RIP Sen. John S. McCain – American Hero

There were many times that I disagreed with him about public policy.  There were many times that I disagreed with him about political decisions, tactics and even philosophy.

But I’ve never disagreed with the fact that Senator John McCain was a true American Hero.

At a time when some in public life try to tell us that America was never that great, Senator McCain found plenty in our nation that was worthy of the incalculable sacrifices of our veterans and active duty military and bled red, white and blue for his country.

At a time when some in public life use whatever short-term tactics they can to degrade their opposition, score cheap political points, and capture a news cycle with false sanctimony, Senator McCain held people accountable to standards and principles that should guide everyone in office.

At a time when some in public life say one thing and did another, fail to keep their word, and behave in ways beneath the dignity of their office, Senator McCain tried to conduct himself in a civil manner that was consistent with the highest traditions of public life.

At a time when some in public life have fomented hatred of their opposition, mischaracterized the motives of those with diverse views, and have pointed out the splinter in someone else’s eye before removing the log in their own, Senator McCain pointedly refused to contribute to such toxicity and defended the honor of even those who had besmirched him.

At a time when some in public life will cede no ground when shown their error, admit to no shortcomings, and dissemble or distract when held to account, Senator McCain not only owned and admitted his mistakes, but tried to learn from them in order that they not be repeated.

At a time when some in public life look to the polls, the donors, and the political zeitgeist, Senator McCain looked to his conscience and his country.

Democrat partisans frequently lauded Senator McCain when he held Republicans accountable; they frequently derided or ignored Senator McCain when he held Democrats accountable.  Republicans partisans frequently lauded Senator McCain when he held Democrats accountable; they frequently derided or ignored Senator McCain when he held Republicans accountable.  Though such partisans rarely seem to realize how transparently opportunistic such behavior is, Senator McCain took the high road by first advocating for better leadership.

And what a leader he was.  Who now among his Senate colleagues as having a significant fraction of the Senator’s respect across both sides of the aisle?

Think of the political figure who you respect most.  Chances are, for every time that person genuinely reached out to solve a problem, Senator McCain reach out ten times.  Chances are, for every mistake that person admitted, Senator McCain admitted fifty. Chances are, for every kind word that person spoke about a political opponent, Senator McCain spoke a hundred.

Respectful condolences have been pouring in across several social media platforms.  Some of my own Facebook friends have previously derided the late Senator over the years with terms like “old,” “sellout,” “racist,” “RINO,” “warmonger,” “showboat,” “neo-con,” and on and on.  Interestingly, many of those same friends tonight belatedly are regarding the Senator in a very different manner.

Perhaps his death and, more importantly, the way that he lived his public life, will help some to reflect upon and reconsider how they conduct themselves in the public square.  One could do far worse for a role model than Senator John McCain.

Goodnight, Patriot.  Thank you for your service to our nation.

RIP.

 

“I was raised in the concept and belief that duty, honor, country is the lodestar for the behavior that we have to exhibit every single day. I’ve had the good fortune to spend 60 years in service to this wondrous land.  It has not been perfect service, to be sure, and there were probably times when the country might have benefited from a little less of my help. But I’ve tried to deserve the privilege as best I can, and I’ve been repaid a thousand times over with adventures, with good company, and with the satisfaction of serving something more important than myself, of being a bit player in the extraordinary story of America. And I am so very grateful.” – Senator John McCain