Why I Won’t Vote for John McCain
August 25, 2008
by Phillip Butler, PhD –
John McCain is a long-time acquaintance of mine that goes way back to our time together at the U.S. Naval Academy and as Prisoners of War in Vietnam. He is a man I respect and admire in some ways. But there are a number of reasons why I won’t vote for him for President of the United States.
When I was a Plebe (4th classman, or freshman) at the Naval Academy in 1957-58, I was assigned to the 17th Company for my four years there. In those days we had about 3,600 midshipmen spread among 24 companies, thus about 150 midshipmen to a company. As fortune would have it, John, a First Classman (senior), and his roommate lived directly across the hall from me and my two roommates. Believe me when I say that back then I would never in a million or more years have dreamed that the crazy guy across the hall would someday be a senator and candidate for president!
John was a wild man. He was funny, with a quick wit, and he was intelligent. But he was intent on breaking every USNA regulation in our 4-inch thick USNA Regulations book. And I believe he must have come as close to his goal as any midshipman who ever attended the Academy. I could tell many midshipman stories about John that year and he unbelievably managed to graduate though he spent the majority of his first class year on restriction for the stuff he did get caught doing. In fact, he barely managed to graduate, standing fifth from the bottom of his 800-man graduating class. I and many others have speculated that the main reason he did graduate was because his father was an admiral, and also his grandfather, both U.S. Naval Academy graduates.
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.
John’s treatment as a POW:
1) Was he tortured for 5 years? No. He was subjected to torture and maltreatment during his first 2 years, from September of 1967 to September of 1969. After September 1969, the Vietnamese stopped the torture and gave us increased food and rudimentary health care. Several hundred of us were captured much earlier. I got there April 20, 1965, so my bad treatment period lasted 4 1/2 years. President Ho Chi Minh died on September 9, 1969, and the new regime that replaced him and his policies was more pragmatic. They realized we were worth a lot as bargaining chips if we were alive. And they were right because eventually Americans gave up on the war and agreed to trade our POWs for their country. A damn good trade in my opinion! But my point here is that John allows the media to make him out to be THE hero POW, which he knows is absolutely not true, to further his political goals.
2) John was badly injured when he was shot down. Both arms were broken and he had other wounds from his ejection. Unfortunately, this was often the case; new POW’s arriving with broken bones and serious combat injuries. Many died from their wounds. Medical care was nonexistent to rudimentary. Relief from pain was almost never given and often the wounds were used as an available way to torture the POW. Because John’s father was the Naval Commander in the Pacific theater, he was exploited with TV interviews while wounded. These film clips have now been widely seen. But it must be known that many POW’s suffered similarly, not just John. And many were similarly exploited for political propaganda.
3) John was offered, and refused, “early release.” Many of us were given this offer. It meant speaking out against your country and lying about your treatment to the press. You had to “admit” that the U.S. was criminal and that our treatment was “lenient and humane.” So I, like numerous others, refused the offer. This was obviously something none of us could accept. Besides, we were bound by our service regulations, Geneva Conventions, and loyalties to refuse early release until all the POW’s were released, with the sick and wounded going first.
4) John was awarded a Silver Star and Purple Heart for heroism and wounds in combat. This heroism has been played up in the press and in his various political campaigns. But it should be known that there were approximately 660 military POW’s in Vietnam. Among all of us, decorations awarded have recently been totaled as follows: Medals of Honor – 8, Service Crosses – 42, Silver Stars – 590, Bronze Stars – 958 and Purple Hearts – 1,249. John certainly performed courageously and well. But it must be remembered that he was one hero among many - not uniquely so as his campaigns would have people believe. Among the POWs John wasn’t special. He was just one of the guys.
John McCain served his time as a POW with great courage, loyalty, and tenacity. More that 600 of us did the same. After our repatriation a census showed that 95% of us had been tortured at least once. The Vietnamese were quite democratic about it. There were many heroes in North Vietnam. I saw heroism every day there. And we motivated each other to endure and succeed far beyond what any of us thought we had in ourselves. Succeeding as a POW is a group sport, not an individual one. We all supported and encouraged each other to survive and succeed. John knows that. He was not an individual POW hero. He was a POW who surmounted the odds with the help of many comrades, as all of us did.
I furthermore believe that having been a POW is no special qualification for being President of the United States. The two jobs are not the same, and POW experience is not, in my opinion, something I would look for in a presidential candidate.
Most of us who survived that experience are now in our late 60s and 70s. 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 (72) and survival expectation are not good for being elected to serve as our President for four 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.
I’m disappointed to see John represent himself politically in ways that are not accurate. He is not a moderate or maverick Republican. On some issues he is a maverick. But his voting record is far to the right. I fear for his nominations to our Supreme Court, and the consequent continuing loss of individual freedoms, especially regarding moral and religious issues. John is not a religious person, but he has taken every opportunity to ally himself with some really obnoxious and crazy fundamentalist minister. I was also disappointed to see him cozy up to Bush because I know he dislikes that man. He disingenuously and famously put his arm around the guy, even after Bush had intensely disrespected him with lies and slander. So on these and many other instances, I don’t see that John is the “straight talk express” he markets himself to be.
Senator John Sidney McCain III is a remarkable man who has made enormous personal achievements. And he is a man that I am proud to call a fellow POW who “Returned With Honor.” That’s our POW motto. But since many of you keep asking what I think of him, I’ve decided to write it out. In short, I think John Sidney McCain III is a good man, but not someone I will vote for in the upcoming election to be our President of the United States.
by Phillip Butler, PhD
Doctor Phillip Butler is a 1961 graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a former light-attack carrier pilot. In 1965 he was shot down over North Vietnam where he spent eight years as a prisoner of war. He is a highly decorated combat veteran who was awarded two Silver Stars, two Legion of Merits, two Bronze Stars and two Purple Heart medals. After his repatriation in 1973 he earned a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of California at San Diego and became a Navy Organizational Effectiveness consultant. He completed his Navy career in 1981 as a professor of management at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. He is now a peace and justice activist with Veterans for Peace.
