 10 years) The war in Iraq costs 5 billion every two weeks.
College trained veterans will repay these costs in a few years in taxes.
I am not going to compare the "Bush" with President Roosevelt but this is what he said. "They (veterans) have been compelled to make greater economic and every other kind of sacrifice (400 thousands dead and 1 million wounded) and are entitled to definite action to take care of their special problems".
How would "Bush" know? He was really NEVER in the service and NEVER heard a shot fired in anger.
Congress had better override his veto. Hoorah for the Army Infantry!
*******************************************************
Got a question or comment for Dr. Leveque?Email him: Newsroom@Salem-News.com
More information on the history of Leveque can be found in his book, General Patton's Dogface Soldier of Phil Leveque about his experiences in WWII.Order the book by mail by following this link: Dogface Soldier.
If you are a World War II history buff, you don't want to miss it.
Watch for more streaming video question and answer segments about medical marijuana with Bonnie King and Dr. Phil Leveque.
Click on this link for other articles and video segments about PTSD and medical marijuana on Salem-News.com: Dr. Leveque INTERVIEWS & ARTICLES
G.I. Bill 1944: The Best U.S. Investment Ever for The Greatest GenerationSalem-News.com