No Reason to Feud With a Dead Man!

Weekly Opinion Editorial

McCain & Trump Continue Feud!

by Steve Fair

     Senator John McCain died on Saturday.  McCain served as U.S. Senator from Arizona for 31 years, succeeding the legendary Senator Barry Goldwater.  McCain’s father and grandfather were both Navy Admirals.  Like they, he graduated from the Naval academy.  He then served in Vietnam as a Navy pilot, was shot down, captured and was a prisoner of war for five years.  After he came home, he went into politics, first in the U.S. House, and then in the Senate.  In Congress, McCain cultivated the image of a rebel and considered himself a maverick, often going against the GOP on issues.  He ran for president twice and gained the nomination in 2008, eventually losing to Barrack Obama by a 2-1 Electoral College margin. 

     Both of Oklahoma’s U.S. Senators praised McCain.  Senator Jim Inhofe said:  “John was a fighter for the causes he cared deeply about—most notably our military and democratic values around the world—and a passionate advocate for Arizonians.  I’m honored that I could call him a friend and colleague. Our prayers are with his wife, Cindy, and the entire McCain family as we join the nation in mourning and honoring a true American hero.”  Senator James Lankford said: “I’m grieved to hear of the passing of Senator John McCain. Few Senators have made a greater impact on the nation. He is an American hero who never stopped serving our country. I pray for peace and strength for his wife, Cindy, and their family as they mourn in the days ahead.”

     President Trump tweeted condolences to the family, but the White House didn’t issue an ‘official statement’ on McCain’s death.  Flags were ordered to half-staff, but then raised back to full staff after just one day.  The mainstream media has been having a field day criticizing the POTUS for his not praising McCain’s military and political service. 

     The feud between Trump and McCain wasn’t one sided.  McCain told his family he didn’t want President Trump to attend his funeral.  He requested former Presidents George W. Bush and Barrack Obama to eulogize him.  McCain took special glee in casting the deciding vote to reject repealing and replacing Obama care, a key Trump initiative.  This was after he had won re-election campaigning he would vote to repeal it.  He criticized Trump for complimenting Vladimir Putin.  In his final written public statement, he took a shot at the President’s plan to build a wall, so this feud wasn’t one-sided.

     President Trump’s actions toward McCain in death are no different than they were in life- he despised him.  The feeling was mutual- McCain had no use for Trump.  McCain was a deal maker, like Trump, but with less flair.  McCain opposed everything Trump proposed. 

     By ignoring McCain’s military and public service years, Trump is showing disrespect, not just to McCain, but to a nation that values sacrifice.  He is defining himself and not in a positive light.  President Trump should follow tradition, issue an official statement on the death of McCain, lower the flags to half-staff through the burial, and move on.  Continuing a feud with a dead man serves no meaningful purpose.