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FORT STEWART, GA -- President Obama traveled to an Army base here on Friday to sign an executive order intended to curb predatory practices by colleges -- many of them for-profit institutions -- seeking to attract members of the military and veterans.
“As some of your comrades have discovered, sometimes you’re dealing with folks who aren’t interested in helping you. They’re interested in getting the money,” the president said, noting that some colleges lie, for example, about having credit transfer and work placement programs. “They don’t care about you, they care about the cash.”
Obama added that he’s “heard the stories” from veterans who sign up for information on a college’s website and are then bombarded with emails, phone calls and even on-base visits from recruiters. He said that some schools have been known to solicit Marines with brain injuries who can’t even remember the classes they were signed up for.
“They’re trying to swindle and hoodwink you. And today at Fort Stewart we’re going to put an end to it,” Obama said to approximately 10,300 soldiers in a large field here.
The executive order require colleges to provide more information to about their programs including the percentage of military members and veterans who complete courses and degrees, as well as access to the “Know Before You Owe” financial aid form drafted by the Consumer Financial Protection bureau and the Department of Defense.
“We’ve got to make sure you’ve got every tool you need to make an informed decision when it comes to picking a school,” Obama said.
The administration says that eight of the top ten educational institutions collecting the most post-9/11 GI Bill benefits between 2009 and 2011 were for-profit schools, six of which had bachelor student withdrawal rates above 50 percent. The White House’s hope is that military members’ access to more information about these schools’ outcomes will help them avoid going to colleges that have bad records of graduation and degree completion.
The executive order would also direct the Defense Department to set rules for which education recruiters can visit military installations to limit the access of “bad actors” to potential recruits. And the Veterans Administration will seek a trademark for the term “GI Bill” so that it can crack down on deceptive websites made to look like they are affiliated with the military.
Pending legislation in Congress would accomplish similar and in some cases more extensive goals than the executive order; Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)’s GI Bill Consumer Awareness Act of 2012 would for example require schools to disclose more information than the executive order does, like transferability of credits earned, the number of veterans enrolled and job placement rates.
And while the White House does require schools to provide academic and financial counseling, Murray’s bill would also specifically require schools to have at least one employee with expertise in military and veterans’ education benefits as well as to provide tutoring, career counseling and referrals to veterans centers.
In response to the president’s speech, the Republican National Committee released a statement criticizing his wider post-9/11 G.I. bill that took effect in August 2009.
“President Obama’s new G.I. Bill has failed to deliver on its promises to veterans and today’s event doesn’t address veterans losing their homes and the thousands of claims that remain unprocessed. Our veterans deserve the best and the President’s G.I. Bill has broken his promise to take care of veterans once they return from protecting freedom on the battlefield.”
Before the president and first lady Michelle Obama spoke, they toured the Warrior’s Walk, a tree-lined area featuring markers for fallen service members, where they placed presidential coins and folded American flags on the markers of two young fallen soldiers.
Fort Jackson is home to the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, which has deployed numerous times to Iraq and currently has elements in Afghanistan.
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Hold on a sec, is Ft. Stewart GA an election battleground fort? Wouldn't want this executive order to be construed as anything political...
Ursula,, I'm sure a republican would want to spin it that way... They have no honor,,, Especially when they have always called veteran's programs "Welfare" & attack their funding
What the President is doing helps ALL veterans,,,,
One would think Republicans would support the President on this,,,,, Republicans demand more military involvement in the Middle East & Cold War Policies on Steroids
Are you saying ALL veterans are so stupid they fall for these diploma mills ?
Has the Department of Education got any authority in this area ?
vets are same as general public....around 99.7% are extremely dumb and un-educatable... 3/10ths of % are smart enough for college
Lets see. How can the Repubes spin this into something negative.. I'm sure they'll try.
