It should say unencumbered, I think
1
This is how we get trapped in endless wars that cost billions or trillions of dollars and cost the lives of thousands of Americans--of that latter, John McCain should be far more aware than most.
We're not the world's cop. Far less are we the world's social worker. We're not the enforcement arm of any arbiter of vaguely defined, culturally variable, "human rights."
We're not the world's cop. Far less are we the world's social worker. We're not the enforcement arm of any arbiter of vaguely defined, culturally variable, "human rights."
4
Sen. McCain's tear-jerking account of his stay in Vietnam is moving no matter how many times he repeats it. But he never mentions what he was doing when he was captured. He never mentions the number of tons o explosives, agent orange, and God knows what else he and his ilk dropped on Vietnam and its people. He doesn't go into details of how we have made the world better for people in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran ( 50s), Libya, Cuba, Gautamala, Nicaragua, Chile, Syria.......
I agree with him on one thing completely without reservation: We have the potential to make a positive difference in the lives of people around the world. Lets do it and not be obsessed with embarrassing the Russkies.
I agree with him on one thing completely without reservation: We have the potential to make a positive difference in the lives of people around the world. Lets do it and not be obsessed with embarrassing the Russkies.
9
Thank you, John McCain.
When I heard Rex Tillerson's position on promoting US interests over human rights I was horrified. This is not a policy that represents a country that has any moral standing in the world. This is a policy that will isolate us from the rest of the world. It seems very dangerous to proclaim loudly that we do not care about anything that will not make us richer and more powerful.
Where are the other Republican Senators who are willing to stand up to these policies?
When I heard Rex Tillerson's position on promoting US interests over human rights I was horrified. This is not a policy that represents a country that has any moral standing in the world. This is a policy that will isolate us from the rest of the world. It seems very dangerous to proclaim loudly that we do not care about anything that will not make us richer and more powerful.
Where are the other Republican Senators who are willing to stand up to these policies?
22
Senator MxCain probably could not have withstood the Obama onslaught in any case. However if he could have articulated these thoughts instead of having Palin and the rest of the Republican baggage tied around his neck, he may have come a lot closer to being the 44th president. I say to him... Thank you for your service and these most welcome (if belated) expressions of what it means to be an American patriot.
14
For many years I have respected Sen. McCain, his service to our country, and his family's service to our country. I have also not agreed with the senator's every opinion. Now, toward the end of the senator's career serving our country, I think the strongest statement he could possibly make is either change parties, or become an independent. The Republican Party has shown itself to be a selfish, ego and geocentric institution, lying without any regret. This is a far cry from the standards Sen. McCain lived by. I have no idea why a person of such high moral character associates himself with those of low self-interest morality.
Sen. McCain, stand up for America and yourself.
Sen. McCain, stand up for America and yourself.
27
When the GOP crafts policy FOR US CITIZENS that reflect the values you reference, I will believe you. People in this country need healthcare, education, and jobs. Giving tax breaks to you and your friends (I seem to recall that you could not remember how many homes you own) will not do the trick. Taking millions off healthcare so the $ is available for yet more tax breaks for you will not do the trick. Nothing is "trickling down." Get a comprehensive view of "values," and then I'll listen. This article sounds more like a call to yet more wars.
14
Nicely stated Senator McCain. But sadly, when you state "we are" I wonder if it should now read "we were." Hopefully, "we will be, again" can be added.
11
Human rights, however delineated, is a complex dynamic,area, process and outcome of choices which is constantly being challenged,violated and abused.Successfully,all too often by powerful visible, known,and hidden individual and systemic stakeholders.As well as unsuccessfully violated when people and systems overcome complacency.Fears and anxieties.When ongoing efforts are made to overcome and to prevent existing stigmatizing, marginalizing WE-THEY cultures which enable marginalization,exclusion and dehumanization of violated "others" to operate along side of deeply rooted, tradition-fed willful blindness, deafness and ignorance. Locally. Nationally. Globally? One can argue about what to conclude are legitimate human rights as well as human wrongs.Using what criteria?To be determined by whom,how when? As politicians, and other policy makers and breakers do.And carry out daily.Genocide.Crimes against humanity.Equitable sharing of resources to achieve stable,sustained,levels and qualities of health-medical,psychological, social,spiritual,economic,political, etc.,in safe environments and housing. Skills,abilities, knowledge, understanding and other tools needed for well being of individuals,families, communities, etc.,adapting in good enough ways with life's uncertainties, unpredictabilities,randomness,impermanences, and lack of real control.The Senator writes well.Is his party writing and legislating what needs to be righted?Are they wronging what they shouldn't legislatively?
3
Finally, a dose of reality about what this country was and what it must always stand for. Mr McCain is in a position where he can and must act to bring this belief back to reality. He must do more than speak out (finally). He must rally those around him to stand together to alter the path we're on without delay.
Does he love his country enough to stand, loud and proud, for what he believes in?
Does he love his country enough to stand, loud and proud, for what he believes in?
14
I have the upmost respect for Senator John McCain, but the Republican Party isn't even trying to protect what's good in the United States. We must get our own house in order too!
10
Senator McCain ... welcome back! Now please help do something about this transactional White House ... i.e. AHCA.
7
Sorry, but I can't take the words of a man who foisted Sara Palin on the country seriously. And you walk lock step with your party, the anti-everything rights party (except corporations, evangelicals and white millionaires). I've heard this before from Sen. McCain and then he turns around and votes for the worst candidate and the most anti-American legislation. You need to retire Senator.
13
Senator McCain,
Actions speak louder than words! Of course, these are welcome comments during these dark and sobering times, but we desperately need you, on your platform in the US Senate, to stand up for those values both at home and globally. You are in an incredibly enviable position to make a real difference. It is imperative that you do so each and every day. How could you not, believing what you profess?
Actions speak louder than words! Of course, these are welcome comments during these dark and sobering times, but we desperately need you, on your platform in the US Senate, to stand up for those values both at home and globally. You are in an incredibly enviable position to make a real difference. It is imperative that you do so each and every day. How could you not, believing what you profess?
8
Empty words, that's all they are, empty words. You are like an old tree: on the outside a seemingly impressive weathered bark, at second look: nothing but a hollow stump.
At your age it would be time to consider what legacy you leave, no? Should it be the one, in which you are only known to be the fall guy, the guy who through Palin's VP nomination legitimized madness in the political process? The guy who still endorsed Trump, even after he repeatedly mocked you? Where is your military spine to say: the buck stops here??
You vote sheepishly like you are told by your misguided party despite your better knowledge, including Tillerson's confirmation. You do know, that the State Department is currently an empty shell, it is an actual disgrace how a country like our has become a banana republic in the international arena. You know this. Yet, you swallow, once again.
You have lost the last bit of credibility by supporting this outrage of a so called administration. Stand up now,-not with words, but with deeds-, or forever hold your piece.
At your age it would be time to consider what legacy you leave, no? Should it be the one, in which you are only known to be the fall guy, the guy who through Palin's VP nomination legitimized madness in the political process? The guy who still endorsed Trump, even after he repeatedly mocked you? Where is your military spine to say: the buck stops here??
You vote sheepishly like you are told by your misguided party despite your better knowledge, including Tillerson's confirmation. You do know, that the State Department is currently an empty shell, it is an actual disgrace how a country like our has become a banana republic in the international arena. You know this. Yet, you swallow, once again.
You have lost the last bit of credibility by supporting this outrage of a so called administration. Stand up now,-not with words, but with deeds-, or forever hold your piece.
14
It is imperative to commend anyone who speaks out against evil whenever they do so, even if they enable or espouse it at other times. I see John McCain as a tiny good person trapped underneath a huge pile of bad person, and you can substitute the word policy for person too.
