"I like the people who weren't captured"

[ExpressLane]

I was one of "those people." Being a POW is not an honor. It is not something to be rewarded for.

I think it is honorable much like dying for the country is a thing that deserves our honor.

[T. A. Gardner]

McCain has my utmost respect as a soldier but he was not a good politician.

As a Navy officer, McCain was somewhat problematic seeing as how he had three aircraft crashes, all determined to be his fault (and I'll add that the only reason his wings weren't taken was he was the son of an Admiral), and by all accounts a mediocre administrator. I still respect his bravery and service, there's no doubting either. As a politician, he continued a career of mediocrity and mostly got where he was on the basis of heredity not personal performance.

[ExpressLane]

As a Navy officer, McCain was somewhat problematic seeing as how he had three aircraft crashes, all determined to be his fault (and I'll add that the only reason his wings weren't taken was he was the son of an Admiral), and by all accounts a mediocre administrator. I still respect his bravery and service, there's no doubting either. As a politician, he continued a career of mediocrity and mostly got where he was on the basis of heredity not personal performance.

I had real respect for him refusing to be released before his men were.

[T. A. Gardner]

I think it is honorable much like dying for the country is a thing that deserves our honor.

The vast majority of POW's are not taken as individuals, but as part of a larger group that surrenders under terms. Individuals taken prisoner more often than not end up dead in the process. That's a fact. I don't think the fact someone was a POW should be rewarded. Acknowledged, yes. Held against them, no. But you don't reward it. You don't give them a medal for being captured.

[T. A. Gardner]

I had real respect for him refusing to be released before his men were.

Absolutely. That bravery and solidarity with his fellow POW's. But don't conflate that with being a POW. They're two different things.

[ExpressLane]

The vast majority of POW's are not taken as individuals, but as part of a larger group that surrenders under terms. Individuals taken prisoner more often than not end up dead in the process. That's a fact. I don't think the fact someone was a POW should be rewarded. Acknowledged, yes. Held against them, no. But you don't reward it. You don't give them a medal for being captured.

I took care of a P 38 pilot that was shot down in WWII in Italy and was a prisoner and was later shot down as a pilot in Vietnam. I had to start a central line on him. He was tough as nails.

[Bigdog]

The bolded is clearly false. Anyone who is "extremely pro U.S. military" honors service.

Oh pleez, you Democrats can't hide your glee when former military or police get accused of a crime.

[Bigdog]

I had real respect for him refusing to be released before his men were.

I agree. Though I believe there is no hard evidence that ANY of the Hanoi POWs collaborated with the enemy. McCain is just the most widely advertised.

The real actual hero of the Hanoi Hilton was James Stockdale, who created the "tap code", used special invisible ink and paper to send messages back home, and bashed his own face in so his image could not be used in an upcoming propaganda film, etc..

[Damocles]

And if I were one of the less interesting in the republican field I "might" (might, mind you) say something like, "I like candidates who haven't lost elections..."

[Geeko Sportivo]

I had real respect for him refusing to be released before his men were.

Gardner would be still a fan of McCain's had he not saved Obamacare!

But, because he did, he is now demonizing the man for it.

Petty vindictive hatefulness!

[Phantasmal]

Oh, so we should reward failure hum? Explain why the military should do that.

You're still an idiot and keep showing your ignorance.

[BartenderElite]

Oh pleez, you Democrats can't hide your glee when former military or police get accused of a crime.

I never have. Literally - never.

When you generalize like that, there is no credibility.

I'm not a Democrat, btw.

[evince]

Oh pleez, you Democrats can't hide your glee when former military or police get accused of a crime.

Wanting traitors punished is not glee

[evince]

I never have. Literally - never.

When you generalize like that, there is no credibility.

I'm not a Democrat, btw.

I am a PROUD Democrat


It’s the party that has saved this nation over and over again

[BartenderElite]

I am a PROUD Democrat


It’s the party that has saved this nation over and over again

That's fine.

I used to consider myself a Democrat - but that was a long time ago. I think they're better than Republicans. I just don't identify w/ the party anymore.