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McCain Great American

The Readers Say

McCain Great American

Editor, News-Register:

Sunday, August 25, 2018, marked the passing of a truly great American — Senator John Sidney McCain III (Republican from Arizona) as a result of a lethal form of brain cancer, for which he was diagnosed in July 2017. He died at the age of 81, only four days prior to what would of been his 82nd birthday on August 29, 2018.

Senator McCain was elected to the United States Senate in 1986, replacing another iconic figure, Senator Barry Goldwater, representing the state of Arizona, a position which he held proudly until his death. Serving admirably as a member of the Armed Services Committee of the Senator from 1986, including as chairman from 2015 until hi passing.

Senator McCain began his career in government politics in 1982 with his election to the U.S. House of Representatives from Arizona, a position held until his election to the U.S. Senate.

During his career in government, Senator McClain maintained a reputation as a “maverick” who would not hesitate to speak his mind and always put the needs of our great country first and foremost and always had the courage of his convictions to do what he thought was right.

Senator McCain twice was a candidate for the office of president of the United States, losing the Republican nomination to the eventual winner George W. Bush in 2000 and to Democrat Barack Obama in 2008. He ran honorable campaigns, proving that although obviously disagreements with your opponents do exist, there is no need to be disagreeable or disrespectful as a result.

Prior to his outstanding career in government, Senator McClain bravely and heroically served our nation during the Vietnam War, during which his A-4 Skyhawk was shot down on a mission over Hanoi by the North Vietnamese in October 1967. As a result, he served five and a half years as a prisoner of war in the infamous “Hanoi Hilton,” during which he was repeatedly and brutally beaten and tortured by his captors.

During his imprisonment by the North Vietnamese, Senator McCain was offered an “early release” out of respect for his outstanding military lineage as both his father and grandfather were high-ranking and highly respected Naval officers. McCain declined the opportunity to leae the prison, out of his respect for his fellow comrades who were not to be granted such consideration.

I must admit that as a life-long democrat, that I certainly have had my disagreements politically with the Senators over the years.

However I am a great admirer of Senator McCain for his patriotism, courage heroism and dignity in his outstanding service to our great nation over the decades and for his diligence and unfailing efforts to make our country a better and safe place.

Richard Hord

Martins Ferry

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