What really upsets me is that Mr.McCain drums up his POW credentials so much to make me sick. My favorite from the article are:
3) John was offered, and refused, "early release." Many of us were given this offer. It meant speaking out against your country and lying about your treatment to the press. You had to "admit" that the U.S. was criminal and that our treatment was "lenient and humane." So I, like numerous others, refused the offer. This was obviously something none of us could accept. Besides, we were bound by our service regulations, Geneva Conventions and loyalties to refuse early release until all the POW's were released, with the sick and wounded going first.
4) John was awarded a Silver Star and Purple Heart for heroism and wounds in combat. This heroism has been played up in the press and in his various political campaigns. But it should be known that there were approximately 600 military POW's in Vietnam. Among all of us, decorations awarded have recently been totaled to the following: Medals of Honor - 8, Service Crosses - 42, Silver Stars - 590, Bronze Stars - 958 and Purple Hearts - 1,249. John certainly performed courageously and well. But it must be remembered that he was one hero among many - not uniquely so as his campaigns would have people believe.
Mr.Phillip is not the only one who echos the fact that being a POW does not qualify one to be a president. General Wesley Clark who was a 4 star general opined similarly.
What is more interesing is the new angle by Andrew Sullivan that according to Mr.Bush's definition, what Mr.John McCain had gone through is not considered torture.
So what makes him a Hero? If his Vietnam credentials make him a hero, he is one among thousands and thousands of heros which make him not so special right?
No comments:
Post a Comment