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Thanks to you, Phil. I have high hopes that the message of fear will not de-rail this historic election.
Dear Dr. Butler,
Thank you for your service to our country. If you choose not to vote for John McCain, presumably you will vote for Barack Obama. What, pray tell, qualifies Obama to be Commander in Chief of the armed forces?
Has Obama held a position of responsibility that required him to oversee and make decisions that impact how a multimillion (or multi-billion) dollar budget will be spent?
Have you considered the long and close relationships that Obama has cultivated with those who hate America and its Captitalist system (Wright, Pfleger, Ayers, Dohrn, et al?)
Ayers and Dohrn declared war on the US government and desired to have you killed you since you wore the uniform of the US military.
Were Ayers actions justifiable because he was on the anti-war (anti-US) ideological and political Left?
The Democrat party has a disturbing record with respect to how it views the US military and it remains incomprehensible for me to know that you find yourself at home within this party.
Know that you are their “useful idiot” since you have a military background and will use it to speak out against those who do faithfully serve their country and commander in chief.
Regards,
Tony Valle
Tony,
Thanks for the wonderful example of how the Republican slime machine works. Make sure Karl gives you a raise.
You condemn someone who viewed John McCain close at hand for a number of years under trying circumstances for finding him tempermentally unfit for the presidency.
Then you turn around and condemn Obama for bumping into a couple 60s radicals at the University of Chicago who were active politically when Obama was a child living in Hawaii.
How bizarre.
But then you really get on thin ice to accuse the author of being unfaithful to the men and women in military service. Nothing could be a more disingenuous reading of what he said.
And, as a fellow Vietnam combat veteran, I find the Democratic Party a very nice fit.
I don’t need a party that uses lies and distortions — indeed the kind of distortions you’ve used in your response — to lead me into a foolish, dishonest, misguided war like the one we’ve got going on in Iraq.
– Dick
Well put, Dick…well put. Tony’s comment is a typical “black and white” type response. What’s best for this country is FAR greater an issue than one’s political standing…whether or not they’re Republican or Democrat. I would urge Tony to study logical fallacy and spend more time studying relevant issues. Tony comes off paranoid and biased.
Ride On, from a Kent State surviver and Vietnam Era Vet !!!
Rove, Cheney & Bush shoud be tried for treason !!
Please USA no more of the Same or McCain !!
Uh, you give credibility a stretch.
It isn’t “Ride” on, it was, and etched in my mind, still is “RIGHT” on!
If you’re old enough to vote you’re old enough to know better.
way to minimize things that matter Dick, Both sides have there view, I think you need to analyze the Democratic slime machine before you throw any stones, If you look at the last sentence in the article that says who this man, who wants to minimize and cut down another Vet, actually is, you see his motivation. I think it is pretty petty and sounds like his real question might be where is all my thunder. I have great respect for him and what he did for my country. But as an activist this behavior doesn’t surprise me. Veterans for Peace nice try.
Hi Tony,
I can tell from your comments that you know not of what you speak. Reverends Wright and Pfleger have done much to improve the imporvished communities where their churches are located, on the Southside of Chicago, than any of the elected officials of that city. I know; I was born and raised there. I spent my formative years in the Auburn-Gresham community, where St. Sabina is located. Father Pfleger came into the community in the late ’70s, early ’80s. During that time, there were many taverns, bars, and liquor stores, littering the streets, with enough transient hotels to fill Soldier’s Field.
It was not an environment in which to raise children, but some of us manage to make it. Pfleger restored the community, and though it is not the greatest in the city, it is a far cry from what it used to be.
As for Rev. Wright, I’ve attended his church on numerous occasions. I’m not a member and would never join, but it has nothing to do with Rev. Wright. I would not join any church because I’ve learned, as a result of growing up in church, that many who claim to be “Christians” are the biggest hypocrites on the planet. The Moral Majority was neither.
Your comment puts me in mind of the comment made by Gov. Mary Fallin last night during the convention. “Nothing ever comes from being good or nice…” I thought at that moment, “so much for God and Jesus Christ.” Her comment made me think of all the hypocritical Christians I know and those who serve in office.
To that end, why can’t we all be fair and honest. Elections in this country has always been a choice of “the lesser of two evils.” If you honestly think that McCain is a great choice, fine. I don’t, especially since his choosing Sarah Palin as a running mate. She is the biggest hypocrite of them all. And McCain has a lot to fear from Palin. She will turn on him as she has others in the state of Alaska who appointed her and helped her with her pseudo experience.
By the way, thank you Dr. Butler. I remember thinking, last night, while McCain spoke of his years as a POW, “This guy’s story is embellished every time he speaks of it.” I refer to the friend he says “tapped out” a message on the wall. I can’t quote what he said, but what McCain related was a bit much for someone to tap out in morse code. He’d still be tapping that message out today.
Very Well said Tony Valle.
No, barbdwyer, not well said at all. See Dick Price’s response to Tony Valle’s drivel.
You notice how the only person so far that is defending this “useful idiot” for the right (yes I’m using your jargon against you) named Tony; has given no specifics on why he agrees with Tony. All we hear is, “Very well said Tony Valle.” A perfect example of just how little these people can think independantly.