But when his tiny good person speaks out from under the rubble, it should be rewarded. Good work, Senator McCain. Now please do what you know what the right thing is re: the treason, high crimes, and misdemeanors of the thug in the White House.
But when his tiny good person speaks out from under the rubble, it should be rewarded. Good work, Senator McCain. Now please do what you know what the right thing is re: the treason, high crimes, and misdemeanors of the thug in the White House.
4
An opportunist. Voted against Saddam, Qaddafi and now wants to smash Assad and Kim Jong Un. All are terrible pieces of work but war mongering and leaving empty nation states with brain drain and donkeys for leaders is not conducive to democracy. Democracy grows in Judeo Christian countries or in mentally mature countries. I'd like to see him take on Saudi on democracy.
2
Human rights are noble. But American interest always get in the way. Ask people of Iraq and Syria if they wanted peace or American interventions.
3
Great article, John. But you enshrined him in this position - you knew who he was. Any pending op-eds on education for DeVos, on science and climate change for Pruitt, on healthcare for Price, on housing for Carson,etc.....
The nobility, empathy and graceful execution of Senator McCain's thesis is a welcome reminder that we are now, and always have been, a nation bound together by ideals. We may not always live up to those ideals, but the constant pursuit of doing so is a vital component of our national identity.
I do not agree with all of Senator McCain's political positions. This piece transcends party and is anything but political.
A great many of our leaders--from both sides of the aisle--would do well to follow this fine example of discarding the empty and nasty ethos that poisons and debases so much of our public discourse. Thank you.
I do not agree with all of Senator McCain's political positions. This piece transcends party and is anything but political.
A great many of our leaders--from both sides of the aisle--would do well to follow this fine example of discarding the empty and nasty ethos that poisons and debases so much of our public discourse. Thank you.
21
Good critique of the Trump foreign policy, Mr. McCain. However, YOU are the one that chose Sarah Palin as your V.P. nominee, making her the woman who, had you won, would have become president if you died. How does that choice of yours relate to the theme of values vs. interests, in that case the core humane values of our country as against your own personal political interest? We have not forgotten that ignominious episode, Sir.
19
Very strong and warm words from Senator McCain in a period when the world, at least the leader of the free world, seems to be questioning the importance of human rights. Without a country like America standing for human rights, the world will degenerate into a jungle without a moral compass. Some of us continue to believe that America will always stand for what is right, continue to perfect its own democracy and the rights of all, and in that sense provide the aspiration and hope to oppressed people everywhere fighting for their inalienable and natural rights.
6
Yes, and I hope we will address the pressing human rights issues in our Republic as well.
9
Dear Sen McCain
Although I began my political awareness as a Reagan Republican I have been a left of center voter more recently. You remain however one if the few Republicans I have a deep and abiding respect for.
I appreciate how you have refrained from engaging in mindless untruthful rhetoric common to many nowadays and how you defended Barack Obama against those who would sully his character even as he was your opponent. During the most recent primary I was aghast at candidate Trump's diminishment of your military record.
The points in your letter are well made and well taken. But I would see you and raise you one.
Could you be the one champion of tbe senate to break ranks and send a beacon of hope to the impoverished and hopeless citizenry in this country too?
Could you be the one with the stength to stand up agsinst the debacle of the ACA replacement? Of the vast redistribution of wealth from tbe poor, working and middle-classes to the very wealthiest?
Could you ge the one who can stand against the mass incarceration of minorities in our country? Who can stand for a qualty education for all? equal justice under the law for all? To save our planet from environmental catastrophe? Think about that last one...Can you please help save Earth from Donald Trump? That'll be a really nice beacon for the whole world!
To be sure you'll need one other Republican Senator to go with you as to avoid a tie.
Thank you
Your friend in New Hampshire
Just an average Joe
Although I began my political awareness as a Reagan Republican I have been a left of center voter more recently. You remain however one if the few Republicans I have a deep and abiding respect for.
I appreciate how you have refrained from engaging in mindless untruthful rhetoric common to many nowadays and how you defended Barack Obama against those who would sully his character even as he was your opponent. During the most recent primary I was aghast at candidate Trump's diminishment of your military record.
The points in your letter are well made and well taken. But I would see you and raise you one.
Could you be the one champion of tbe senate to break ranks and send a beacon of hope to the impoverished and hopeless citizenry in this country too?
Could you be the one with the stength to stand up agsinst the debacle of the ACA replacement? Of the vast redistribution of wealth from tbe poor, working and middle-classes to the very wealthiest?
Could you ge the one who can stand against the mass incarceration of minorities in our country? Who can stand for a qualty education for all? equal justice under the law for all? To save our planet from environmental catastrophe? Think about that last one...Can you please help save Earth from Donald Trump? That'll be a really nice beacon for the whole world!
To be sure you'll need one other Republican Senator to go with you as to avoid a tie.
Thank you
Your friend in New Hampshire
Just an average Joe
36
I chose to live in this country in part because I was inspired by its many leaders who did the right thing by supporting human rights. To be honest, we have not always been good at supporting human rights, for instance during the realpolitik of Nixon/Kissinger we supported Augusto Pinochet, other US leaders in the 1980's supported Apartheid in South Africa and at one point we supported Saddam Hussein against Iran in one of the bloodiest war of the XX century. But overall, support of human rights has been a fixture in US foreign policy, from the left or the right. Now we are lenient toward some of the most despicable dictators of our times. It is sad to see that the our stand as beacon for decency is lost. It is sad to see that we have turned around 180 degrees and are now praising and inviting at the white house el-Sisi, Erdoğan, Duterte, Putin, Lukashemko, Jong-un and picking fights with pope Francis, Tornbull, Nieto and maybe other foreign leaders. Who could have predicted that the role played traditionally by the US has now been taken over by Angela Merkel of Germany (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/02/angela-merkel-vladimir-put.... Yes, Angela Merkel, and he would not even shake her hand.
15
Pretty words John McCain, but if you really believe what you say how can you possibly justify your association with the Republican Party who have endlessly denied, destroyed and denigrated Human Rights right here at home as well as in the international community. Simply following and accepting the insidious policies of your colleague, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is a continuous assault on the Human rights of all Americans. The Republican Party's destruction of the Affordable Care act and replacing it with healthcare policies that can only result in horrible human suffering is a clear assault on Human Rights right here, right now. Please quit pontificating and do something to help America during this dark Trumpian time.
24
What about human rights at home - rights for women, minorities, Muslims, LGBT and the list goes on and on! How about healthcare as a human right, clean air and water, and the list goes on and on. If you truly cared about these issues and our country, you would not be standing by and allowing this administration to destroy everything upon which our great nation was created! You can't just write an op-ed in the paper and talk about a country with a conscience and not be a leader of your own party and call out these egrigious abuses that are happening daily! You are doing a disservice to the people who elected you as well as every other citizen you are serving on all of your committees and in all of your roles. You have given too much to this country to let this continue. If you care, stand up to the heartless, racist, misogynist and anti-semitic trends of your party! Be a leader all the time, not just occasionally, and do the right thing for our nation! Please before it is too late.
17
The human rights are "self-evident", according to Mr. Jefferson.
1
We WERE a country with conscience, Senator. Help us become one again. I am a Democrat with much respect for you. Help us all. Please.
12
I consider Mr. McCain to be a national hero, who bravely endured punishment, without selling his values and his country. With hope and knowing that his country was behind him and his fellow POWs they bravely withstood beyond belief punishment, and didn't give up.
There is no doubt that Mr. Tillerson's values are in line with Mr. Trump's values, and should we end up in the North Korea's or Russian's prison, we are on our own, and should not count on help from this administration. I strongly urge Mr. McCain, to speak up against Trump and Tillerson's far right values, which is not American values.
