"Supporting the Troops," Indeed!

We constantly hear from the Democrats that they don't support the war, but of course "they support the troops."

Well, no, they don't -- especially not in California! As the LA Times reports today, the California Legislature -- dominated overwhelmingly by Democrats -- refuses to make available any state money for the colleges expenses of members of California's National Guard. California is the only state in the Union that refuses to make such assistance available, even though it would cost around $3 million, out of a $130 billion state budget. Other states do much more -- Indiana, for example, gives its Guard members free tuition at state universities (as, indeed, it should!).

What's more, the paper reports that one of the reasons for withholding the funds is lawmakers' own personal opposition to the Iraq war -- yes, that's why they're taking it out on the Guard.

Here's one particularly precious little tidbit:

State Sen. Jack Scott (D-Altadena) chairs the Senate Education Committee, which has scuttled attempts by the California Guard to get tuition assistance for members. College aid ought to be based on financial need, not on membership in a group, Scott said . . .

Really? Great -- let's take another look at affirmative action, Senator Scott.