Instead of debating on the issues and using substance and facts to make a point; they use the same old fear tactics and stale talking points pulled right out of the Karl Rove playbook. Tony is questioning the patriotism of a POW that served with McCain just becuase he points out that POW experience doesn’t qualify one to be president and goes on to say that it may actually be more of a risk. This suggest that if you don’t agree that McCain deserves to be president just becuase of his POW experience that you are not a patriot and are against the military. I
find it ammusing that you would use the term useful idiot to describe a war hero that happens to be democrat as if he does not support his counrty becuase he is a democrat. You are denegrading his service and suggesting that one must be republican to serve this nation. The term useful idiot is a right wing talking point derived from the liberals who sympathized the soviets, a different counrty. The enemy, not the other party in this counrty. But since you choose to throw that term around I will point out that FOX has a few useful idiots of their own. It’s how they use black people to cater to the racist beliefs of Bill O’Riley and Sean Hannity along with all it’s misinformed veiwers that do not seek the truth. It’s no different than how Hannity uses his black pastor (who hates his own people) to speak out against the black community. It’s pandering and I’m sure you eat it up.
I cannot believe that in this day and time the american people would be so anti black as to elect a man who is 72 at this time and will most probably never finish his term and therefore we will end up with a PTA president for the Office of President.
Americans don’t you think you had better stop discriminating against someone because of something they had no part in doing.
You sir and John McCain, are neanderthal. You just cannot see a world that is not in uniform. I would have the greatest of respect for you if you could get off this eternal mind set of the United States that they are always under threat and have to bully the next country that shows a little back bone. George Bush and his cronies knew that Osama bin Laden were going to attack the U.S. and they chose to do nothing about it and John McCain never saw war that he didn’t love. He was comfortable in his plane flying over Vietnam, dropping bombs on hundreds of thousands of people, while never having to confront anyone of them face to face. When he wrote his memoir of his years in prison, one of his statement’s was - there will be other wars (does this sound familiar) as long as Communist Nations try to destroy our way of life - hello, what did Vietnam do to the U.S - we are ten thousand miles away from Vietnam and they were a primitive country. Just like Iraq, they wanted to rule their own country as they see fit and not as the great bully of a country dictates. What are you all afraid of. You are the richest? nation on earth with half of your budget spent on armaments and beyond reach of any other nation on earth. Maybe you should all listen to Gen. Eisenhower’s speech about the “military industrial complex”. Give the corporation’s enough money and they will find a war someplace to make more guns for.
SPOT ON!
Valle was deeply shaped by his Viet Nam service. Quite normal among humans. Also, people change. Plus latin americans have bitterly learned it is good to play it both ways.
Plus Vallle has an advanced degree that requires mental ability to get. Plus common diplomacy demands “diplomacy”. So what is Valle really trying to say?
No matter how he praises Mccain, the facts are Valle wont vote for him. Plus Valle points out emotional instability and losses of emotional control. Shall such a hot-head control the red nuclear button? Even if Mcsame looks nice and smily, the truth is that he easily becomes uncontrollable. It is our responsibility to choose a calmer and wiser leader.
Anything can be interpreted from Valle’s article. He plays it safe, but subtly warns us about Mccain.
Thank you, Mr. Valle.
You know the talking points of the liars very well.
So tell me, given the state the country will be in under Obama vs. McCain when you die and leave it to the rest of us and our kids… why would you vote on anything but the issues.
I guess who you sat on a board with, and what they did 40 years ago, means more than health care for our kids, right?
Did you know many Republicans sat on that same board with Ayers?
Does that mean Ayers is now a Republican, along with Obama, or that those Republican friends of yours are now terrorists?
Your guilt-by-association lines have less relevance to a thinker’s vote than your skull has grey matter within it.
You know as a child playing if we made a mistake we would ask for a start over. We need a start over for this election. We are in dire times and we really need some one to lead this country in a different direction. Obama does not have the experience and McCain is a liar. I have not made a choice to back no one at this time and the more I read about McCain and Palin Obama is looking better. I am very disbtubed about things I have read about his POW days and Palin as running mate takes America back over 200 years. I question her ethics. GOD HELP US ALL.
And tell me George Bush’s qualifications to be commander of the US Armed Forces…Oh right must have been all that draft dodging, cheerleading, and coke smoking. Or maybe it was C average.
Did you not read the article? This was Dr. Butler’s point of view about John McCain which he has his reasons. This is exactly the kind of information people need to know in order to make an informed decision. In this country people have certain rights, especially freedom of speech. I admire Dr. Butler for having the guts to write about his old friend, and its something the public should know. Just as you have chosen to believe and accept the negative remarks about Obama, then don’t be alarmed when someone speaks the truth about McCain. McCain is a war-monger and its no secret. With McCain in office we can look forward to continued wars until one day…..nothing of humanity is left to argue about or vote on.
You, Tony Valle, have not earned the privilege of challenging Dr. Butler for either his choice, or his first-hand memories.
Take your extremist right-wing blather somewhere else where the evangelists welcome you as one of their disciples.
Take it anywhere, but get your diatribe out of here and let the rest of us praise Dr. Butler for his patriotic service to our country, his devotion to his fellow servicemen and POWs, and his love for our country to the extent that he is compelled to speak out.
Tony Valle, in spite of the past success of you and your fellow extremists in minimalizing the honest voices of heroes like Dr. Butler in the past, you will not succeed this time.
Mr. McCain and Ms. Palin will not set foot in the White House as President and Vice President. Why? Because…We, The People of the United States, across this great land, are saying ENOUGH! NO MORE OF THIS!
you need to get your information somewhere else besides the poster boy of oxy-cotton. check your facts dude. all i hear when i read your comment is ditto, ditto.
Neither Lincoln nor FDR had a lot of experience. Neither started spectacularly, but both handled the job pretty well on the whole. A long tenure in the Senate should be considered a liability. LBJ was no prize until the Civil Rights Act, the sort of progressive innovation foreign to McCain. And Palin’s experience????? Don’t hunt with her; she just shoots from the hip at random and takes credit if something works.
