First, can I just say how much I love the smart, sassy conversation happening here? Keep it up Dots … and spread the word!
Now, a comment on Leigh’s response to “Good Guy, Bad Choice” … and a remark that really struck a nerve with me!
Leigh writes: “I have no doubt John McCain loves America. The Republicans insinuating I don’t, well that just pisses me off.”
Amen to that! I’m especially aggravated by the persistent GOP stance that if you’re a liberal, you can’t possibly care about or support the troops. In my family, nothing could be further from the truth! One of my mom’s ancestors came from France to fight alongside the freedom-minded colonists in the American Revolution. My great granddad survived the fall of Corregidor in the Philippines. He made it home after 3+ years of hell as a Japanese P.O.W. Other relatives fought in WWII Europe, Korea, and Vietnam, and I’m proud of every single one of them for choosing to serve their country. Blessedly, I don’t have any family members fighting in Iraq, but if I did I’d support them too. I don’t oppose the troops … I’m not even opposed to the concept of war. I’m against STUPID, contrived, poorly-planned war!! And I’m really opposed to the shameful treatment many vets are getting when they’re finally allowed to come home from multiple deployments. John McCain proposes rationing veterans’ health care to concentrate on those with physical wounds that are a direct result of combat. So too bad if your Humvee hits a pothole, crashes, and you lose a limb? Too bad if you suffer post-traumatic stress? Pathetic!
So yep, I’m fighting mad … and I’m fighting for someone in the White House who’s not beholden to neo-cons itching to pick new fights in Iran, Russia, or anywhere else they decide. John McCain may say he hates war. But plenty of Republicans don’t … and they’re the ones I’m worried about.
September 8, 2008 at 8:37 pm
I agree, MommieB. I damn sick and tired of anyone doubting my patriotism or love of country. Or my willingness to fight, WHEN NECESSARY. We should never have gotten distracted from Afghanistan.
However, I don’t know that I’m convinced John McCain hates war. He crashed 5 planes in his military career. So he’s either a very bad pilot. Or he gets some kind of rush out of playing hot-dog hero that tends to make him scary out of control.
I know he served admirably as a POW. He has my enduring respect for that.
But he voted for and supported going to war with Iraq. And he kind of strikes me as someone itchinig for a fight.
September 9, 2008 at 3:54 pm
John McCain is notorious for his short temper and bad attitude. Bush is a lovable, relaxed and groovy guy who is a little dim. I can almost forgive him for making bad decisions based on advice from people pulling his strings. But I am very uncomfortable at the thought of a loose cannon like John McCain being in power with the little red button right next to his hand…what’s to say he won’t have yet another temper tantrum and slam down on it in a fury?