There is no doubt that Mr. Tillerson's values are in line with Mr. Trump's values, and should we end up in the North Korea's or Russian's prison, we are on our own, and should not count on help from this administration. I strongly urge Mr. McCain, to speak up against Trump and Tillerson's far right values, which is not American values.
5
This is a similar pattern of behavior for McCain: He expresses deep concern about an issue but when it comes to actually doing something about it, he votes exactly in line with the Republican administrations. Why not surprise us all by doing the right thing and voting your conscience instead of the party line? Even better, why don't cast a vote when it really matters?
John, you are not going to live and serve in the Senate forever. Why don't you start voting like the opinion pieces you like to write?
John, you are not going to live and serve in the Senate forever. Why don't you start voting like the opinion pieces you like to write?
23
It's a pure imperialistic foolishness to proclaim that the human rights, whatever it means, as it always changes, developed over long time in Europe and rooted heavily in the Judeo-Christian civilization in general, are universal and must be embraced by the rest of the world. It would be just laughable if it were declared by a small band of philosophers or a clique of amature historians. It's mortally dangerous though, when those beliefs become a blueprint for policy of a nuclear superpower led by a band of fanatical warmongers, such as John McCain.
2
What's the point, senator/what's the point of writing pointless op-ed's? McCain can stand up for principles as long as it costs him nothing. The day he decides to demonstrate that the country matters more than the Republican Party, he may regain some of his luster.
9
On the subject of Human Rights as a major objective of American foreign policy the most important President is Jimmy Carter, who was also the first to promote this idea. Ronald Reagan promoted it only when it suited his immediate political objectives, in this case the struggle with the Soviet Union. He was far from sympathetic with the struggle against Aids in Africa or in the gay community, or with the suffering of South African blacks under Apartheid, for example.
4
Does aerial bombing support human rights?...Just asking.
3
This is a great op ed from a Senator I have always respected and admired, even being a Democratic Socialist.
How I wish The Senator would use the power of his office to make the United States say they will immediately accept any of the gay kids and adults in Chechnya who are being killed and tossed off buildings just for being alive.
How I wish The Senator would use the power of his office to make the United States say they will immediately accept any of the gay kids and adults in Chechnya who are being killed and tossed off buildings just for being alive.
2
Senator, totally agree with op ed piece. Now you need to apply this thinking to our domestic agenda.-Health care, the environment, education, immigration, etc.
After the Trump victory, I was hoping you could form a gang of three Republican Senators to form an alliance and truly negotiate with the Democratic minority in the Senate to forge an America which lives up to your view of our foreign relations policy in our domestic policy. I am sure if your alliance takes a reasonable position the Democratic minority in Senate will meet you half way.
If you feel that this is impossible, then in 4 years, 8 years, or at some time the Democrats will control all three branches of government and without a filibuster rule anymore, the Democrats will reverse all of the policies, regulations, and laws which were passed by the Republicans. It may not happen in my rest of my life or yours, but it will happen. Why not take the courage and break this cycle and govern for the best interests of our country.
Your legacy will then include how you saved our nation from endless political bickering and divisiveness.
After the Trump victory, I was hoping you could form a gang of three Republican Senators to form an alliance and truly negotiate with the Democratic minority in the Senate to forge an America which lives up to your view of our foreign relations policy in our domestic policy. I am sure if your alliance takes a reasonable position the Democratic minority in Senate will meet you half way.
If you feel that this is impossible, then in 4 years, 8 years, or at some time the Democrats will control all three branches of government and without a filibuster rule anymore, the Democrats will reverse all of the policies, regulations, and laws which were passed by the Republicans. It may not happen in my rest of my life or yours, but it will happen. Why not take the courage and break this cycle and govern for the best interests of our country.
Your legacy will then include how you saved our nation from endless political bickering and divisiveness.
5
Living in Arizona, I am heartened by Senator McCain's words. I may not always agree with his positions, but I do admire him as a true American Heo.
Dear Sen. McCain,
Once upon a time, when I was a Republican, I donated money to your campaign against Bush. Since, I have changed party affliction and even he,led campaign for Pres. Obama.
You are not going to run for another term, and I would .i,e to see you retire with a great accomplishment: the indictment of Donald J. Trump! You as a U.S. senator have the power to insist on an independent prosecutor or a 911 style commission to investigate the Trump-Russia connection.
It's clear, that Russia helped Trump win, in order to undermine our democracy. At the very least, Trump is guilty of nepotism, cronyism, conflicts of interests and ....ethical violations!
How can you and your Republican colleagues stand by and do nothing?! History will eventually judge you, and so will, we, the People.
Once upon a time, when I was a Republican, I donated money to your campaign against Bush. Since, I have changed party affliction and even he,led campaign for Pres. Obama.
You are not going to run for another term, and I would .i,e to see you retire with a great accomplishment: the indictment of Donald J. Trump! You as a U.S. senator have the power to insist on an independent prosecutor or a 911 style commission to investigate the Trump-Russia connection.
It's clear, that Russia helped Trump win, in order to undermine our democracy. At the very least, Trump is guilty of nepotism, cronyism, conflicts of interests and ....ethical violations!
How can you and your Republican colleagues stand by and do nothing?! History will eventually judge you, and so will, we, the People.
8
Thank you so much Senator McCain, I hope you know - or if not that the NY Times will be sure to let you know via comments like mine - that many of us fear that the values this country has stood for (even when it has not always lived up to them) are being distorted to support a platform that ignores them, and that we fear for our country's and our children's future.
You and your colleagues in the Senate are our hope that policies and legislation that ignores what really makes this a great nation can be prevented. It is heartening that you have put pen to paper and articulated the problem our nation is now facing and can help us stay the course and not deviate from our country's ideals and values. Thank you for letting the world know what truly is important. It gives me hope that when it is time for the Senate to enact legislation, there will be someone at hand who is influential and who will do his darnedest to prevent legislation from being enacted that does not represent our county's values and ideals. Again, thank you for giving us some hope for our country's future.
You and your colleagues in the Senate are our hope that policies and legislation that ignores what really makes this a great nation can be prevented. It is heartening that you have put pen to paper and articulated the problem our nation is now facing and can help us stay the course and not deviate from our country's ideals and values. Thank you for letting the world know what truly is important. It gives me hope that when it is time for the Senate to enact legislation, there will be someone at hand who is influential and who will do his darnedest to prevent legislation from being enacted that does not represent our county's values and ideals. Again, thank you for giving us some hope for our country's future.
2
We had a President who was proud of our American values . We had a President who tried to give hope to the hopeless , in this country and around the world . We had a President who was respective of other world leaders . We had a President whose Secretary of State spent a great deal of time and political capital using diplomacy to finally strike a deal with Iran . We had a President that the rest of the world loved , admired , respected and still do . His name is President Barack Obama .
But all the Republicans did was put him down , demean him and refuse to work with him on anything . Even when it came to things they previously said they wanted , as soon as Obama wanted it , they didn't want it anymore . That is so childish and immature .
Having said that , it is heartening to hear Senator McCain confirm our traditional American values , but he needs to work on his own party . The GOP is getting worse and worse .
We need you Senator to take the floor and speak up !! Speak up everywhere . Don't cave to that monster of an administration . They have no conscience, but you do .
The party's values have deteriorated under Trump . Don't let him do that to any political party or to our country .
Show your courage Senator McCain and show your rage . I know you've got what it takes .
But all the Republicans did was put him down , demean him and refuse to work with him on anything . Even when it came to things they previously said they wanted , as soon as Obama wanted it , they didn't want it anymore . That is so childish and immature .
Having said that , it is heartening to hear Senator McCain confirm our traditional American values , but he needs to work on his own party . The GOP is getting worse and worse .
We need you Senator to take the floor and speak up !! Speak up everywhere . Don't cave to that monster of an administration . They have no conscience, but you do .