I am grateful that the issue is being addressed and most certainly, we don't want the veterans taken advantage of, but what about expanding it so that the predatory practices don't impact anyone seeking higher education and therefore don't incur massive debt that the job market will not sustain???? It seems that this is a problem that reaches beyond our military. Perhaps the military is in the cross hairs, because the government pays those benefits, and most of the students are on their own hook to obtain tuition money and loans.
How can the Republicans spin this into something negative - Let's see what the RNC said "...the President’s G.I. Bill has broken his promise to take care of veterans once they return from protecting freedom on the battlefield." How does doing more to limit the predators trying to profit from the GI's break any promises. If anyone remembers, Obama's unnamed predecessor did such a wonderful job in his promise to take care of the returning vets - Remember the horrendous conditions at the VA hospitals those soldiers came home to? The RNC wouldn't address what Obama did today because there wasn't anything to criticize. Instead they twisted a 3 year old bill around to make it sound like Obama is the direct reason vets aren't paying their mortgages.
Now there's a solidly conservative point of view! (hint to Sue...you're of the party that wants to reduce government...not expand it.)
Republicans & Veterans?
July 2011 ---- 6 Billion in cuts
Republicans have attempted to cut veterans compensation and other disability benefits 3 times this year. First, Michelle Bachmann (MN) suggested disabled veterans had it too good. She thought disability pay should be reduced by $4 billion. Later, Paul Ryan (WI) suggestion gutting VA Healthcare by $6 billion, which would have cut 1.3 million veterans out of the program.
http://www.disabledveterans.org/2011/07/18/obama-republicans-seek-23-billion-disability-pay-cut/
March 2012 -- 11 Billion in cuts
Looking at the recently released GOP budget, written by Rep. Paul Ryan, it's hard to see how they do. In fact, looking at the nearly 100 page document, the word "veteran" doesn't appear once. Not once.
But, without saying the word "veteran," the budget tells us a lot about what they think about veterans. The budget calls for across the board spending freezes and cuts. If enacted, the Ryan GOP budget would cut $11 billion from veterans spending, or 13 percent from what President Obama proposes in his own plan.
It's unconscionable that they'd do this at a time when so many Iraq veterans have just come home and rely on veterans care. Over 45,000 US troopswere wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, and more will come who will rely on VA services, on top of veterans of other wars and eras who depend on the VA. But, this shortsightedness isn't new.
Back in 2005, President Bush underfunded the Department of Veterans Affairs by about a billion dollars, despite its need. The result? Secretary Jim Nicholson was forced to crawl before Congress and plead with it to pass emergency supplemental spending, just so it could keep the doors open. After that debacle, I have to admit, I never thought Republicans would do the same thing again, if for no other reason than that it just looks bad politically, leaving aside the horrible effect it would have on veterans in need.
http://www.vetvoice.com/diary/4935/gop-budget-doesnt-even-say-the-word-veteran
The GOP/TP has been in the grasp of the "For Profit" education lobby for years. The Administration has tried to police the free enterprise industry sucking students into expensive degrees paid with student loans for jobs that do not exist. The GOP sez "hands off private enterprise"
Since you drew the line in the sand. His motives are as clear as the brown spot on your nose left over from kissing Obuma's a**.
1. He is trying to shift the blame on a extremely dismal job market.
2. You can't do anything with those school employee's, they belong to unions. The worst that could happen to them is they would be placed on administrative leave (with pay and benefits)
3. I find it offensive that he insult disabled veterans that more then likely joined the military to serve our country's illegal wars because they offered an education once they returned from stomping on oppressed people in third world country's.
4. Obuma will try every imaginable avenue to shift the blame, but will never look at his own failings.
5. Watching government employees is like watching people at the DMV. Fat, lazy and stupid, and they always demand more money. The bigger the government the bigger the B.S.
Nothing negative but just seen for what it is worth. More pandering since legislation is pending that accomplishes more than the executive order. .
Rocco
The pending legislation has no chance in the GOP/TP House or the filibuster prone Senate.
Powerful senior Republicans are wed to the University of Phoenix. Fergetabout.
