Former POW: Why I Will Not Vote For John McCain

[DinahMoeHum]

Given that the issue over McCain's health, mental and otherwise has cropped up, I figured it was time to bring in another perspective, this time by a former fellow POW of McCain's in Vietnam.
The author, Phillip N. Butler (Cmdr USN, Retired) is a 1961 Naval Academy graduate
http://www.pownetwork.org/bios/b/b110.htm

He's also a member of the Monterey, CA chapter of Veterans For Peace.
http://vhenry.home.igc.org/vfp/

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

(snip)
People often ask if I was a Prisoner of War with John McCain. My answer is always "No - John McCain was a POW with me." The reason is I was there for 8 years and John got there 2 ½ years later, so he was a POW for 5 ½ years. And we have our own seniority system, based on time as a POW.
(snip)
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 (73) and survival expectation are not good for being elected to serve as our President for 4 or more years.

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.
(snip)

much more at the links. . .


:patriot:

[ronnykmarshall]

1. Oh dear!

[Jackpine Radical]

2. This is not swiftboating. This is legitimate criticism.

We need to spread this type of message everywhere. It's not just this guy--EVERYONE who knows McCain, particularly from his Navy years, has bad stuff to say about his competence as a pilot, his sense of entitlement as the son of an Admiral, his temper, his...well, sanity.

[monmouth]

3. And the fact he graduated fifth from the bottom of his class. That

little fact really bothers me. I want someone much, much smarter than that in the WH...

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

5. Yeah

I graduated with high honors from university, but I want someone who graduated with highest honors. I sure don't know enough to run the nation. But I read an article that said stupid people almost always overrate their competency. That could be a factor here.

[brer cat]

8. We have already had the class dunce

as Pres. and know how that turned out. Even if one overlooks his war hawk ways (which I wouldn't), McLame is simply too weak in every other way to even consider.

I'm glad to see one of his contemporaries speaking up!

[GoldenOldie]

6. John McCain has 100% disability due to his POW status yet......

the Iraq/Afghan US troops, many who have been deployed 5-5 times and many who have been severely wounded both mentally and physically and unable to work or gainful employment have to fight to get a 10% disability?????

John McCain is called a "triple dipper," on the government payroll. He receives government checks for his disability - 100%, another check from Social Security, and another as Senator.......Pretty damn good for being declared 100% disabled. All the time fighting against similar benefits for the "volunteer army,??" Hero - bs.

[Jackpine Radical]

7. I thought they take SS away if you have earned income

over a certain (rather paltry) level.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

4. This is interesting

because the man is not doubting McCain's service, but rather commenting on the effects of imprisonment, which he knows first hand. Unlike the "swift boat" people, who were "sort of there" but were not members of Kerry's crew, this guy WAS there--and states FACTS. Thanks for sharing this with us.