The party's values have deteriorated under Trump . Don't let him do that to any political party or to our country .
Show your courage Senator McCain and show your rage . I know you've got what it takes .
7
Where was Ronald Reagan when U.S. trained death squads and U.S. supported governments in Chile, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Colombia, just to name a few, were busy kidnapping, torturing and disappearing political dissidents? Actually, where was Senator McCain?
7
I think Tillerson has borrowed unconditional foreign policy agenda from China. That's the worst kinds of policy given that the world is inextricably interconnected and USA can't detach itself from the global world. Thus, promoting human rights values is the best and the only option to even keep what we've achieved leave alone what we gonna achieve.
Masterful, Senator McCain. A policy piece that doesn't touch a single specific issue. Immigration, health care, gun control, women's rights. Why didn't you just transcribe the pledge of allegiance and turn it in? Is equivocation so ingrained in you that you can only spew platitudinal generalities?
8
Just as Trump disgraced the office of the presidency in record time, Secretary of State Tillerson has done the same with his own position. It is good of Senator McCain to remind us all of Tillerson's shameful words.
Now, Senator McCain would do well to stop marching in lockstep with the rest of the GOP Senators and once again be his own man. I fondly recall the days when he was regarded as a maverick. I'd like to see them return.
Now, Senator McCain would do well to stop marching in lockstep with the rest of the GOP Senators and once again be his own man. I fondly recall the days when he was regarded as a maverick. I'd like to see them return.
6
And yet, you voted for Tillerson, as you have for every single Cabinet nominee who threatens every aspect of our lives. You vote for the Party every time, which supports this despot president and his poisonous family and minions. Actions speak far louder than words!
6
Why did this guy bring Palin to prominence? Nice to see this version of a true hero come out.
2
The United States never takes any action to protect human rights. It is all lip service and show. China has the worst human rights record on the planet. What do we do? Nothing. Ditto Saudi Arabia and dozens of other horrible States. The U.S. position is all show and no go.
4
Thank you. Just. Thank you.
Thank you, Senator McCain. I truly rest easier at this moment knowing that thoughtful and dignified people like yourself are in Washington. What a lovely way to sum up our country of the many and the few.
Just like every other GOP hardliner who sees his political career coming to an end and starts doling out words of wisdom and a bucket list of "do the right things"- Sorry Johnny- you are 25 years too late- and in your case better late than never doesn't amount to a hill of beans. You are just as responsible for the Congressional gridlock and dysfunction as anyone else. It's going to take more than Op-Eds in the NYT to salvage your "quasi guilty" conscience.
3
Thank you, Senator. This is the America I know and love.
I've respected John McCain because of his experiences as a POW. His support of "human rights" is, however, very narrow. Even his daughter is more progressive than he is. Nice article, but McCain does not walk the talk.
What a weird view of history. The US has always supported repressive thugs when it suited. Hussein, Pinochet, Suharto to name a few. Don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting that the US is any better or worse than other democracies at this. Realpolitik has its place for sure. But to be ignorant of this and to genuinely believe that the US is always good and is even on the side of the "Creator" is an extremist fantasy.
2
Wow! I am in awe of Senator McCain's excellent mind and vision. This is the kind of hero and leader that Americans can look up to and be inspired. The world needs leaders like Senator McCain now more than ever instead of those egregious men who have never served their country or the American people but have instead hijacked the White House and Congress for the sole purpose of enriching themselves.
18
I have always admired Mr. McCain. As a military veteran, he is the epitome of patriotism and devotion to duty. He as been more of a patriot than a republican over the years.
This simple short essay encourages me and gives me hope about our country. Hopefully we will hear more from him in the future. I want him to live to 100 at least.
This simple short essay encourages me and gives me hope about our country. Hopefully we will hear more from him in the future. I want him to live to 100 at least.
7
I would like him to live to 100 as well, perhaps even more if the grace of God permits. Once Trump is impeached, he too shall spend the rest of his life shunned and disgraced as all the other collaborators and enablers to the greatest treason and sharade this country has ever been subjected to, because of people like him, who sold their conscience for 5 silver coins....
1
I have not always been the biggest fan of Senator McCain's politics and policies, but always admired his background and courage in serving the nation. The last sentence in this editorial is one of the best I've read for a long time:
"We saw the world as it was and we made it better."
"We saw the world as it was and we made it better."
7
Many voters and pundits want this nation to be run like a business. The claim is that a business is more efficient than public officials and bureaucracy. (Remember Paul Ryan's dream about privatizing social security?) Hence we elected a businessman Trump, our foreign policy is run by a CEO. Every policy is transnational. Our President is a deal maker, remember? Everything is about deal making. Are you surprised that everything in Trump administration is transnational?
The Trump presidency has made lofty rhetoric meaningless. History will measure the response of Senator McCain and his party by their actions.
17
Very pretty speech, Mr. McCain:
"We saw the world as it was and made it better."
Oh really?
As an Iranian I can point to the U.S. overthrow of the first democratically elected secular government in the history of the Middle East.
Other nations (Vietnamese, Cambodians, Latin Americans, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libyans, Syrians ...) would share my sentiments, as would the peoples oppressed by U.S. supported dictatorships and being obliterated (as are Yemenis by the U.S.-supported and weaponized Saudis) as I write.
War is unavoidable. But the U.S.A. had the power to act responsibly and minimize its human rights offences (Extraordinary Rendition, Guantanamo), but chose instead to wantonly exacerbate human evil and boost terrorism across the globe.
Mr. McCain, I know you spoke out against U.S. torture of prisoners, but many other leading U.S. politicians (Bush, Cheney, and now Trump) support it. They certainly didn't and don't "make the world better".
"We saw the world as it was and made it better."
Oh really?
As an Iranian I can point to the U.S. overthrow of the first democratically elected secular government in the history of the Middle East.
Other nations (Vietnamese, Cambodians, Latin Americans, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libyans, Syrians ...) would share my sentiments, as would the peoples oppressed by U.S. supported dictatorships and being obliterated (as are Yemenis by the U.S.-supported and weaponized Saudis) as I write.
War is unavoidable. But the U.S.A. had the power to act responsibly and minimize its human rights offences (Extraordinary Rendition, Guantanamo), but chose instead to wantonly exacerbate human evil and boost terrorism across the globe.
Mr. McCain, I know you spoke out against U.S. torture of prisoners, but many other leading U.S. politicians (Bush, Cheney, and now Trump) support it. They certainly didn't and don't "make the world better".
12
I like my heroes honest. Thank you for your service.
4
Bravo to Senator McCain. I too happen to be a Vietnam Veteran. My experience did not come close to his. However, as I have gotten older, what I realize is the importance of an understanding of who we are as a nation. We must have a sense of history in order to understand who we are as well. I am not a Republican. I am an American watching an administration with absolutely no sense of our history in charge of policy. It makes me terrible sad and scared. I returned from Vietnam 50 years ago. The experience and impact on my life has never gone away. Senator McCain is saying the same thing only from an elevated level from mine.
2
PROFOUND, A MUST READ FOR ALL, AN EXPRESSION OF CONSCIENCE, OF HEART, HUMANLY PROFOUND THANK YOU SENATOR MCCAIN
1
The Senator gives a great deal of credit to Reagan. First of all, as far as human rights go, Reagan had no problem supporting a presidential candidate who had opposed the civil rights legislation and later dishonored both civil rights activists and victims of the holocaust.
And as to people remembering the Vietnam War POW, the people who opposed the war wanted to bring them home. And if McCain thinks that to do so would have been without honor, let him ask himself how things, apart from the unnecessary deaths of thousands of Americans and Vietnamese, would have been different if the U.S. had withdrawn the day he was captured than it was for its sticking around all those years more.