So, what about the Department of Education ? Are they incapable of handling the situation or just ineffective as usual ??
This is simply more political spin intended to magnify a minor situation for political purposes. Nothing new here.
Jim
The DOE has been trying to get authority to require For Profit institutions to demonastrate that their graduates actually get jobs on order to qualify for student loan funding. Congress has refused to authorize the DOE to implement such a rule.
We have a great President. Republicans would have made defending for-profit colleges' right to fleece vets their priority, just as they have defeated regulations to protect children working on non-family farms and rules to improve school lunches. The right-to-profit trumps protecting vulnerable people, according to Republicans in Congress!
Vulnerable people like kids working on farms? Kids working on farms is a non-issue. Kids work on farms everyday without incident.
heres the republican response; "another job killing response from the President, preventing legitimate businesses from doing their work".
Here is my response; Thank you Mr President for protecting us from the predatory practices of unsrcupulous business owners.
legislation is pending that accomplishes more than the executive order. .
Rocco - Haven't seen any. But if there is, it was probably introduced by a Democrat.
Rocco like Romney will say anything. The truth is not a factor.
Every day now, it's a new chicken in a new pot. Where the he!! is getting all the chickens??????
There was a bill. And the Republicans all voted it down, because it included infrastructure programs(jobs). And we all know, Teapublicans can't afford for the economy to continue to get better. So, The President did what ANY good commander would do to take care of our troops. And signed this executive order. Sad that Teapublicans won't even help our troops, if it means actually siding with the Democrats. Damn near "Unpatriotic" in my view.
Every bill comes with baggage attached. Things that have nothing to do with the major focus of the bill. It is the duty and obligation of every representative to carefully read through the jargon and fine print and not simply vote for the whole box of worms just because it is draped in lovely wrapping paper. If we could manage to actually confine ourselves to the main issue when it comes to legislation, we might find more common ground for agreement. But if you are asking somebody to support a bill that benefits our veterans, but something very distasteful, or perhaps even destructive to a constituency is attached, then a representative is bound by honor (well, they do take an oath of office at least) to not go along with the negative just to appear cooperative
Every day now, it's a new chicken in a new pot. Where the he!! is getting all the chickens??????
Hey Numb-nuts, It doesn't cost anything to protect the rights of Vets....
In fact, it costs more "not to"!!!
Well, I guess tasteless cartoons are part of the political process......I hadn't really noticed until you brought it to my attention.
Bill Studwell, it's no worse than some of the right-wing avatars; the truth is the reason they get reprimanded has nothing to do with their avatar but rather with the inflammatory and threatening comments they post.
I like the avatar. It's a realistic depiction of what the Republicans are going to get in November.
Yeah, just like November of 2010 ????? A mind is a terrible thing to waste !
I was here today at Fort Stewart and this was indeed an outstanding event! I don't care what political affiliation one may have, but to have the President of the United States here, honoring our Soldiers, Families and Civilians (all who sacrifice so much), was indeed a great privilege for us.
The energy here was contagious and to see Republicans and Democrats alike rally behind the President was a joyous site to see.
May God continue to bless America and the men and wome who make us the great nation we are today!
RJ, well said; enjoyed reading your comment. Good to hear from someone who was actually there. I watched it but it's not the same as being part of it.
RJ@FS......
Beautiful analysis of the POTUS' visit and the energy displayed by those in attendance.
Thanks to all...... for your service. You deserve our gratitude forever!
I was there today also sitting behind the president and the first lady It was a tremendous experiance. As for the Executive order he signed It does not fix all the problems but it is a baby step. As we know it takes continuous baby steps to keep moving forward. Thank you Mr. President and First Lady.
And how is good old Camp Swampy? I lived there on base as a child for a couple years.
America fell from God's Gace on Jan. 22, '73 if not earlier. God will bless the individual but when a nation sanctions the slaughter of the most innocent of all life and sexual perversion that nation will soon reap God's judge. God has made this clear in His WORD and with visions given to Pastors Dumitru Duduman and David Wilkerson.
