An American Patriot

In the history of great nations there are always those who stand out, those who commit their lives to the service of their country. These are the people who work quietly, or not so quietly, to build a country to be proud of. They understand the term “self-sacrifice”. One such man is John McCain. Agree, or disagree with him as you will, but he has tried to do his best to defend and support America.

I have compiled a few recent videos of Senator McCain that I feel show what he has come to stand for.

First is a speech he gave last fall at the Medal of Liberty ceremony.

These next two are from an interview with Senator McCain when he appeared on The View.

The first relates an incident, that to my very real regret, occurred in Minnesota during his presidential run against President Obama. He is reacting to a supporter's attempt to paint Mr. Obama as untrustworthy. In her mind that was because she thought he was Arab.

The second contains his views on a past war that was so critical to John McCain, as well as current events.

It takes a lot to stand up for what you believe is right when that means standing against your own political party. Yet, John McCain, along with two other Senators, did so when a critical vote on a poorly written health care bill came to a vote in the Senate.

But perhaps one of the most admirable things about John McCain is that he has attempted to work with his opponents, earning their respect and also their friendship. This last video is of an exchange with President Obama at a charity dinner. It seems a bit dated now, with gentler humor, rather than the acidic, biting, dialogue that is so prevalent today.

The family of John McCain has recently announced that he is discontinuing treatment for brain cancer. They have my deepest sympathy.  His voice will be missed.


UPDATE:

John McCain has died at the age of 81.  America is a poorer place without him.  May he rest in peace.  

Iran

I meant to watch the first part of this PBS documentary last night, but unfortunately that never happened.  So tonight I spent some time catching up.  I found it an interesting view of a country I only know through the media.  Iran is a country of over 80 million people and I think they deserve a voice beyond what their government or our President have to say.

You will find some of what you might expect, but I think you will also see a portrait of a warm, caring, family oriented people who would like to find happiness, just as we all do.  So I thought I would provide a link to the first part of the film, if you are interested in visiting Iran.  The second part is airing tonight, August 14.  I will have to watch that tomorrow. :)

Frontline - Our Man in Tehran Part 1

Marshall

Another movie has come along that I feel might be of interest. If there is one thing that makes America great it is the efforts of people to try to bring about the dream that created the United States. No matter how large or small, it is their combined efforts that have made a difference.

This is a movie from 2017, but I just watched it the other night. It involves a case that Thurgood Marshall was involved with early on in his career, before he became a Supreme Court Justice. A hero can come in any shape or form. This one used education and the law as his weapons of choice.