And as to people remembering the Vietnam War POW, the people who opposed the war wanted to bring them home. And if McCain thinks that to do so would have been without honor, let him ask himself how things, apart from the unnecessary deaths of thousands of Americans and Vietnamese, would have been different if the U.S. had withdrawn the day he was captured than it was for its sticking around all those years more.
1
I have long admired John McCain, not least because he is an insightful reader of Ernest Hemingway, but here's the thing; support of human rights at home and abroad is the essence of what it means to be American, it is how we conceive of ourselves. Important, and true. But I would like to remind Senator McCain that health care for all, including women, the elderly, and the poor is a human right. We as a society have a responsibility to provide health care and human dignity to our most vulnerable members. If we can't even do that, all the pretty words about honor mean little. As you approach the health care bill in the Senate, please remember to keep our people safe from unnecessary suffering, and free from the terror that afflicts the sick who cannot afford care. We are depending on you.
11
We agree with you. And frankly, by writing your piece in the Times, you're preaching to the choir sir. We've been shouting this from the roof tops since November until we're hoarse but perhaps you haven't heard? Human rights, Women's rights, African American's rights, Mexican American's rights, Muslim American's rights, LGBTQ, and on and on. So great. We're in agreement. Now let's see you back it up going forward with your voting power. Starting with health care. You remember to use your voting power to keep our right to affordable health care and we'll remember to use our voting power maybe to keep you.
7
I wish you were right, but I fear Tillerson correctly reflects the values of most Americans today. The election of Trump indicates that the American idea of liberty and justice for all is largely extinguished, replaced by government for me and mine and the devil take the hindmost of everyone else. America isn't even one power among powers, but merely just another decrepit empire in the process of decline. Sad but probably true
5
Mr. McCain's op-ed sounds hollow. When I immigrated to this country it certainly was not perfect but then nothing is. However, this country presented hope, freedom, and opportunity to get ahead. I furthered my education as a professional and eventually became a naturalized citizen. It makes me sad to see what is now happening to this country. The POTUS of this country has no moral compass, is a pathological liar who seems to have no empathy for the poor, the underpriviledged, the disadvantaged and seems to cater only to the very wealthy. This country is no longer the "shining city on the hill" and I can assure Mr. McCain that many other countries no longer look up to America. I travelled this past spring to five South-East Asian countries and was surprised when an attorney/journalist advised us to be wary of Trump. Her reasoning was that anytime a head of state repeatedly calls reports in reputable newspapers "fake news" and states that only he tells the truth shows the making of a dictator. My friends in Europe and New Zealand can hardly belief what is happening here and certainly no longer admire America like they once did. Sadly, the US is no longer seen as exceptional.
14
So, then, why Senator McCain, did you vote to confirm Tillerson? If human rights are so important, why don't you stand firmly against Trump's policies, executive orders, and legislative agenda that seeks to undermine human rights in the US and abroad? Talk is cheap, Senator. DO SOMETHING about the erosion of liberty, safety, and health of Americans!
15
Where are the human rights for the people who depend on Medicaid? A cut of 880 billion dollars will leave people with disabilities without the services that allow them to remain in their communities. As you must know a lot of the special services kids with disabilities receive in the schools are paid by Medicaid. What will happen to their education?
Where are you and your party when it comes to supporting individuals with pre-existing conditions? the elderly? minorities? women?
You and your party are allowing an incompetent President to enrich himself, and his family while you remain unified supporting your party's agenda of enriching the rich.
Where are you and your party when it comes to supporting individuals with pre-existing conditions? the elderly? minorities? women?
You and your party are allowing an incompetent President to enrich himself, and his family while you remain unified supporting your party's agenda of enriching the rich.
9
Dear Senator McCain,
You cannot have it both ways.
We need someone in the Republican Party that will speak truth to power.
This task must fall to you along with any other Republican person on Capitol Hill who can be persuaded to join you in following the above criteria - speaking truth to power.
You are 80 years of age and you were just reelected in 2016.
Do you plan to run again for office inasmuch as you will be 86 years of age in 2022. Prepare yourself to retire with grace and with dignity intact.
Do the right thing for your country once again.
Encourage and lead a group of sensible and practical Congressional persons of both parties who recognize Trump for what he happens to be - a dictator in the making.
The blatant fact is that Trump is a menace and a danger to the country.
He must be thwarted, neutralized, and blocked in every way possible.
You can do a great deal as the leader who will make Trump totally ineffective. The country you save - and even your political party itself - will be your own.
Rise to the occasion and do the right and brave thing once again.
We implore you to be the leader we all need at this point in our time.
You cannot have it both ways.
We need someone in the Republican Party that will speak truth to power.
This task must fall to you along with any other Republican person on Capitol Hill who can be persuaded to join you in following the above criteria - speaking truth to power.
You are 80 years of age and you were just reelected in 2016.
Do you plan to run again for office inasmuch as you will be 86 years of age in 2022. Prepare yourself to retire with grace and with dignity intact.
Do the right thing for your country once again.
Encourage and lead a group of sensible and practical Congressional persons of both parties who recognize Trump for what he happens to be - a dictator in the making.
The blatant fact is that Trump is a menace and a danger to the country.
He must be thwarted, neutralized, and blocked in every way possible.
You can do a great deal as the leader who will make Trump totally ineffective. The country you save - and even your political party itself - will be your own.
Rise to the occasion and do the right and brave thing once again.
We implore you to be the leader we all need at this point in our time.
19
Senator McCain thank you for your thoughtful and educational piece. Initially I was confused regarding Sec. Tillerson's comments about foreign policy and American values--they often are incompatible. However, the more I considered it I reluctantly started to drift toward his pragmatic approach and thought maybe that's true and the way of the world.
I read your article and was no longer distressed about Tillerson's statements. I calmed down and felt proud to be an American. And all was right with the world --- for a bit.
I read your article and was no longer distressed about Tillerson's statements. I calmed down and felt proud to be an American. And all was right with the world --- for a bit.
1
What about NATIONAL policy?
1
Sen. McCain, the GOP is no longer what it was; its words and deeds have become patently Anti-American. This outcome is the opposite of what you stand for. You, as an honorable man and a valiant war veteran, should jump the ship before it sinks into ignominy, taking you down with it. If you were to opt for Independent political status, you'd be in the right place at the right time: Post-Trump America will need leaders like you to pick up the pieces.
1
It's over! We are terrible example right now . Our president is the worse we could ask for .He's doing everything against all sensible policies about human rights, health insurance , education, environment etc..that any normal perform would fight for. His values diminished America position around the globe . We are NOT , exceptional society. We lived in a stupid bubble poised with military fantasies and power,and false dreams. The patriots with money stepped very well on the rest of the vulnerable citizens , keeping the political privilege to themselves . Now we have a society practically divided , in many direction , or better , in a ugly direction . The great capitalism , freedom and liberty is gone a long time. The result is a terrible inequality, caused by a clear policial choice, giving taxes cut for a privilege group like the elite, corporations and financial institutions . This politicians specially the GOP,and some Democrats go to WDC with only one objective , that is to strip the minimum benefits give to the poor to save the rich. Which kind of moral America has now? None.
2
"To view foreign policy as simply transactional is more dangerous than its proponents realize."
That is a thought that was put into Tillerson's brain by the President himself. How worthwhile is it to get a powerful Cabinet position and then become a complete and total mouthpiece for the President. Pretty soon all Trump's Cabinet offices will start to sound like Trump's press secretary Spicer. McCain is absolutely right. We have always been a beacon for repressed people across the world. Trump is putting a blind fold on the Lady in the Harbor.
That is a thought that was put into Tillerson's brain by the President himself. How worthwhile is it to get a powerful Cabinet position and then become a complete and total mouthpiece for the President. Pretty soon all Trump's Cabinet offices will start to sound like Trump's press secretary Spicer. McCain is absolutely right. We have always been a beacon for repressed people across the world. Trump is putting a blind fold on the Lady in the Harbor.