Write this on your wall: The 2nd major terrorist attack after that of 9/11 will be somewhere in S. Caliifornia, and in or near Philly and Boston, 1000 times that of the 9/11 terrorist attack. And most likely the 3rd and final terrorist attack (The vision given to the pastors I mentioned earlier) for America will be within the following 40 days and America will be no more. God never fails to warn the people of a destruction before He allow the destruction of a people or nation. Read Amos 3:7
You had best throw away the god you have made in your heart and get to know the One True God of All Creation.
Watchman, since you are committing blasphemy, and are unscathed, you have given us proof that your "god" does not exist.
Love is never a sin.
Rely on the GOP to spin everything into a negative. Gee if they are so concerned about vets why aren't they sponsering a veterans rights bill. Oh yeah that's right. It might lead to more paperwork. Oh that of course means bigger government involvement. Oh to hell with that. Vets don't need now stinkin' rights if it means taking money away from big business (for profit colleges) and the people trying fleece them.
Republicans have slashed funds for veteran services. It's time for John Boehner to burst into tears about how much veterans mean to him. Sometimes executioners are known to cry after cutting someone's head off.
The war in Iraq killed a thousand more Americans than 9/11 did. Romney is hot to attack Iran and Syria. We don't need wishy-washy Mitts on the trigger.
How many of his sissy sons is Warhawk Romney willing to send off to Iran or Syria?
Hey Willard????
Get those sissified boys of yours to recruit....... or excercise restaraint!
So now Romney's children are fair game ? Wow !
It's still the economy, but all the libbies will do everything possible to stay away from reality.
This is why the President is going to win re-election!!!! He's putting the men and women who have defended this country above almost anything else that he's proposed. The fact that he's doing as much as he can by executive order makes Republicans look bad because they're not thinking about the troops and he is, so they can say nothing but a dumb negative comment that has nothing to do with this executive order and it makes them look silly!!!
Really, he's putting the men and women above almost anything else because he signed a bill for vet's education? How about really doing something for them and get them out of Afghanistan.
Putting the people he hates above anything else? Doubtful.
your a misguided product of your own ability to not think for your self...keep talking im laughing...
Glad you can get a laugh richard, you must need one. You for sure will come November. In between your riots.
Is education abuse an issue for vets? Don't they have the GI bill and as far as I know they get lower cost tuition.
did you even read the story? If vets go to schools that don't enable them to
complete their education then it is money spent for nothing.... The GI bill is
money from the taxpayers. Why pay for someone to only get less than 1/2 a degree or persuade someone to enroll in an obsolescent field of study that will remain un-employable?
Does Obama have proof that colleges are doing what he is claiming?
Yes. See here: http://depts.washington.edu/opbblog/2011/03/gao-details-how-for-profit-colleges-exploit-veterans/
As a Vet. using the old GI bill at a college that probably has a greater than 50% withdrawal rate, I wish I never started the education process that has accumulated a $22K student loan debt. With a major in TECHNOLOGY... no jobs on Monster for a BS in Technology... I'm feeling the direction of this Exec. Order!!!
Scott,
What area of technology did you get your BS in? $22K doesn't seem bad for a BS degree, that's about average.
If obama saw fit to sign it, it's a sure bet someone's going to get f@#ked.
Electronics Technology... at TESC... It's an online college out of Trenton, NJ.
Electronics can be a hard field to find jobs in. I've found online colleges to be more expensive. I look at it as a trade off, more cost but no traveling to school. I currently take online classes and it's about $30 more a credit hour than my local school. I like it because I can do my assignments whenever I want and from where ever I am, I travel often.
Jdmbo3-Good luck with your degree man, and I pray your field is more affluent.
Thanks Scott. I'm in IT, I guess you never know how careers will go nowadays.
