Who is John McCain?

Over the course of the campaign, Dallas County residents will be wondering which candidate to choose come November. Certainly both McCain and Obama have advantages and disadvantages in this race. Today, we will be discussing John McCain’s advantages. Over the next few months, the Democratic Party will attempt to define who John McCain is, and who John McCain is not. Let’s get a few facts straight about John McCain.

1. Sen. McCain is a well decorated veteran of the Vietnam War
2. McCain was shot down during his 23rd mission over Vietnam, suffering several broken limbs. He was captured and bayoneted by the North Vietnamese
3. Being the son of a high ranking US military official, he was offered early release, which he refused, because he felt that others should be released before him, and he felt solidarity with his POW companions.
4. For more than five years, he was beaten and tortured in a prison camp in North Vietnam.
5. After his release, he would go on to become a United States Senator for more than 20 years.
6. During his score in the U.S. Senate, he would independently speak his mind and work with many senators from both parties, earning him the respect of most, if not all members of the United States Senate.

Now there will be people, such as Obama supporter Gen. Wesley Clark, who will criticize McCain.

"Well, I don't think riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to be president." (6/29/2008)

Regardless of whether Clark’s statement is true or not, Barack Obama chose not to serve in the military whatsoever. It’s simply unfortunate that an ardent supporter of Barack Obama would imply that Obama’s military experience would equal that of John McCain’s experience in regards to qualifications of Commander-in-Chief.

We here in Dallas County, Iowa appreciate military service. In fact, we honor it. If you’re still not convinced of John McCain’s service, take a few moments to surf www.johnmccain.com/service/intro.htm and find out what his military career was like, particularly his time in the Hanoi Hilton. After this visit, I hope you’ll realize that this man his served the United States with honor throughout his life. At the very least, his experiences in the military give him insight into military affairs that others simply do not have.