Men like Tillerson live protected and comfortable lives, where they only have to obtain sufficient money to have all the good that they require. The order and trust amongst people that comes from respecting the lives of others, of treating others as we would be treated, of lending a helping hand without expectation of compensation, of simply treating people with kindness and generosity, of taking risks to assure that others are protected from harm or saved from it are things which do not exist without a lot of effort by people are all taken for granted by people like Tillerson, so they underestimate how crucial they are to what they are able to do in reality. To have wealth in a barbaric society means to be a super predator or prey for one.
3
"Human rights" to characters like McCain means nothing but military interventionism. The first human right, if anyone could ever come to recognize it, is freedom from war.
2
I was thinking you were one of the decent politician in WDC, like many others from the two parties, until Trump came , and Started insulting everyone, and every nation,and insulted you , Mr. McCain, and you did nothing, like Ryan, McConnell, Cruz... pretend that tomorrow everything would be ok,.and Unfortunately was not. Now we all detest this president. I have no respect whatsoever for this GOP irrational party . I really hope we can unseat many republicans as we can . Now is too late. Trump ignorance will make America stupid in the eyes of many nations around the glob
3
Thank you, John McCain. You have spoken for millions of us. We don't say it; we don't make speeches. We believe it; we know it; we live it.
1
When the United States became the most powerful country on Earth it was in the midst of World War and tremendous loss of life and of loss of the fruits of the labors of many generations of humans all the results of countries thinking that they could obtain the maximum good for themselves by simply pursuing their own interests and leaving other countries to do the same. After the end of that War, the United States convinced most of the rest of the world that by respecting the lives of all, of encouraging freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from want and fear of other nations, could establish a world order that would promote trade and constructive relations between states and reduce war, and it did. Despite the many small wars that have beset the world, the big states have not warred upon each other since 1945. This American peace is based not upon our military power but upon the trust that we will try to do the right thing by others rather than to control them for in pursuit of their interests.
Senator McCain and I only sometimes agree . . . GO MCCAIN!!!!!!
2
....you mean: Go away, McCain!! Go with God, but go......
Transactional relationships... like Trump's marriages. We're doomed.
4
It is difficult to reconcile John McCain's grandiloquent op-ed with the fact that he has voted *in favor* of nearly every piece of legislation and every nominee put forward by the Trump administration. Indeed, in terms of actual votes cast in the United States Senate, one is hard pressed to find a more devoted ally of President Donald J. Trump than John McCain. Hopefully, the readers of The New York Times will remember to judge McCain not by his lofty words written here, but by his actual voting record in the U.S. Senate.
7
Mr. McCain,
Well put. But now is the time for you to stand outside on the Capitol steps -- and remain there day and night -- calmly asking your colleagues to stop all of the nonsense! Today -- not after endless political posturing, but NOW. Be the hero that you certainly are, and take command of our imaginations. If you don't, no one else will -- at least in the foreseeable future. Do it! Please.
Well put. But now is the time for you to stand outside on the Capitol steps -- and remain there day and night -- calmly asking your colleagues to stop all of the nonsense! Today -- not after endless political posturing, but NOW. Be the hero that you certainly are, and take command of our imaginations. If you don't, no one else will -- at least in the foreseeable future. Do it! Please.
5
Senator McCain, you are a hollow man. What integrity you had was lost not just when you chose Sarah Palin as your running mate, but when you raised the specter of blocking any Supreme Court appointments should Hillary Clinton have won. You are much more part of the problem than you are the solution. You can change that, but I don't expect it from one who has put party over country in these last years.
11
senator McCain: if you believe what you write I do not understand how you can support and even help to enable the Republican party. of today. if you believe what you write and do not write it as idle words and hypocracy you would speak out, be at the front of the protest marches and even leave the Republican party. the party of today is not the conservative party that you could honorably be a member of, if you write with honesty and honor.
9
Thank you, Senator McCain.
2
I agree with your point Senator McCain and stand wholeheartedly behind it. However, why should human rights apply only abroad? Is it not YOUR party that last week passed ghastly and DEADLY health care legislation? Will you stand for human rights for the American public and prevent that legislation from becoming law? Are you prepared to stand against YOUR party and it's, frankly, criminal absence of sincere inquiry into the Russian interference in our election AS WELL AS the possible collusion of the Trump administration and campaign staff? Are you willing to investigate the Trump family for violations of the emoluments clause which include their business dealings with foreign governments who regularly commit human rights abuses? What about securing human rights protections for more than 50% of the population here at home who are women? Again, it is YOUR party that consistently wants to trample the rights and freedoms of anyone with a uterus - women who do not have the right to choose are not free. What of the rights of you black men to be free of being slaughtered in the streets here with no trial? YOUR party loves to stand for human rights abroad (excluding certain Arab nations of course) but is woefully silent, indeed complicit in stamping them out at home.
12
Tillerson is a disgrace and reflects the immoral and depraved views of Bannon and Trump.
McCain must put his money where his mouth is and work to get these DERANGED people out of office.
McCain must put his money where his mouth is and work to get these DERANGED people out of office.
14
Thank you, Senator McCain for upholding the best in all of us.
4
Well said. Trump would do well to memorize the essay. Imagine, Trump the fool, said that McCain was no hero.
Historically, American is pretty much at the top of its power it can expect, in light of previous civilizations that have advanced the (Human) World. Academicians need to take notice of this peak in the contribution of America to Humanity, and exploit it. At the current time, they are doing a very poor job at this opportunity. The Greeks in the Age of Enlightenment did a much better job of exploiting their opportunity, which has not been seen since by philosophical geniuses for 2500 years.
The power of Capitalism since then is similar to the expansion of the power of Moses subsequent to the power of the Egyptian Pharos over the Psyche of Mankind. The Indo-Aryan Buddhist and Jesus' Jewish victories for Humanism over previous Semitic-Hindu systems of belief under the Pharisees/Devas and the rejection of regression to Roman/Aryan beliefs provided a better solution for mankind's advance. This transformation morphed itself into inert compartmentalization of many institutional silos today.
The power of Capitalism since then is similar to the expansion of the power of Moses subsequent to the power of the Egyptian Pharos over the Psyche of Mankind. The Indo-Aryan Buddhist and Jesus' Jewish victories for Humanism over previous Semitic-Hindu systems of belief under the Pharisees/Devas and the rejection of regression to Roman/Aryan beliefs provided a better solution for mankind's advance. This transformation morphed itself into inert compartmentalization of many institutional silos today.
And when the whole awful basket of dirty political laundry came out: payments from foreign powers, Trump advisors getting caught in “routine foreign agent surveillance trawls”, and enough country-betraying “interests advancing” shenanagins that any rational person would begin to have doubts, you had a decision to make. There were calls for investigations independent of political parties, requests for the appointment of a special prosecutor. You kept silent.
You knew, ahead of Election 2016 and certainly after, just who and what Trump and his advisors were and how incestuously intertwined they were with the very foreign power that hacked a US election. You could have stood up for democracy and American political idealism. You, a ranking US Senator, with money, power and position, could have publicly stood up and denounced him. You, a ranking Republican could have said something publicly. People would have listened. Instead, you chose “business as usual.” You kept silent.
In sum, you chose party loyalty over loyalty to your country. You don’t get to complain about the results now.
You knew, ahead of Election 2016 and certainly after, just who and what Trump and his advisors were and how incestuously intertwined they were with the very foreign power that hacked a US election. You could have stood up for democracy and American political idealism. You, a ranking US Senator, with money, power and position, could have publicly stood up and denounced him. You, a ranking Republican could have said something publicly. People would have listened. Instead, you chose “business as usual.” You kept silent.