McCain came from an influential military family, did what he was raised to do, lucked out with survival genes, married rich, had the right connections to get elected, is cleverly marketed as a “maverick,” and pretends everyone has an equal opportunity if they just work hard, shut up, and ignore the lobbyists surrounding him. Just give him that Big Red Button and “Bomb, bomb, bomb ….”
Obama was a community organizer from a family with no powerful connections, and is a brilliant politician and superb speaker capable of moving the country when needed. Too much “faith” and “believe” rubbish, but he is not so hidebound and beholden to lobbyists as the other side. Too much experience = old ideas.
George,
I always wonder why the pundits don’t argue your point more. It seems to me that if one were to assess the current state — the economy, war, our standing in the world — McCain’s experience should, at the very least, be examined as a liability.
If they do they will be labeled unpatriotic and will be accused of bias and disrespecting his service. It’s really sad that we can’t ask the qeustions that matter bc it may offend some people. You better be sure though that the right would bring up that point about a democrat.
I respect the service of those in war, even if I disagree with the war. I do not think taking commands to kill and bomb people, including the innocent families as collateral damage, a good personal history for a President. Psycholgically, there is a devaluing of human life and hatred for the enemy that seems necessary to complete the missions one is ordered to preform.
McCain has sold his values to win the Presidency and is not the Senator I used to respect. I tried to forget the Keating 5, his bad temper, and his wife taking drugs froma nonprofit agency to feed her drug habit, but I cannot. He is not for family values; look how he has lived his life.
He will not answer questions and has to take time to hide and brief his running mate before answering reporters questions. Neither are even an adequate choice for me. And he is so rich it appears he has had so much botox he can’t make any expressions. That just seems sick to me. Call me an elitist, but I don’t have money and haven’t gone to an ivy league school. The last 2 years I have just become very disappointed in the John McCain I see now-taking plays from Karl Rove. Sarah Palin isn’t worth talking about.
I couldn’t agree with you more, Sharon.
All of the “maverick” and “shoot from the hip” b.s. that’s flung around when referring admiringly to McCain and now Palin is just that: b.s. These two folks couldn’t fight their way out of a paper bag without serious assistance.
My thoughts when thinking of a maverick turn to someone who most probably knows all of the rules but flaunts them anyway, cares nothing for the consequences nor worries about who might get hurt in the process, and goes full-steam ahead - usually half-cocked and even less informed - into an almost always disastrous situation, expecting somebody else to rescue said maverick when the you-know-what hits the fan. Anyone recall George Bush’s war against Saddam Hussein?
How can anyone use the term maverick admiringly when referring to McCain and Palin? Perhaps they are simply calling it as they see it. And the term is not meant to be flattering.
Please, Lord, save us from another 4 years of the same old Republican excuse for intelligent governing. Bush, Cheney and that evil troll Rove have brought our once-great country to its knees. And all of us with it. The lies and obfuscations are too myriad and arcane to begin to enumerate. Anyone with good sense and a reasonable memory can probably name 6 big ones without pausing for breath.
I did have a laugh while watching the Republican show in the Twin Cities last week. I was looking at the many lovingly made-by-hand signs the Republican supporters were waving over their pointed little heads and I saw one that tickled my funny bone. It read: “mavrick”.
I pray to God that every self-professed redneck and bigot develops color-blindness in the next 60 days and votes for the man who will do the best job as President of our United States. If that were to miraculously happen, then Barack Obama would be elected Commander-in-Chief.
We, our country and the world will have at least 4, if not 8, years of sane governance of our country, and measured and reasoned responses to world issues and crises. Vigorous development of new industries and creation of new jobs. An end to the dreadful war imposed on us and the Iraqis by the Bush juggernaut. An opportunity for those who have been marginalized these past 8 years to begin to re-discover their sense of pride in absolutely everything American, a renewed interest and feeling of security in their jobs, and real comfort and joy in their daily lives.
All of this will be due to a decent, spiritual, well-educated, thoughtful family man and concerned citizen of this country, whose intentions and judgment are well-respected both here and throughout the world, will be taking the oath of office next January. Barack Obama, save us all!
Very well said George in an understandable manner. Some of these responses are above my 12th. grade educated head but you put it simply & meaningfully. I too am in a quandry about who to vote for especially as being a Vietnam veteran myself. Honestly, I never ever thought I would vote for a black (semi-black?) man for the Presidency…even though I am currently flying for the UN World Food Program in Darfur, Sudan. At this point, I am definitely leaning toward Obama.
I agree. I have been saying for some time that there were many POWs. They don’t qualify for president. I actually think McCain has come serious Mental problems and should be examined. War does strange things to people.
McCain’s Emotional & Psychological Health
Dr. Butler’s article has raised a critical issue about John McCain: his emotional and psychological fitness to be the President, as has this comment.
I think John McCain suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD). I question if he has received any appropriate treatment. I would like to know how he was helped to recover from his POW experience. In his own words to talk about the specific ways he was aided in recovering emotionally and psychologically from the torture, deprivation, and other personal hardships. His well known anger-rage behavior and reactivity alerts us to some of his symptoms of PTSD. He does not strike me as a person with whom I am confident to make sound, thoughtful, and non-impulsive decisions on behalf of the country. Rather, for example, I fear him reacting in anger-rage as payback or revenge or being pissed off in an international situation which results in catastrophic consequences.
I would be interested in reading about any emotional and psychological treatment McCain was involved in. What helped him recover? Has he really recovered or covered it up? Anyone have some references to pass along?
Healthy characteristics of emotional and psychological fitness are broader than his claiming to be tough and a fighter in dealing with challenges in our society and world today. Those characteristics are at best inadequate. And at worst catastrophic. Truly a concern: what do we really know about his interior personal fitness? For crying out loud, lets get serious about who this man really is: he wants to the President of the USA, not president of a beer distribution industry.
McCain’s first wife..where is she? Living in Virigina as a cripple after a terrible car accident. John left her while she was in this horrible condition to be with his now present wife. Is this true? What about his other children? What is the true story behind this “so called family man?”
