Senator John McCain was a patriot and true statesman who served his country with honor.  He died on August 25, 2018 after a bout with a deadly form of cancer called glioblastoma.  There were more than a few times that I disagreed with Senator McCain and became very angry with him for the things that he was doing or saying.  From time-to-time when he was on the TV for a short period of time doing or saying those things I would say a few unkind words to his image on the TV and let it go at that.  But there were other times when he was on for a longer period of time or made a long speech that I would angrily go back-and-forth with him or simply mumble my disagreement under my breath(don’t tell anybody that).  But although I disagreed with him many times, I seldom doubted his sincerity about his rationale and that he felt that what he was doing was in the best interest of his country and constituents.

All Americans owe the late honorable senator John McCain a debt of gratitude.  So I want to take this opportunity to say publicly, “thank you Senator McCain for your service and sacrifice – while in the military and in congress – to this great country.  We are all better off because of your statesmanship, service and tireless dedication to America and the American people.  I extend my condolences to your family for their loss and to you I say, rest in peace.”  As I reflect on senator McCain and his time in congress, I see him as a savvy politician who strongly supported his party and was a disciplined team player.  But I believe that he always placed country first, above party and personal gain.  He seemed genuinely interested in making America better for all of the American people.

Finally, I recall a time when, many years before Senator McCain ran for president, I said to my wife, “I could vote for him for president.”  I cannot articulate what kind of a look that she gave me but I did not have any problem with how to interpret it.  It was an ‘I totally disagree with you look.’  Actually, I think it was an ‘have you completely lost your mind?’ look.  If I recall correctly, we did not talk any further about my comment but quickly moved on to another topic.  That notwithstanding, I hope that it is obvious through other articles that I posted to this website that I respected Senator McCain and always believed that he was a patriot who stood firmly on principle and his principles and honor were not for sale…to anyone.  If you would like to read those articles, type ‘John McCain’ or ‘Senator John McCain’ into this site’s search box.

Senator John McCain’s shoes will be hard to fill.  But if the person who ultimately steps into them is as honorable and principled as was Senator McCain, then we will have a worthy elected official who will be worthy of serving America and the American people.

Eulus Dennis – author, Operation Rubik’s Cube and Living Between The Line