In sum, you chose party loyalty over loyalty to your country. You don’t get to complain about the results now.
1
I don't remember reading articles by Mr. McCain against our foreign policy whenever we have supported dictators and despots throughout our history.
2
This piece inspires. Of course, freedom, dignity and human rights, like charity, should begin at home. Nature and nature's creator created all of us and the world we live in. Many of Senator McCain's fellow travelers seem not to see this. Maybe they'll start.
1
I have much much much more regard for you Senator McCain than the president who made fun of your capture.
2
Thank you John McCain, for standing up for principals and values so often discarded by those in politics who only value the dollar, and believe the wealth of the nation belongs only to the wealth.
1
Agreed. Now leave that corrupt party you seem to hold so dear. It is a disgrace to your years of service.
5
It is a wonderful policy based on human rights and
liberty for people oppressed in many countries. But
it has to be used everywhere peoples' rights are
denied. We can't simply use it to score points against
China and Russia but ignore in Israel and India(Gaza
and Kashmir) as well as Kurdistan in Turkey because
these countries are our allies. We will be on firmer
ground to advocate human rights if we hadn't
tortured prisoners in Guantanamo and Abu Gharaib.
We have lost luster on these issues by using torture,
kidnapping, rendition and drone attacks killing civilians
and colluding with the repressive regimes like Saudi Arabia
in pummelling Yemen. First we should atone for our
wrong doings and then take up human rights with
the zeal.
liberty for people oppressed in many countries. But
it has to be used everywhere peoples' rights are
denied. We can't simply use it to score points against
China and Russia but ignore in Israel and India(Gaza
and Kashmir) as well as Kurdistan in Turkey because
these countries are our allies. We will be on firmer
ground to advocate human rights if we hadn't
tortured prisoners in Guantanamo and Abu Gharaib.
We have lost luster on these issues by using torture,
kidnapping, rendition and drone attacks killing civilians
and colluding with the repressive regimes like Saudi Arabia
in pummelling Yemen. First we should atone for our
wrong doings and then take up human rights with
the zeal.
Mr. McCain, please! right now America can not do anything. , hypocrisy has no service doing favors to other nations, We're having serious problems because of disgusting republicans , inhuman individuals taking the health care from poor citizens,elderly, . Taking their dignity to have their rights to have good health .A nation's of selfish -centered people, Individualists that have zero respect for other citizens. A president that is clearly liar ,racist against Mexican, Muslims and innocent refugees. This is the wrong time . Maybe if we kick out this prostitute corporate politicians, and bring more decent ones like Bernie Sanders, Warren... etc . At least they're trying to help the most vulnerable americans.. The disgusting action from Ryan, Mitchel McConnell and 215 unscrupulous politicians have no excuse whatsoever . The word "HumanRights" has no place in their dirty mouths
2
While I agree with him, his own votes contradict what he says here. I had a lot of respect for him, but he has supported the same people he criticized here with his vote. He should put his vote where his mouth is! Considering his age this is probably his last turn in the senate, so if not now when?
6
It's great you're writing and thinking this way. When are you and your Republican cohorts going to start voting this way? We have plenty of human right issues right here--not the least of which are healthcare or climate change--yet there is nothing but abuse coming from the GOP on those topics and many more.
4
The Senator's comments read like a panegyric to historic US foreign policies; policies which are not, unfortunately, supported by historical fact. Throughout US history moral imperatives and lofty ideals have routinely been supplanted by narrow self interest. The US has supported the overthrow of democratically elected governments, has installed dictators, ignored the suppression of human rights when convenient, and has imposed its will by force and/or economic coercion when and as its political leaders felt it necessary to do so.
In the 19th century we wrested the Republic of the Philippines from Spain and, ignoring the pleas of Filipinos for self-government, bloodily exploited the country until forced out by the Japanese during World War II. We've imposed dictatorships throughout Latin American and Cuba to protect our economic interests. We intervened--at a cost of 58,000 American and an estimated 2 million Vietnamese lives--in a small country which posed no threat whatsoever to the United States. We did the same in Iraq and are still there.
So lofty sentiments notwithstanding, McCain's eulogy of America's past is belied by our own bloody history of intervention and self-aggrandizement.
In the 19th century we wrested the Republic of the Philippines from Spain and, ignoring the pleas of Filipinos for self-government, bloodily exploited the country until forced out by the Japanese during World War II. We've imposed dictatorships throughout Latin American and Cuba to protect our economic interests. We intervened--at a cost of 58,000 American and an estimated 2 million Vietnamese lives--in a small country which posed no threat whatsoever to the United States. We did the same in Iraq and are still there.
So lofty sentiments notwithstanding, McCain's eulogy of America's past is belied by our own bloody history of intervention and self-aggrandizement.
3
Nice try. The good Senator doesn't believe affordable healthcare or that a livable wage is a BASIC human right - so why should we take this message to heart? Pretending to care? Really? There must be some profitable agenda driving this message as it runs contradictory to the GOP.
6
Well done Senator!
1
Over the weekend I listened to a podcast from the Brookings Institution. The scholars reminded listeners of the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights (led by Eleanor Roosevelt). They said: How ironic that the GOP says that Trump is the continuation of the Reagan tradition, but in fact nothing could be a greater betrayal of those values.
1
We cannot risk becoming a totalitarian state ourselves by constantly supporting military intervention and supplying the world of it's weaponry any longer. The call to modernize our nukes, create new ways to kill and maintain this supremacy is putting our own democracy or what is left of it at risk. When do we beat our swords into plowshares?
1
Wonderful, Senator McCain. It's good to hear this defense of human rights in foreign policy. Can you do another piece showing how it should not be forgotten domestically? I'll look forward to being inspired by it. Keep speaking out!
1
I could not agree more. Thank you John for making it very, very clear what the US core values are.
1
Not one word from Mr. McCain of thanks to those anti-war protesters who saw the fallacy of Nam and because of them his freedom and others was possible. Nam was a lie. The Domino theory a myth. And politicians use hostages for their own ends ala Reagan having Iran release them after Carter lost. Take this article with a grain of salt. Money is to be made in war, and as long as it is America will be there.
2
It is true that any constraints reduce opportunities and in narrowly focused considerations like businesses, which in essence exist to make money, can make accomplishing purposes more difficult if not impossible. But our well being as human beings depends upon more than material things which money is needed to obtain, we need a sense of security in our persons and belongings, we need the emotional rewards of friends and relations, and we need the ability to control our lives. These things are possible to enjoy because of the trust and good will of other people bought with our reciprocity. This is reality as much as the need to satisfy our material needs. When the means to certain ends bring insecurity in our day to day relations with others, we introduce that insecurity as a regular feature of our existence and thus diminish the good that we will experience, henceforth.
1
Agree entirely with Senator McCain.
Those in public office who never fought or witnessed evil ignore the realities of peoples motivation for freedom and democracy and forget the sacrifices that Americans made to create their and their elected officials prosperity, freedoms and happiness.
Shame on all self centered libertarians and isolationists who gaze inward when democracy requires an outward view.
Those in public office who never fought or witnessed evil ignore the realities of peoples motivation for freedom and democracy and forget the sacrifices that Americans made to create their and their elected officials prosperity, freedoms and happiness.
Shame on all self centered libertarians and isolationists who gaze inward when democracy requires an outward view.
You're joking, McCain as champion of human rights?
2
Bravo! A voice of conscious and clarity is the wilderness of politics today.
Some things should never be transactional or we become no batter than any despotic nation. Senator McCain rightly recognizes that our moral authority in the world is at stack as never before. It trump and Tillerman are successful it will be much more than SAD or BAD. It would be a travesty.
Some things should never be transactional or we become no batter than any despotic nation. Senator McCain rightly recognizes that our moral authority in the world is at stack as never before. It trump and Tillerman are successful it will be much more than SAD or BAD. It would be a travesty.
