John McCain, a Republican congressman and war hero, was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. It is devastating news for his family and the nation. Normally, this type of news is something I tend to shy away from as it difficult for all concerned. However, McCain’s service to his nation needs to be contrasted against Donald Trump, who viciously attacked McCain’s military record during the 2016 campaign.
My problem with Donald Trump is not that he wants to Make America Great Again nor that he wishes the country would close its borders to immigrants, like myself. As an elected official, Donald Trump represents the views of his electorate and the country is entitled to decide what it wants. The problem lies on how Donald Trump conducted himself into office. Trump lied to his constituency and continues to lie to the country.
How Donald Trump treated John McCain during the 2016 election demonstrates not only the Donald Trump hypocrisy but Trump’s utter disregard for common decency.
John McCain endured the worst that the enemy could throw at him with dignity and with love for his country.
Donald Trump, on the other hand, asked for and accepted five deferments to avoid going to war for his country.
What did Donald Trump offer John McCain for his heroic service?
In July 2015, Donald Trump stated this about John McCain:
“He’s not a war hero. He’s a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured.”
Now I ask you, who was Making America Great Again and who was cowering in a dark corner hoping to avoid putting the words of America First into action?
That, right there, is why I continue to be puzzled by the Republicans who embrace country first above all else.
More poignantly is Trump’s utter disregard for common decency.
Trump could have avoided making any comments about McCain’s military service, especially and more importantly because Donald Trump did not serve his country. But Trump’s ego will not let anyone point out that someone is better than Trump. The Trump ego problem continues to dominate his administration, from undermining his underlings and supporters to allowing the Russian saga to continue.
As you digest this, I hope that at least some of you understand why I oppose Donald Trump. It is not about Trump’s politics about closing the country for immigrants like myself, but because Trump demonizes anyone that he disagrees with, including a war hero that the country owes such a great debt to.
History written. You need to read the actual statements that were submitted by his fellow POWs. Not flattering at all. His conduct brought close to being charged.
Granted he did suffer a lot and that’s most likely why he submitted. I would talk as soon as they threatened to slap me, so I’m not hero. Btw, the reason the Military Code of Conduct was rewritten because of the number of POWs that broke. Now a soldier is expected to “hold out as long as possible” while it used to be “never talk”. John Wayne makes it appear easy but then when he hears cut, he goes home.
I respect McCain for his service but he’s not the hero he’s made out to be. His heroism was that he refused early release because of his father. But he did sign confessions and made a few broadcasts. I agree Trump didn’t need to raise the issue. McCains conduct is an open secret and documented.
Military service doesn’t necessarily make for a good President. We know about the former Presidents and their lack of military service. If more politicians served,perhaps there wouldn’t the desire for a quick combat response after all who knows more about the cruelty and hardships than a guy that had to fight one.