If McCain were a Democrat or other than Republican, Ann Coulter would already have said "big deal, he screwed up while flying his jet, got shot down due to his recklessness, and was held in a country club in Vietnam for a while. That hardly qualifies him as a 'hero'." Don't think she wouldn't say that. She'd probably say far worse.
So, if someone choose not to betray their country or fellow soldiers when facing torture - that is an heroic act? You seriously think he stayed there to inspire his fellow prisoners?!! Like he himself said - he was worried about his honour, and found the doubts after his release the worst. Not a heroic act at all as I see it. Also, if I refuse to do something illegal under any coercion - that is not something heroic at all. McCain certainly kept his honour, and seems like a honourable person - in line with family generations of military career. If McCain was part of a team of commandos, and he refused to give up his comrades position or plans - that would have been different. If he would refuse to talk about missions he had done or other information about his comrades, then that is commendable, but not worthy the label "heroic".
This is exactly why the retard party aka conservative republicans were able to take over the US govt. these retards bring nothing to the table except lies, fabrications and all sorts of innuendos. Once a innuendo sticks in the minds of the masses, they unleash low lifes like Coulter onto the national scene. The problem with the liberals and the independents is they do not call these retards to task. Instead the liberals whimper and shrink off into a corner. Democrats need to stick to one tune and hammer away at Palin. McCain is giving the presidency to you on a silver platter, you can not make any of this up. This presidency is the democrats to lose. you'll always have the 20th percentile imbeciles who will always vote for republicans. Leave the imbeciles alone and focus on the center.
Would everyone agree that e.g running into the combat field unarmed to save a fellow wounded soldier is heroic? Equally, would everyone agree that not giving up your comrades' positions under threat or actual torture is a heroic act? How do you see an unarmed Taliban soldier running to protect his fellow soldier under attack? How do you see a private citizen protecting their family and home from enemy soldiers attacking? How do you see someone being tortured by US operatives and not buckling to reveal positions of their comrades? Are they heroes? Would you taunt them while torturing them, saying: "how heroic of you..."?
Military leaders often become heroes, but sometimes they also become political leaders, and when they do, they are often bad. US Grant. Great wartime leader; very bad president. Was Andrew Jackson "heroic"? Sure, but he was a pretty mediocre president. Fidel Castro did heroic deeds, and so did Robert Mugabe. But they have become very, very bad leaders. Military heroism is not as important as good judgment, humility, and a keen, critical mind.
This might sound strange... but I would like to leave the politics aside... Yes, John McCain is a hero, a man of distinguished courage and honor. I would follow him in battle. I would trust him in that way no man would understand unless he has experienced putting his life in another's hand, while simultaneously being responsible for that other's life... Roger that, a hero.
Ask these guys if McCain is a hero: http://digg.com/politics/Vietnam_Veterans_Against_John http://blog.barofintegrity.us/2008/...upport-senator-john-mccain-for-president.aspx http://www.usvetdsp.com/smith_mc.htm