Support the troops, pretty please?

Super-Duper Veteran Guy John McCain gives today's veterans the finger. General Wesley Clark is too professional to say so, but he'll tell you the why of what I'm saying.

I probably should be giving you the background and the facts about what's being called "the new GI Bill," introduced by Sen. Jim Webb before getting right to the heart of the matter. I should tell you about how it updates the antiquated system of educational rewards for veterans so that they really can get a decent education paid for in exchange for their service, unlike the paltry crumbs they're offered today. And then I should reveal in a way calculated to lightly shame Senator McCain, but still leave the door open for him to save face and join in, that he has not yet joined 50 of his colleagues from both sides of the aisle who have already cosponsored this bill.

But instead, I'm going to let these Iraq veterans -- brought to you by VoteVets and Brave New Films -- do that, while I myself get right to the "straight talk," to borrow a phrase: John McCain is a lousy prick for not getting on this bill on day one.

You know it. I know it. These vets know it.

Why should the veterans of McCain's 100 Year War have to come hat in hand to get what they deserve, and walk on eggshells lest they insult Big Mister Senator, no less? More flies with honey? Is that really what we're telling our returning combat troops? "I know you're right and I know you're made, but for your own sake, be careful around McCain -- he's got a temper!"

Look, Republicans are going to go right on thinking that John McCain is a stand-up guy no matter what I say. But he's not. He's a dick. And this is just one reason why.

It takes ten seconds to make this decision, and he can have it taken care of by phone from the road. Just call the staff and get on the damn bill.