Senator John McCain

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