As for Pallin? Was she a playmate or are the rumors just that rumors? I have seen pictures that show her in very unfavourable light, not someone who should be VP of a country as great as the US of A.
When I look at this article and the video, I see a powerful message. It is quite effective, but there is something wrong with it.
This man has the right to speak about the POW experience, and to say that Mccain is nothing special compared to the rest of the men. that is fair, and just point against mccain. But Mccain doesnt make himself out as something different or better from his fellow POWs. He often says the others were better men then himself. To extend an argument to him abusing his experience and making it more than it seems, requires a more.
He also has a right to speak about Mccain as a student. Mccain was a bad student. Mccain was a selfish, arrogant, angry man, and maybe even got away with a lot because of privilege.
The author though can’t really speak to anything about Mccain after his POW experience, and also can’t speak to how the experience of being a POW transformed Mccain, or to his more spiritual moments.
So when the author then digs into his political track record, there is something disingenuous. We then can see that this is more political than factual. More of a hit piece than expose on Mccains misrepresentation of his POW experience.
I am sure many just eat up the political smears and add it all together into one nice message of why Mccain should not be president.
We should just see it as what it is, political propaganda, with almost some points to be made.
But thank the author for his service, and don’t see this as anyway being unpatriotic. just him using his “longer” POW experience as a means to get credibility to make political attacks against a man he disagrees with.
Why is there no mention of McCain’s three years of making radio propaganda for the North Vietnamese? It is a factual issue that must be discussed but is being buried for no good reason.
If McCain wants to play up the PoW line, then he should address all of it.
Very true, P Smith, and it goes furthar than that.
During McCain’s first 4 days in captivity, and at a time when he was not being questioned in any way (in fact, at a time when he was lying in bed while a doctor took a look at his injured knee), he volunteered to give his captors military information in return for the medical treatment he wanted. (Source –McCain in his own words, both in his autobiography FAITH OF MY FATHERS, and in a narrative he wrote for US News and World Report. McCain admits, in his own words in his autobiography and confirmed in the US News interview, that he said “Take me to the hospital and I’ll give you the information you want.”) They took him to the hospital and stablilized his condition, and he gave them valid and valuable military information so he could get the treatment he wanted. That admission is also in FAITH OF MY FATHERS — McCain tries to cover up and sugar-coat what he did, but a person reading with discernment and without being hoodwinked by the personna McCain tries to assume, can find his admissions. (My husband, a USAF military intelligence analyst in the 1960s, says that the information McCain gave was pure gold to a competent analyst.) McCain went on to make upwards of 30 propaganda broadcasts (source — Terry Usry, Republican investigator for the 1992 Senate Committee dealing with left-behind POW issues).
McCain is not a valiant POW. McCain’s conduct and experiences were in no way heroic. McCain is, at best, a survivor — someone who survived regardless the honorable or dishonorable things he had to do to survive. He sold out for personal gain, after only four days in captivity.
I agree with you — if McCain wants to play the POW card, he should disclose EVERYTHING he did (without trying to wrap it in candy floss). The voters of this country need to know the WHOLE truth of what he did.
Thank you for your service and opinion. We should pay attention to the issues. If McCains Military service is all we have to go on, it makes it hard to vote for him. I am a republican who is leaning twords Obama for his ability to take his time, use his brain, and think out the best answer for all that ails America.
I am basically a Libertarian and I am going to vote for Obama for the same reasons you cite. I have read his book and although I don’t agree with everything he is a man who thinks things about, he is intelligent and he is the only candidate who will possibly change anything. McCain will be more of the same. We have to take a chance.
kidunot: Thanks for your reply. I am encouraged to see that there are Republicans like yourself who respect the notion that problem solving requires one to “take his time,use his brain, and think out the best answer”. I believe that if you follow that model, you will no longer “lean” toward Obama, but fall all over yourself to support him. BUT–even if you don’t, I have great respect for your decision since you reached it by the above method.
Quite frankly, I think neither McCain nor Obama are qualified to be president. Hard to believe that out of 300 million people these two men are the “best” to be the next president-elect in just a few weeks.
Thank goodness, however, Bush is on his way out.
I agree with you completely.
From the whole country? NO ONE ELSE QUALIFIES? sad, very sad
Who would WANT to be president? I agree with others that our choices are less than ideal, but taking into account all four persons on the ticket, my instinct tells me this: Obama has a clean slate and a very admirable resume, even if not exactly tailored to the presidency, as well, he is respected and liked outside our country. Biden has a long admirable tenure in Washington, and stands for what I believe are the important issues, mostly having to do with humanitarianism, the environment, alternate energy sources, restoring worldwide dipolmacy, healthcare, education, the economy, and getting our troops out of Iraq. McCain’s past behavior is questionable. He was one of five senators reprimanded for the savings and loan scandal back in the late 80’s, his short-temper is obvious, and I am concerned about his overall health and his elder age, as well his mental stability. Palin, from what I have read, is quite the vindictive, outwardly bigoted, Evangelical-leaning, stubborn know-it-all, with not very impressive credentials. She comes across as a bully (read: bitch), and some of the scathing articles on her misuse of taxpayer funds in Alaska need to be brought to the forefront. Unfortunately Bill Maher is correct, and I quote: “Most Americans are too ignorant to be governed”.
Let’s all take a deep sigh of relief knowing that George W. Bush will be history (and a bad memory) in a few short months.
“He is now a peace and justice activist with Veterans for Peace.” Wouldn’t have much of social life (lol) in Coastal California if he hadn’t gone over to the left. I don’t blame him. It’s tough when you go into Cabo de Tortuga (Turtle Bay) in downtown Monterey for a taco and people look at you funny because they think you’re a Republican.
