| Being a veteran does have its benefits in building character. While in the military I learned the value of looking out for other people, even at your own expense. I learned how to have the courage to do things even when I was sure I was going to die. I learned that talking about doing something and actually doing it are two different things (you'd be surprised how many grown adults don't realize this). Being a Soldier changed who I was, and I'm better for it.
It changed my politics as well. In 2000 I really didn't care much about politics, beyond what my right-wing church had taught me. So the only issues that I voted on were abortion, guns, and gays. I voted for just about every Republicon on the ticket, including Bush. I probably would've done the same thing in 2004 if I hadn't joined the Army Reserves and done some time in OEF operations. Because when I came back home I couldn't find a decent job because of the poor economy. I watched as chickenhawks would give me all kinds of excuses for not signing up to go and fight terrorists. And after being deployed for a year, I found out gay people weren't the evil heathens I was taught they were as I served with some under the "don't ask don't tell" policy. And after spending time in a system that makes sure you're given everything by the government, I didn't mind social assistance programs, either. And I learned that 99.9% of liberals support the troops (I'd be lying if I said I was never called a baby-killer by a few ignorant jackasses).
This doesn't mean that everyone who joins the Army ends up a liberal. Some of my best Army buddies were neocons. The experience affects us differently. But most Soldiers would tell you that they're better people for having served.
Moving on to John McCain.....
As for John McCain, the question that no one wants to answer is how being a POW and a veteran have given him the qualifications to become President. This would be considered a fair question if McCain had an answer. If he said that being a Navy officer gave him leadership experience (and challenged Gen. Clark's assesment of his leadership experience), if his policies for respecting the Geneva Conventions came from his being tortured as a POW (which he initially did, before he buckled to his right-wing base and decided to support waterboarding), and that being a veteran made him want to look out for the new veterans coming home from places like Iraq and Afghanistan, the question wouldn't be asked anymore. But because McCain has refused to answer the question now being asked, it's become clear that he is using his service not as an example of why he would be a good President, but as a shield from criticism.
When McCain was attacked by Obama for not supporting the expanded GI Bill, McCain said:
"I will not accept from Senator Obama, who did not feel it was his responsibility to serve our country in uniform, any lectures on my regard for those who did,"
In other words: McCain was saying he's going to screw over veterans, and you don't get any say in the matter.
McCain's record on veteran's affairs has been horrible. Here's a list from VA Watchdog.
2006 Senator McCain supported the interests of the Disabled American Veterans 20 percent in 2006.
2006 In 2006 Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America gave Senator McCain a grade of D.
2006 Senator McCain sponsored or co-sponsored 18 percent of the legislation favored by the The Retired Enlisted Association in 2006.
2005 Senator McCain supported the interests of the Disabled American Veterans 25 percent in 2005.
2004 Senator McCain supported the interests of the Disabled American Veterans 50 percent in 2004.
2004 Senator McCain supported the interests of the The Retired Enlisted Association 0 percent in 2004.
2003-2004 Senator McCain supported the interests of the Vietnam Veterans of America 100 percent in 2003-2004.
2003 Senator McCain supported the interests of the The American Legion 50 percent in 2003.
2001 Senator McCain supported the interests of the Vietnam Veterans of America 46 percent in 2001.
1999 Senator McCain supported the interests of the Disabled American Veterans 66 percent in 1999.
1997-1998 Senator McCain supported the interests of the Vietnam Veterans of America 0 percent in 1997-1998.
Date Bill Title Vote
10/01/2007 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 NV
02/02/2006 Tax Rate Extension Amendment N
11/17/2005 Additional Funding For Veterans Amendment N
10/05/2005 Health Care for Veterans Amendment N
McCain has served his country honorably. No one disputes that. There will be no "Vietnam POWs For Truth" putting out commercials saying "John McCain never served at the Hanoi Hilton. I know. I was there." And unlike George W. Bush, no one on the left is going to accuse him of being a manchurian candidate. Anyone who does will get my boot up their butt.
But if McCain has gotten anything out of his military experience other than a shield for criticism, he should let us know. So far he has refused to do so. |
