Politics- Does being a POW prepare you to run a country?

[beatrixherald]

So,  I am not a big supporter of Obama or McCain.  I liked Hillary, but I will probably vote Green party in November.  That being said.  Why do people think that McCain is a good Choice because he was in a POW camp and was a vietnam Vet?   I know LOTS of vietnam vets who are WAY TOO Messed up because of there service to run a household, nevermind a

Comments

[cathgrace]

"Is he exaggerating his experience and it wasn't that bad?"

Not cool sister friend, not cool. I may be extra sensitive to veteran’s affairs, but the very idea that his experiences (regardless of political affiliation) were not all that bad, just raises my hackles. That's like saying a rape victim is trying to make people feel sorry for them, or an abused child is just looking for attention.

There are certainly abuse, rape, and torture victims that unfortunately do have those things rule their lives, but there are also those who become better people, and stronger individuals tempered in the fires of adversity. I don’t particularly like any of the candidates in the current political climate, and I personally think we are screwed either way, but you can’t honestly debate the man’s record as a member of the military or his many years of non-psychotic service since then. (It’s practically the same as arguing that Obama’s experiences with racism etc, would render him damaged and unable to be rational in his interactions other ethnicities.)

I hear you...

[beatrixherald]

I am not trying to devalue any experiences that our veterans have had... Infact, I am also sensitvie to veterans affairs, because my dad is a Vietnam Vet. (and many of his friends) I know that My father's experiences left him severely impared in many areas of his life (though not all!). True, everyone has their issues, and not everyone is affected in the same way, and many people deal effectively with adversity and it makes them stronger. But some people dont.

My point is not to say he isn't qualified, only to say that Being a Veteran and living in a POW camp for 5 years doesn't make you qualified any more than any other personal hardship. And In fact, May (not for certain, but possibly) Lead to emotional issues that might specifically make you a poor choice. It WOULD qualify him for a position in the VA quite nicely.

I think it is AWSOME that McCain was able to escape that situation and live a mostly normal well adjusted life (that we know of).

I guess I just want the candidates to stick to the issues, tell us what they think is the best plan to run the country and leave veteran status, race, and that other BS out of it.

Sigh... Except that most people don't pay attention enough to vote based on issues. They pick the one they "Like the best" based on perceptions manipulated by the Media and 30 second Commercials.

Thanks for pointing out that my rant was a little in-sensitive (I can be like that sometimes, but don't want to be).

Re: I hear you...

[cathgrace]

I wasn't overly offended, I also agree on the issues needing to be the main concern, I am just a little touchy I guess about the implication that abuse implies damaged goods. We are all damaged goods in some way, if it comes down to it, and prisoners of war are dealt a truly cruel hand. (a lot of my history studies have focused on WWII internment camps)