[…] by Bill Nance on September 6, 2008 A couple of weeks ago I read this article by Phillip Butler, one of John McCain’s fellow POWs. I thought about writing something at the […]
Anyone who doesn’t vote like me is an idiot and a traitor
Thank you Dr. Butlet for the factual information you have provided. Every time John McCain runs for office we see the same lengthy video of him as a prisoner of war. Every time I have seen it I have felt guilty for thinking “ok, we all know that and honor you for it. Now, what about the job you are running for?” After the most recent film I found myself thinking about the hundreds of men imprisoned with him. I haven’t heard any one of them asking for the highest office this country has to offer based on their experience as a POW. Your article straightened out my thinking. Thank you again.
Thank you for your article, Dr. Butler. It put a lot into perspective. I can respect and appreciate McCain’s experience as a POW without needing to vote for him. I want the best team for the job, and judging by McCain’s recent political judgment to appoint Sarah Palin as VP, he does not have the kind of judgment needed to become the next leader of this Country. It also speaks volumes about the patronizing element of the Republican Party.
First, Dr. Butler, thanks for your article. I think it’s a shame that in order to disagree with John McCain one needs to qualify with military service.
As a Veteran, one of the things I cherish is the civilian control of the military. It has kept this country free from tyranny for 232 years and is a principle we should all treasure.
I am neither Democrat for Republican, neither “progressive” nor “conservative.” I’m just an American. I am sure we disagree on a whole host of issues, from the appropriate use of force to who knows what else.
But on one thing we are in complete agreement. One’s military heroism is not, in itself, any qualification for high political office. If you disagree, look at the Presidency of U.S. Grant., arguably one of the most corrupt and inept presidents in U.S. History.
I admire John McCain. And personally I find him very likeable. But examining his record, particularly over the last eight years, has led me to the conclusion that the principles he once held in such high regard were long ago sold out to personal ambition.
This alone would disqualify him. Add to that his reckless selection of a Theocrat governor with less than two years experience, with serious ethics issues with NO proper vetting, and the judgement/experience argument, his ONLY argument, is gone.
The current climate of jingoism and reflexive, nationalist chest-thumping is disturbing. I think it’s a left-over from Vietnam Syndrome. A leftover that has been cynically used to manipulate a populace that increasingly has little contact with the military or understanding of its proper and historical role.
We took an oath to serve. We were never granted a right to forever be unquestioned because of that oath.
Well we can tell who got their head hit against the wall to many times as a P.O.W.
It wasn’t John McCain.
I don’t see why this guy thinks he is so much better for being a POW longer. Seniority isn’t based on who has been there the longest. Looks like someone forgot the Code of Conduct.
In an election between a Presidential candidate who is a product of the Chicago political machine, who voted 120+ times “present”, who is afraid to take stands on tough issues, who seems like a very nice guy, who is a brilliant speaker, I am still voting for the guy with no connections to terrorists. It is very disturbing to continually read the visceral hate spewed by left. Nothing really about how “I disagree politically with the Republicans and their candidates”. It is always character assasination 101. Obama seems like a nice guy though. All sizzle, no steak. Thank GOD that he will not be elected this year. Maybe he will be ready in 2012 though. He is NOT ready now.
Thank you for all that you did for our country back in those dark days and thank you for all that you are, once again, doing for our country during these dark days. Your courage, integrity and love of country shine through. God bless you, Phillip Butler!
Everyone is always talking about John McCain’s sterling character and being a wonderful family man. What about his first wife? She waited for him and he cheats on her with Cindy. Talk about being an opportunist.
[…] dude totally out-POW’d Maccers and has written an excellent article here. Off you pop […]
Dr. Butler,
You do realize you come off as a bitter and jealous person in this article, don’t you?
You say McCain’s voting record has been “far to the right.” What’s wrong with this? It’s much better than Obama’s extreme liberal voting record.
I know you liberals are out of touch with reality, so it may surprise you to learn that a large portion of Americans lean to the right. We stand for common sense, less government, personal responsibility, and family values.
[…] This article deserves to be spread all over the planet. It’s from a fellow POW who served during the same time as […]
IMO McCain’s campaign is not trying to portray him as THE hero, or as the only POW at the Hanoi Hilton. He just happens to be the most nationally known of those who were there.
BTW, have a read of The Nightingale’s Song, by Robert Timberg. Timberg is a graduate of the Naval Academy in Annapolis and was also in Vietnam. The book is an interesting and revealing look at the Academy and Vietnam experiences of five men: McCain, John Poindexter, Bud McFarlane, Jim Webb, and Oliver North. Read the reviews at Amazon.com and see if you think it’s worth a look.
CINDY MCCAIN MENTION HOW SHE MET HER HUSBAND, SHE HOWEVER, DID NOT ADMIT THAT HER HUSBAND WAS ALREADY A MARRIED MAN WITH A SICK WIFE.THEN TALK ABOUT FAMILY VALUES! WHERE IS THE CHURCH LEADERS ON THIS ISSUE.
Thank you for your very interesting article. I’m a disbled Vietnam-era Air Force veteran. My brother was Airborne and lost his life in Vietnam. For eleven years, I worked in the Operating Room and I can vividly remember when the POWs started coming home. Many of them came to the first hospital to which I was assigned; for me, it was time in my life when I didn’t know whether to cry from sadness or from happiness. I had worn my POW bracelet for years and years.
This is the first election where I am researching as much information as I can to make an educated choice on November 4th. I haven’t the time to find out everything but when I come across information such as your article, I save it and check into it as much as I can. Before reading your article, I had already made the choice to vote for the Obama-Biden ticket. Now that I’ve read your article which confirmed some things I had heard before, I can relax knowing I am truly making the right decision for myself, my grown children and my grandchildren. Again, thank you so much.
