Since John McCain died Saturday, many are sharing their favorite memories of the Vietnam War hero and U.S. senator from Arizona.
Mine comes from a town hall meeting that was held in a Minneapolis suburb shortly before the 2008 election.
A man took the microphone and said, "Frankly, we're scared of an Obama presidency."
McCain's response:
First of all, I want to be president of the United States, and obviously I do not want Senator Obama to be. But I have to tell you: He is a decent person, and a person who you do not have to be scared of as president of the United States.
There was some grumbling in the crowd, and an older woman took the mic: “I can’t trust Obama. I’ve read about him, and … he’s an Arab!”
McCain shook his head, took back the mic, and responded:
No, Ma’am. No, Ma’am. He’s a decent family man and citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues. And that’s what this campaign is all about.
For those interested, here's a YouTube clip of those exchanges:
You just don't find that kind of decency in politics any more. Heck, it's difficult to find that kind of decency outside of politics here in the Divided States of America.
I'll always respect John McCain for that, and more. He was a great American.
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This week marks the 8-year anniversary of me and Roberta moving from Chicago to Charlotte.
Our N.C. experience has been interesting. When we arrived, the state was considered the "Progressive New South." Politically, it was purple, having voted narrowly for Barack Obama in 2008 but populated by millions of conservatives, too.
Republicans gained big all over the nation in the 2010 midterms, and nowhere was the gain bigger than in my new state. Less than 3 months after we arrived, the GOP assumed control. They used their new-found power to gerrymander the hell out of every voting district. They have passed one draconian law after another -including many that courts have struck down as racist or homophobic - making the state not very welcoming politically to Independents like me and to Democrats.
Politics aside, I do like much about where we live. Our neighbors are nice, our weather is mostly great, Roberta gets tremendous satisfaction from her challenging job, I have enjoyed coaching basketball here, we like the craft-beer scene and some other social things, and we have made many good friends. And even though folks here complain about the traffic, it is a breeze compared to what we left behind in Chicago.
Nevertheless, I honestly don't see us making this our permanent home. For one thing, our kids are too far away. But I wouldn't be surprised if we spend 8 more years here before we go.
Bottom line: If I were rating our NC experience, I'd borrow a word the kids today like to use: It's been "aiight."
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Obama, who opposed McCain for the presidency in 2008, will speak at McCain's funeral.
Joe Biden, who as Obama's vice-presidential nominee often criticized McCain's policies, will speak at the funeral.
George W. Bush, who went toe-to-toe with McCain for the 2000 Republican presidential nomination, will speak at McCain's funeral.
Donald Trump? He was asked by McCain's family to stay far, far away.
How big a jerk must a sitting president be to specifically be asked not to attend the funeral of a U.S. senator and war hero?
Nuff said.
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I really enjoyed the Little League World Series this year. The winning team, Hawaii, played spectacularly. More than that, they were among the many participants who showed exemplary sportsmanship throughout the event.
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| (AP Photo) |
They all made America look really good, and the international teams were fine ambassadors for their countries, too.
Now, if more adults would only take a cue!
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Yet another mass shooting - this time at a gaming event in Jacksonville, Fla.
Where is the president to demand that all white males be deported?
I mean, white men just keep shooting into crowds, gunning down our fellow Americans, so obviously we all have to go.
But hey ... we've had a pretty good run, haven't we, boys?
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pretty damn poignant and pretty damn funny...
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