I read and listened to John McCain’s March 31 speech delivered in Meridian, Mississippi on the first day of his Service To America Tour. I’d wanted to learn something more about the former Naval aviator and Vietnam POW, about his character and core beliefs, how he reasons and what he’s made of. I found the speech a beginning, though I’ll need to delve much deeper if I’m to better understand the man who hopes to be our next Commander-in Chief. From the speech:
“…Like most people, when I reflect on the adventures and joys of youth, I feel a longing for what is lost and cannot be restored. But though the happy pursuits of the young prove ephemeral, something better can endure, and endure until our last moment of life. And that is the honor we earn and the love we give when we work and sacrifice with others for a cause greater than our self-interest. For me that cause has long been our country. I am a lucky, lucky man to have found it, and am forever grateful to those who showed me the way. What they gave me was much more valuable and lasting than the tribute I once paid to vanity.
I am the son and grandson of admirals. My grandfather was an aviator; my father a submariner. They were my first heroes, and their respect for me has been one of the most lasting ambitions of my life. They gave their lives to their country, and taught me lessons about honor, courage, duty, perseverance and leadership that I didn’t fully grasp until later in life, but remembered when I needed them most. I have been an imperfect servant of my country for many years. But I am their son, and they showed me how to love my country, and that has made all the difference for me, my friends, all the difference in the world.”
My first reaction to McCain had been that he was too much a maverick, his positions failing to follow a traditional path along “conservative” or “Republican” lines. But I’m learning that he possesses strong convictions and, unlike most politicians today, is unabashed about sticking to what he believes is best for the country with little or no regard for opinion polls or GOP orthodoxy. Generally, those are qualities I respect. So I’m reserving judgment until I can learn more about what makes the man tick. Perhaps there’s more to John McCain than I first thought.
This is a Patriot’s Journey post. You may also enjoy visiting the other journeyers: Drumwaster, Larry at The Bastage, the folks at The Line Is Here and Shortbus from The Edge of Reason…