Sincere regards,
Linda
Not to change the subject here but—–It is obvious even to the most casual, informed, Troopergate is just a tip of the iceberg. Sarah Palin has a history in Alaska politics, and, if elected, expect more of the same. Inform yourselves! This is a must-read: from an Alaskan Newspaper = Highly respected people from her town that really know her! Went to school & church w/ her, etc. Please pass this on to all misinformed Palin supporters.
Please pass this on to all misinformed Palin supporters
http://community.adn.com/adn/node/130537
————————————-
also here for exxron jon
http://www.laprogressive.com/2008/08/25/why-i-won%E2%80%99t-vote-for-john-mccain/
Not to change the subject here but—–It is obvious even to the most casual, informed, Troopergate is just a tip of the iceberg. Sarah Palin has a history in Alaska politics, and, if elected, expect more of the same. Inform yourselves! This is a must-read: from an Alaskan Newspaper = Highly respected people from her town that really know her! Went to school & church w/ her, etc. Please pass this on to all misinformed Palin supporters.
Please pass this on to all misinformed Palin supporters
http://community.adn.com/adn/node/130537
————————————-
http://www.laprogressive.com/2008/08/25/why-i-won%E2%80%99t-vote-for-john-mccain/
I would never vote for McCain and always suspected his POW story.
Especially since he REFUSES TO RELEASE HIS MILITARY RECORDS.
I do agree that McCain and Bush are alike on a lot of issues - but then Butler contradicts himself when he characterizes McCain as far right. Far from the truth - except for the warmongering, they are not. Unless Butler is using “conservative” and “far right” as synonyms. True conservatives are anti-war, pro-free-market, and anti-state. McCain or Obama are none of those.
I really dont think anyone cares what you think. I find that being a former POW does attract to his campaign. As far as his college days go…Who cares…he was a kid. And for his temper maybe thats what we need for a change is someone who is angry. I know I am. I think the POW inhances him. If he could endure and you also that kind of treatment…Youll be well equipped to deal with Pelosi and Reid. So go ahead and waste your vote on the do nothing, no experience at anything prodigy. No one will care.
And me being a former sailor myself…You are no shipmate!
Thanks for your service Dr. Butler. I too served but fortunately was never captured, nor do I have any purple hearts. Your comments have given me even more reason to vote for Senator McCain. I was under the impression that he was tortured for a very short time after capture, someone had told me that the torture stopped once they identified him as the Admirals son. Knowing now that he survived that treatment much longer, 2 1/2 years, in addition to the time just spent in that place, well - I don’t see how anyone could vote for Obama. It’s a moot point now anyway as Obama is now running against Palin. Thanks again for your service, your article, and good luck to your present career as a peace activist.
I graduated in 1968. I remember the times when it seemed everyone’s brother was going to Nam, and not coming back. My husband was a junior when he first got his notice to come take a physical. What a heartbreaking time. I am eternally grateful that so many of our POWs came home. When I’ve heard John speak about his POW years, he always says he is grateful to his fellow POWs for saving him. If not for them, he would’ve died.
Having raised a son, I can tell you his years between 15 and 25 were wild and crazy, however he is a fine man and father who finished college and the USMC.
I don’t know how anyone can judge a party or president since the congress is almost always controlled by the opposite party. We are in the shape we are today due to both parties. It’s high time we stop this bantering back and forth as they both want to tout their way of thinking as best. We need to pull together not continue on the same path.
What company can you work in for one year and then become CEO? While I would definitely vote for Barack Obama one day, I dont’ think one year in the Senate and a year and a half running for president is experience enough to lead our country. Isn’t the American dream to work hard and earn your merit?
Our democratic presidents, Kennedy and Clinton, brought adultery to the white house. Is there any greater betrayal? How come no one talks about that?
For the poster who used Lincoln as an apt example for presidential material, it would be interesting to note that he was after all a Republican. What irony and thank you! There are questions on either side, but I have to say that for any of those who viewed the Republican convention, I distinctly recall McCain describing himself as a “man for himself” until his imprisonment, so this author’s description of McCain means nothing more than a confirming testament to McCain’s honesty. With all due respect, Mr Butler, debating is not your best skill. Nonetheless, I salute you and thank you for your time in military service.
Dr. Butler should be commended for his military duty. 8 years as a POW had to be a lot more difficult than any of us commenting on this blog can really comprehend.
That however is as far as I can go with the accolades as it is quite clear anyone with half a brain can see his comments about McCain are motivated by his obvious jealousy.
He points out how he spent 8 years as a POW and was subjected to 41/2 years of torture and McCain was only subjected to 21/2 years?
then goes on to talk about the “POW Seniority System”
Can’t even 1 of you brainless liberals read between the lines? are you all so caught up in finding a negative in McCain you can’t see the forest through the trees?
One day of military experience, 10 minutes of torture is still way more than Obama can take credit for.
Instead of trying to find a negative by a jealous fellow POW from almost 40 years ago open those biased liberal eyes to the facts.
If Obama is elected President you can kiss your 2nd amendment rights goodbye. You can then get ready for more tax’s, a host of new government subsidized affirmative action initiatives. But worst of all get ready for the terrorists to take up residency here in the US.
Hey Ray - your comment was truncated. OpEd left off your detailed military experience. Please update and let us know when and where you served.
I think this is the reason the military is supporting Obama.
John McCain is not a friend of the American Military:
John McCain does not know that 9-11 was caused by Osama Bin Laden not Sedam Hussein?
John McCain does not know if Sunnis or Sheits are our enemies?
John McCain missed 10 of the past 14 votes on Iraq?
John McCain in September 2007: voted against the Webb amendment calling for adequate troop rest between deployments?
John McCain July 2007: voted against a plan to drawdown troop levels in Iraq?
John McCain in March 2007 was too busy to vote on a bill that would require the start of a drawdown in troop levels within 120 days with a goal of withdrawing nearly all-combat troops within one year?
