Why I will not vote for John McCain

[FogerRox]

Why I will not vote for John McCain

By Phillip Butler, Commander, USN (retired)
Today in the Military
March 27, 2008

AS SOME OF you might know, John McCain is a long-time acquaintance of mine going way back to our time together at the U.S. Naval Academy and as Prisoners of War in Vietnam. He is a man I respect and admire in some ways. But there are a number of reasons why I will not vote for him for President of the United States.

When I was a Plebe (4th classman, or freshman) at the Naval Academy in 1957-58, I was assigned to the 17th Company for my four years there. In those days we had about 3,600 midshipmen spread among 24 companies, thus about 150 midshipmen to a company. As fortune would have it, John, a First Classman (senior) and his room mate lived directly across the hall from me and my two room mates. Believe me when I say that back then I would never in a million or more years have dreamed that the crazy guy across the hall would someday be a Senator and candidate for President!

...clip....
Most of us who survived that experience are now in our late 60’s and 70’s. Sadly, we have died and are dying off at a greater rate than our non-POW contemporaries. We experienced injuries and malnutrition that are coming home to roost. So I believe John’s age (71) (72 in August, 2008 -- GDD) and survival expectation are not good for being elected to serve as our President for 4 or more years.

http://www.military.com/opinion/0,15202,164859_1,00.html

<1> -- Re-read the Eisenhower quote regarding war at the top of this Green Dog and then read the commentary about what McCain said regarding war, posted here -- http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article19710.htm -- GDD

[mrcheerful]

1. He is republican, nough said.

[FogerRox]

5. Yes, enough said.

[malaise]

2. That was honest

Fuck McSameasBush

[UTUSN]

3. Here we go again, in more ways than one.

1) Here we have fellow vets trashing each other again.

2) Yet, here we have another spoiled brat (like Shrub) claiming by right of parentage.

3) And another hot-headed brat.

4) And somebody else (his VP) likely to take over, this time because of this dude's age, injuries, and illnesses.

[JDPriestly]

4. Thanks. This is very interesting.

I can verify that John has an infamous reputation for being a hot head. He has a quick and explosive temper that many have experienced first hand. Folks, quite honestly that is not the finger I want next to that red button.

It is also disappointing to see him take on and support Bush's war in Iraq, even stating we might be there for another 100 years. For me John represents the entrenched and bankrupt policies of Washington-as-usual. The past 7 years have proven to be disastrous for our country. And I believe John's views on war, foreign policy, economics, environment, health care, education, national infrastructure and other important areas are much the same as those of the Bush administration.

I'm disappointed to see John represent himself politically in ways that are not accurate. He is not a moderate Republican. On some issues he is a maverick. But his voting record is far to the right. I fear for his nominations to our Supreme Court, and the consequent continuing loss of individual freedoms, especially regarding moral and religious issues. John is not a religious person, but he has taken every opportunity to ally himself with some really obnoxious and crazy fundamentalist ministers lately. I was also disappointed to see him cozy up to Bush because I know he hates that man. He disingenuously and famously put his arm around the guy, even after Bush had intensely disrespected him with lies and slander. So on these and many other instances, I don't see that John is the "straight talk express" he...markets himself to be.


http://www.military.com/opinion/0,15202,164859_2,00.html

[FogerRox]

6. Groups like the VFW have endorsed Neo cons, and seen them vote against vets issues

this division in vets groups like the American Legion and the VFW started getting wider after the 2006 races. In the end I think vets will overturn the leadership in these groups, and work with candidates who truly advocate for vets.

Rodney doesnt vote like a vet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_HTcg3YAm4

[B Calm]

7. Good read. I look for more to speak out on John W McCain!