This morning, I allowed myself the privilege of watching,
and then reading, the wonderful oration of Honorable Senator John McCain’s
(R-AZ) on October 16th, when he received the well-deserved Liberty Medal Award
at the National Constitution Center. I listened to, watched, and read the
entire speech, not just the sound bites presented by the media.
In doing so, I was transported back in time; back to the days
of statesmen and honorable leaders, who frequently used opportunities like these
to build on America’s successes and yes, to outline concerns they felt
obligated to bring to the discussion.
To the talking heads and political pundits, this speech
consisted of a bashing of the current administration. Perhaps they should
listen to (or read, if they have the intelligence required) the entire speech. By
my count, there are 17 paragraphs in this speech, and only one was a comment on
his perception of the current administration.
Instead, Senator McCain used this time to speak about
America’s greatness, its rightful place on the world stage, and on the ideals
that have shaped our great country.
He spoke, with emotion at times not well suppressed, about
service to our country-not only his, but the service of countless men and women
who have fought, on the battlefield and in politics, to build America, to
display the best that we have, and the better place we all hope for.
I’d like to ask your indulgence, as I quote a paragraph from
his oration:
“What a privilege it is to serve this big, boisterous,
brawling, intemperate, striving, daring, beautiful, bountiful, brave,
magnificent country. With all our flaws, all our mistakes, with all the
frailties of human nature as much on display as our virtues, with all the
rancor and anger of our politics, we are blessed.”
Senator McCain pointed out something I believe every
American needs to admit. We, as a nation, are not perfect; we have made
mistakes in the past. Doubtless, we will make mistakes in the future. He enumerated some of the incredible
characteristics that have served our country very well, traits that have long defined
America as a leader on the world stage. The Senator pointed out that America
has, historically, been the benchmark of freedom and democracy, as well as the
driving force and defender of those ideals around the world.
No, America is not perfect, and yes, today we face a morass
of problems, domestically and internationally. I do believe that statesmen, such
as Senator John McCain, will find solutions to our problems and lead America
again to firmer ground.
Thank you, Senator McCain, for a wonderful speech, and for
your service to our country.
R. M. “Bob” Hartman
Your opinions and comments are welcome, as always.
Here is a link to the Senator’s speech:
https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/10/remarks-by-senator-john-mccain-at-2017-liberty-medal-ceremony retrieved October 19, 2017