John McCain in February 2007 didn’t even bother to show up to vote against a resolution condemning it? For such a strong supporter of the escalation, McCain didn’t even bother to show up and vote for it?
John McCain in June 2006, voted against a resolution that Bush start withdrawing troops but with no timeline to do so?
John McCain in May 2006, voted against an amendment that would provide $20 million to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for health care facilities?
John McCain in April 2006, was one of only 13 Senators to vote against $430,000,000 for the Department of Veteran Affairs for Medical Services for outpatient care and treatment for veterans?
John McCain in March 2006, voted against increasing Veterans medical services funding by $1.5 billion in FY 2007 to be paid for by closing corporate tax loopholes?
John McCain in March 2004, once again voted for abusive tax loopholes over veterans when he voted against creating a reserve fund to allow for an increase in Veterans’ medical care by $1.8 billion by eliminating abusive tax loopholes. Jeez, McCain really loves those tax loopholes for corporations, since he voted for them over our veterans’ needs?
John McCain in October 2003, voted to table an amendment by Senator Dodd that called for an additional $322,000,000 for safety equipment for United States forces in Iraq and to reduce the amount provided for reconstruction in Iraq by $322,000,000?
John McCain in April 2003, urged other Senate members to table a vote (which never passed) to provide more than $1 billion for National Guard and Reserve equipment in Iraq related to a shortage of helmets, tents, bullet-proof inserts, and tactical vests?
If he believes that we should stay the course for as long as possible he should be willing to support the people he puts in harms way.
To Tony Valle,
The piece was why he will not vote for McCain, so why do you extrapolate that to presume he will vote for Obama. I, myself, have no clue who he will vote for. Maybe he will write in Ron Paul. Maybe he will choose a Green or Libertarian candidate. Maybe he will sit this one out.
I find it interesting that a fellow soldier of John McCain’s is publicly criticizing him when the leadership of our country is at stake. It’s a scary thought that Obama may lead our country, with no military experience and minimal leadership experience. I thought that the code of the military implemented never leaving another behind, yet this article is attempting to make John McCain’s service to our country mediocre. I believe you all take an oath and all serve our country, so it seems incredibly petty to me and a strive for attention to “downplay” John McCain’s years of service to our wonderful country.
Dr. Butler,
I thank you for speaking out -
I would like to know your opinion, regarding Vietnam era- MIA’s. My opinion is total disgust for my Government. I still wear an MIA Bracelet - and plan to until this man is accounted for. John McCain, seems to dodge any questions about MIA’s?? Why DR. ??? What knowledge do you have about people “missing in action???”
Sincerely,
Scott Thomas Paulson
Navy Nuclear Sub- Missile Tech.
USS Andrew Jackson SSBN 619(G)
Cold War COMBAT VETERAN
I echo the comments by Ray posted at 8:53:06 and only add that I too was a veteran during the vietnam era although i was not a POW. I will vote for McCain mainly because of his experience. I also feel his background in congress ( a lot longer term senator than Obombo ) makes him a better candidate to run this country than someone who can’t place his hand over his heart during the pledge of Alligence or care at all for the military men serving this country.
Comment by Judy
2008-09-08 06:47:16
Our democratic presidents, Kennedy and Clinton, brought adultery to the white house. Is there any greater betrayal? How come no one talks about that?…
Are you trying to say that the only presidents who cheated on their wives were Kennedy and Clinton? You cannot be that uniformed. Please check your history.
What has obamma done that qualifies him to be president? He has consistently changed his opinnion on issues according to what will benifit his popularity in the poles. He has not served in the military. Is there a reson why? He is half black.
This is without question one of the most poorly argued pieces I’ve ever read. The entire argument can be summed up in this way: McCain wasn’t the only POW, therefore he shouldn’t be elected. Pathetic. Not only that, but the notion that McCain hasn’t publicized the fact that others suffered with him (remember all those fellow POWs at the convention?), or that he’s portrayed himself as the only hero (how many times has he denied having acted heroically?) are patently false.
Dr. Butler,
Let me first say thank you for your service to our Country.
I have never heard John McCain make it sound like he was the only POW hero. I have never heard John McCain say he was tortured longer than any other POW. I have never heard John McCain even imply such ludicrous ideas. I guess you missed the part in his acceptance speech where he honored his fellow POWs by saying if not for them he would have been left for dead. You must not have been one of them.
John McCain is an honorable public servant, seeking the highest public office. No one has ever implied that being a POW should be a prerequisite for the position. But the fact that he was one certainly has a bearing on the choice of whether to elect someone without military experience.
John McCain IS the man we want to run our Country. John McCain in a servant of the people. He will put Country first, as he has since his POW days where he learned through that tribulation how special being an American is.
I wish you the best in your career as a peace activist.
Thank you Dr. Butler for your heroic service to our country and for your courageous honesty. Have you been asked by any mainstream media for an interview?
Wishing you the best!
Alan Wood
Fairfax, VA
Obamma is a well educated man who will choose wisely the people to help guide our country. As more information comes to light he may revise his views on a specific topic. I have always thought that as you learn more you adjust you thinking on a topic. If once you make up your mind about something and you can never change it, I guess we would all think the world is flat. McCain has changed his mind also, first he was pro choice now he is pro life, he was against drilling and now he is for drilling. Palin was for the bridge and now she is against the bridge but she kept some of the money. She was pro earmarks including asking for 20+ this year and now she is against earmarks. So I guess we all can change our minds.
I will say that I honor McCain’s time as a POW but I wish he would stop playing on it. That was 30+ years ago and has nothing to do with now. If anything it makes me more afraid of having his finger on the red button. He is likely to push before asking all the questions.
I get these everyday from a friend on the far left.
I caution people to step back and take a GOOD look at Obama.
He shouldn’t even be in this race.