Last Wednesday, Todd Tiahrt and Jerry Moran voted against updating the 21st Century G.I. Bill which would expand educational benefits for returning Iraq war veterans.

Nancy Boyda and Dennis Moore voted in favor of the bill, which is receiving support from military and veterans groups across Kansas.

Under a row of flags at Topeka High School on Monday, [former Marin Sgt. Dan] Parker stood with active-duty and retired soldiers, high school ROTC students and U.S. Rep. Nancy Boyda, D-Kan., to express support for GI Bill reform legislation passed by the House and pending in the Senate.

If a new GI Bill survives the Senate, it is possible President Bush could veto the legislation. Among possible objections is a House plan to finance increases in college aid with a surcharge on taxpayers earning more than $500,000.

Parker, who grew up in McPherson, advised the commander in chief to update incentives for veterans to attend college. About one-third of veterans draw upon GI Bill benefits, he said, but less than 10 percent earn a college diploma.

"It would be a politically devastating mistake if the president were to veto it," said Parker, a Marine from 2000 to 2005.

So, why would Tiahrt and Moran vote against it? Do they really believe a 0.5% tax increase on millionaires is too much to ask in order to help our returning veterans earn a college degree?

Let's hope Pat Roberts and Sam Brownback don't feel the same way. Of course, with their record of blind allegiance to the Bush administration and now, the McCain campaign...who can say?