IM a disabled vet 90%..I would like to clarify a post i read..V.A hospitals are #1 in leading research and technology we had electronic records in 2000 private hospitals not till 2007 -2011 ..it is an efficient system..so dont just repeat what you have seen on one news net work..its always better to have two opinions so you dont end up a brain washed zombie,,I suggest watching fox news for one week then your mainstream media source for one week..but the democrats have brain washed you so you wont watch fox why,,they know that after a short time you fox break the zombie spell and you will be able to think for your self ..ask any socialist or Marxist what they fear most...its the catholic church..and independent thinkers who refuse to except one source of information which leads to propaganda and loss of control...stop letting the democrats use you..dont be a zombie...the truth has no agenda.
"ask any socialist or Marxist what they fear most..."
You DO understand that the VA system is essentially socialized medicine, right? Careful who you accuse of being brainwashed.
Hope they dont notice....then it will be to late for them to change course..people today in your hearing the scriptures are fulfilled ...obama is not god...he is although the living example of the song (CULT OF PERSONALITY) but we have his whole presidency in recorded film...you can fool some people you cant fool all the people all the time...welcome to the 2012 obama show let me direct your attention away from my dismal record...in this ring we have envy..in this ring misdirected anger ...and finally in this ring the old switcheroo blame everything on the successful ..yes folks dont esp-ire for greater things let mediocrity send you a check just sit in that couch and blame everyone else.....because obama cares..but for what?
this day america is now today upside down the GNP is less than what we take in as a country...for you tax and spend liberals that means your pay check no longer is enough to pay your bills..and not drafting a budget and blaming the GOP for 3 years two of those years you had the majority in house and senate ....helo the blender is not working.
richard, you that forgetful of the Bush Administration having full control of the House and Senate for almost 5 years out of 8, of which time; 2 unfunded wars and medicare part D coverage, deplorable conditions at Walter Reed Veterans Hospital, $10 trillion in combined budget and current account deficits, the embracing of trade and outsourcing policies that shipped 6 million jobs OUT of America, the lack of oversight and deregulation from the Bush Administration that caused the loss of American's to the tune of $12 trillion in investments, retirement and home values, $10 billion in CASH sent to Iraq that just disappeared, and you blame President Obama for 4 years of trying to get America out of a hole the GOP put us in, all the while tossing dirt in it? I see the 'Red' blinders are working just fine for you, Rosey.
LOL I like how the but Fort Jackson there at the end as the home of 3ID. 3ID belongs to Fort Stewart and Fort Benning.
Richard - thank you for your service. I'm so sorry you've been left with such a negative, bitter, suspicious and ignorant outlook on life. A belief that the Catholic Church is a bastion of free thinking and that Fox would never "brain wash you".... well, thank you for your service anyway.
Its all Political, should have been in place already!
Keep his **s in Washington doing the job he said he would do (he's not). He's too busy golfing, swimming in Hawaii, singing - uh whatever, making the talk show circuit, etc., he is full of hot air and if the voting public doesn't know that by now let them pay more for gas, lose their home to increased foreclosures, lose jobs,etc., Listen, the bin ladin thing was in the works during the Bush administration. As much of a goon as he was too, I have to give him that credit or Obama will take it all like he's mister wonderful. Please. and michelle obama one of people's most beautiful???? where?? my goodness people's standards have sunk to an all time low. I'm sick of obama and his crap. My condominium poa is facing having to get $5,000.00 more from owners to facilitate a lift in our pool for the handicapped. Now, I see lawsuits galore from people getting injured, kids playing on it. oh yeah, as of March 15, 2012 all swimming pools without a walk in will have to close or install a lift. I am certainly not against doing whatever is needed to assist those in need however who will be there at the "swim at your own risk" pool to assist them with the lift?? smart thinking.
Really, your blaming Obama for the housing crisis? I am a liscensed real estate broker and we saw this years before Obama was elected. Also, Do you work 24/7? If you need someone to talk to, go and talk to your cat.