Ilhan Omar Criticized for Saying ‘Ethos’ of G.I. Bill Should Be Applied to All Students

“Imagine what it would do for our country and those who live here if we were to take the ethos behind the original G.I. Bill and apply it to everybody—canceling all student debt and making public colleges, universities, and vocational schools tuition-free.” 💪🏽 https://t.co/P6LNRv6h9w

— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) February 7, 2020

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“Imagine what it would do for our country and those who live here if we were to take the ethos behind the original G.I. Bill and apply it to everybody—canceling all student debt and making public colleges, universities, and vocational schools tuition-free,” the Minnesota Democrat tweeted Thursday.

Omar’s tweet came along with an AlterNet piece from Marine veteran Will Fischer, titled “A veteran explains why we need a new version of the G.I. Bill — for everyone.”

Critics on social media immediately pointed out the costs of a “free” education provided by the government, especially pointing out that veterans had to serve their country oftentimes in war to receive that education.

I'm a recipient of the GI Bill. The GI Bill was earned by agreeing to serve my country for six years and to put my life at risk as an infantryman in Afghanistan. It wasn't something just given to me with nothing expected in return. Don't cheapen our sacrifice w/ this comparison. pic.twitter.com/4CNspm8gXt

— Chris Manning (@Manning4USCong) February 7, 2020

The “ethos” meaning the whole concept of signing a blank check payable to the United States govt for up to & including your life should it be called of you and in exchange said govt upholds their end of the contract with benefits EARNED like the GI Bill…that “ethos”???

— Dennis Davis (@TheDennisDavis) February 7, 2020

Another user said Omar’s proposal would “probably triple the debt” or raise “taxes on the middle class significantly.”