John McCain An American Politician Finds The Silver Lining In Politics

John McCain, An American Politician,  Finds The  Silver Lining Surrounding The Complexity of Difficulties Faced In Politics Today.

Senator John McCain passed away on August 25, 2018, from brain cancer. He was a U.S. veteran who had been a prisoner of war. Not many people can say they've survived such dehumanizing circumstances. Yet, McCain persevered and later became a captain in the Navy and served until he retired in 1981.

McCain's leadership capabilities transcended his military career and became very evident in his political position. Although as a Republican he had a difference of opinion than many Democrats when it came to certain policies, McCain preserved the integrity of human rights above anything else.

According to an article, by Michael T Klaren, written in the  Le Monde Diplomatique, during the 2008 Presidential Campaign,  Republican Candidate John McCain, and Democratic Candidate Barack Obama clearly disagreed on some foreign policies. Klaren unveils the political argument that,

"McCain places particular emphasis on the threat of Russia, often describing it in terms reserved for the former Soviet Union; Obama tends to focus on more contemporary dangers, such as nuclear terrorism, biological warfare and climate change. Whereas both talk of reviving the North Atlantic alliance, McCain speaks of America’s historic mission to lead, Obama of the need to create a balanced partnership with Europe. These differences are more than nuance or rhetoric; they show contrasting perceptions of the emerging threats and the best ways to address them."

Both parties had a compelling argument about their opposing views. Yet, McCain demonstrated that his views did not dispell the importance of equality and ethical behavior. Despite political tension, McCain defended Obama against racial statements during the 2008 Presidential Campaign. 

One voter conveyed that he couldn't trust Obama as president while another voter paralleled that philosophy saying,  "she couldn't trust Obama because  he was an Arab." McCain made it clear that his argument with Obama was purely diplomatic and not racial. His response to the issues of trust was that "Obama was a good father, a great man, and an upstanding citizen." That moment highlighted the silver lining that two political parties can differ in opinion yet have mutual respect for each other as human beings.   

  McCain made it clear that he wanted no part of the dehumanizing behavior that separates society on the basis of color, creed, belief, or humanistic qualities. His behavior during the 2008 political campaign suggests that he believed in the necessity of healthy arguments, but they shouldn't blur the line of character, ethics, and human compassion.  In McCain's final days he spent time planning his funeral and defining his legacy. Family and friends gathered around to attest to the final thoughts of this American Veteran and hero. Inside sources reveal that McCain requested that his rivals Barack Obama and George W. Bush give eulogies at his funeral. Many people believe that McCain is showing civility even in death, but more can be conveyed by the message that McCain is revealing through the funeral that he pre-planned.  WATCH BARACK OBAMA & GEORGE W. BUSH'S EULOGY OF JOHN McCAIN Perhaps he is proving that men can disagree but show dignity. His recent actions seem to depict the idea that we should not devalue people due to the difference of opinion, nationality or personal belief. Maybe he is revealing that the character of a man is more important than his political affiliations. He displayed that belief through his requests prior to his death. He clearly did not want to be affiliated with the cruelty and disgrace displayed to those who are poor,  who are foreign, or who have different cultural backgrounds and beliefs.  Even in death, he conveyed his desire to be surrounded by those whom may have differed in ideologies but truly reflected the kind of person he was at heart. Maybe, McCain is the Silver Lining that today's politicians can look to when it comes to politics and human dignity. Perhaps, that is a major reflection of the legacy he wanted to leave behind.   Farewell To Senator John McCain: Servant, Father, And Friend 


Fly High,  Author, Teresa Cole,

References: 

Stewart, Emily. (2018, August 26). Watch John McCain Defend Barak Obama Against A Racist Voter In 2008. Vox. Retrieved from https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/8/25/17782572/john-mccain-barack-obama-statement-2008-video  Zeleny, Jeff. ( 2018). Inside McCain's Suprise Euglogy Invitation To Obama. CNN. Retrieved from  https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/28/politics/john-mccain-barack-obama-george-bush-memorial-service/index.html Wikipedia. (2018, August, 30). John McCain. Retrieved from  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McCain Klare, Michael. (2008, October). Obama V McCain: Foreign Policy. Le Monde Diplomatique. Retrieved from https://mondediplo.com/2008/10/04obama

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