Overplaying The POW Card

Let me state that I respect John McCain's service to our country. I also have tremendous respect for any person, regardless of national origin, who survives an ordeal as a Prisoner of War. Hell, I have a distant cousin who spent longer at the Hanoi Hilton than did John McCain. My cousin also endured torture. I wore a POW bracelet with his name on it for years and was delighted when the time came that I could take it off because he returned home and then sent the bracelet to him.

With all that said, my experience with any combat vet (and I've known plenty of them having been stationed at Ft. Bragg and in the Army Reserves for many years post Army active-duty) and to be honest with you, these men (used only because all of them have been men) just don't talk about those experiences -- you might, particularly if you're close to one of them and have known them for a while and in rare moments of true candor when they feel comfortable -- get them to open up periodically, but it just doesn't happen all that much.

These men go on their way and continue to live their day-to-day lives -- taking care of business -- and choose to let their actions speak for their honor and their integrity. It is not something that they keep trumpeting in your face every time you turn around. They do not mind if you ask a legitimate question in search of information or an answer that makes sense and is logical. Likewise, the men who really were on the front lines don’t brag about it or throw it up in your face every time you turn around.

So, why does John McCain, and his campaign, think he has to keep playing his "I was a POW therefore I am an honorable and brave man and you must not question anything I say or do because I am John McCain and I was a POW and a war hero. If you don't believe me, don't bother asking."

Frankly, that bromide is getting old and I am about ready to puke if he continues to roll it out to justify anything and everything...especially if's a legitimate question or point that relates to him wanting the job as President of the US. As his potential employers, we have every right and responsibility to ask those questions. We have the right to find out exactly where he does stand on the issues. Although, with the way he's been going, you have to take it all with a grain of salt. John McCain, according to his own campaign, does not speak for his own campaign.

John McCain, what exactly are you trying to hide? Why is it that when you are asked a legitimate question that you don't like, do you deflect with some off-the-wall comment that doesn't relate to what was asked of you? What are you so afraid of?

My father told me many times while growing up about the importance of body language (of course, that wasn't the parlance of the time) and said I should always keeps my eyes and ears wide open and my mouth closed -- in other words, watch and observe. Listen to what people say, what they say, and how they talk about other people. Do their words and their actions connect? Do they talk the talk AND walk the walk? Or, are they just good at talking the talk but balk at walking the walk? If they balk, I take a walk -- right away from them.

John McCain, stop using the POW Card and beating us over the head with it. We get it, we know you were a POW. But here’s a clue John -- you’re not the only man in America who was a POW – it is a small circle, but you’re not the ONLY ONE. Instead of constantly reminding us, why don’t you let your actions speak louder than your words? Or, do you have a problem with putting words to action?

Familiarity breeds contempt – when you rely on continually reminding us that you were a POW and that gives you free berth to say or do whatever you want – well, expect us to begin to hold you in contempt. Stop being a victim – as so many of us who have also been victims do.