In the real world of the U.S.A. children are being separated from their parents or live in fear of being separated from their parents due to our unjust immigration policies. Senator McCain would do well to remind his colleagues in the Congress that Human Rights should be respected here too!
2
Excellent piece, too bad it rings hollow given the author. Senator, with all due respect to your brave and exemplary service to our country, no, especially in light of that, sadly, you and others in the Republican party now shoulder some of the blame for the sorry circumstance we find ourselves in. This type of behavior and abandonment of the most basic American values, along with incompetence by the Trump administration is no surprise, and was in full display throughout the campaign....for instance when Trump disparaged you, your honor and sacrifice along with all your brave brothers and sister in their service to our country. Alas, it was (and still is for too many), party before country. Secretary Clinton, certainly not without her faults, was competent and certainly qualified to hold the office. She clearly would have steered us down a different path with regard to the values we used to put above partisanship. Now, you decide to speak out publicly and with conviction? Where were you and this morality prior to November 8, 2016 Senator? Worried more about the Republican party, or what's left of it's former self, that's where.
1
Excellent OpEd from John McCain and I'm ever grateful for the sacrifices he has made for our nation. Sadly by putting loyalty to the GOP above his duty to America by first adding Sara Palin to his ticket, and then supporting Donald Trump's campaign, he delivered deep wounds to the fabric of our nation. The damage to our standing in the world grows by the day and McCain must shoulder a large portion of the blame for bringing us to this point.
2
Great words Senator. And I supported your run in 2000.
But you confused me with your vow to allow no vote on a Supreme Court nominee if Secretary Clinton was elected. A trivial matter in contrast to a gulag.
Yet, the strength of American hope lies in the integrity of our government. Only then are our words sincere.
But you confused me with your vow to allow no vote on a Supreme Court nominee if Secretary Clinton was elected. A trivial matter in contrast to a gulag.
Yet, the strength of American hope lies in the integrity of our government. Only then are our words sincere.
1
John McCain is a very decent and caring man .He showed that in the 2008 election and I admire him for that.
Except when he casts his vote in the Senate.
There he voted to confirm Jeff Sessions, the racist Alabamian who is the Number One Enemy of Human Rights in the US and also for this Tillerson guy that he is censuring today. He also conveniently forgot about the Immigration Reform that he himself had developed with Senator Kennedy;
I would only hope that he will not want to run for another term in the Senate and he could become the maverick that he promised us to be several times.
Except when he casts his vote in the Senate.
There he voted to confirm Jeff Sessions, the racist Alabamian who is the Number One Enemy of Human Rights in the US and also for this Tillerson guy that he is censuring today. He also conveniently forgot about the Immigration Reform that he himself had developed with Senator Kennedy;
I would only hope that he will not want to run for another term in the Senate and he could become the maverick that he promised us to be several times.
2
Give me a break. If you want to support human rights, then start here in the US by ensuring women get equal say in healthcare reform. I just read the Robert Pear article in the Times that 13 men -- and no women -- are on the Senate team to reform that joke-of-a-bill on healthcare that emerged last week from the House. So a group of guys is coming up with policies for services that disproportionately affect women. What century is this? You want to talk human rights? Then loudly proclaim that this behavior is sexist and unacceptable -- and will no doubt hurt women. Because it will.
2
mc cain, trying to enhances his legacy as the days wind down. he makes some good points but his support of trump weakens his words. either you support trump or you support all that is good and right.
1
We need to Keep hope alive. It is not 1965. It is 2017. And President Trump's administration stinks and sure needs to chew on some Dentine.
Predictable like Swiss clockwork.
A Republican icon like Senator McCain waxes poetic and eloquent on human rights and NYT readers -- still in shocked dismay at the Republican overthrow of American democracy and gang assault on basic decency -- respond by groaning in disbelief followed by a cascade of addled-alt-right finger-pointers whimpering about mean-spirited, vindictive Trump-haters who are solely to blame for the climate of uncivilized political polarization.
Wow...fake news meet fake self-righteousness and identical twin fake moral conscience.
Worked against Obama, Hillary, and now the weapon of choice against those who call for resistance, even the kid glove skepticism expressed about Senator McCain who sold his hard-earned moral authority for a little above-the-fray GOP esprit de corps? We're the problem because we point out how his Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard laments the sin but omits the sinner?
So now even a gentle "walk your talk" Senator is a liberal provocation that exceeds the copyright restrictions of political character-assassination owned by the alt-right? Our rhetorical objection to GOP hypocrisy is why politics isn't working anymore?
Blame the victim is play #1 in the Republican Manual on Political Demolition Derby. Trump played that card against McCain, reducing him to the status of a Republican eunuch.
Wrong season to be planting mea culpas. Not with the storms ahead.
A Republican icon like Senator McCain waxes poetic and eloquent on human rights and NYT readers -- still in shocked dismay at the Republican overthrow of American democracy and gang assault on basic decency -- respond by groaning in disbelief followed by a cascade of addled-alt-right finger-pointers whimpering about mean-spirited, vindictive Trump-haters who are solely to blame for the climate of uncivilized political polarization.
Wow...fake news meet fake self-righteousness and identical twin fake moral conscience.
Worked against Obama, Hillary, and now the weapon of choice against those who call for resistance, even the kid glove skepticism expressed about Senator McCain who sold his hard-earned moral authority for a little above-the-fray GOP esprit de corps? We're the problem because we point out how his Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard laments the sin but omits the sinner?
So now even a gentle "walk your talk" Senator is a liberal provocation that exceeds the copyright restrictions of political character-assassination owned by the alt-right? Our rhetorical objection to GOP hypocrisy is why politics isn't working anymore?
Blame the victim is play #1 in the Republican Manual on Political Demolition Derby. Trump played that card against McCain, reducing him to the status of a Republican eunuch.
Wrong season to be planting mea culpas. Not with the storms ahead.
2
The world is not, as Sen McCain points out, perfect nor are we. I appreciate these comments because they put on the table America's historic commitment to human rights and high values. As he points out this has served the national interest well, as it has the national wealth. The point is well made by the right person who has, indeed, done his share of political service as well as military service. I appreciate that he has stepped forward at time moment to administer a wake up call to Tillerson and Trump, neither of whom has the vision or historical knowledge to be aware of what we have been to the world. They need this lesson.
"...hope was the mainstay of our resistance. Many, maybe most of us, might have given in to despair...had we truly believed we had been forgotten by our government and countrymen."
I think this speaks to many of us Americans today seeing the environmental destruction, looming loss of affordable health care, and yet more inequality being championed by our current President. We need your heroic effort again, this time in defense against a truly terrifying administration.
Sir, I thank you for your service.
I think this speaks to many of us Americans today seeing the environmental destruction, looming loss of affordable health care, and yet more inequality being championed by our current President. We need your heroic effort again, this time in defense against a truly terrifying administration.
Sir, I thank you for your service.
1
Johnie Shoot 'em up McCain preaching values and human rights is the mother of all enigmas wrapped in a mystery when he wants to deprive 20 odd million of "his own people" of basic health care as if they were POWs.
What the senator should do is concentrate on giving hope to "opressed people" in America and "demand humane treatment" for the sick and weak right here in the USA. That should take up all his spare time and more.
What the senator should do is concentrate on giving hope to "opressed people" in America and "demand humane treatment" for the sick and weak right here in the USA. That should take up all his spare time and more.
5
John, there was a time when i would have voted for you for president. but that time has passed along with your moral courage. it is hard to imagine that an american military hero who withstood the worst tortures his captors could inflict on him could have so cravenly caved to the dictates of party politics for the last 17 years. its hard to believe that GW could do to you what the North Vietnamese could not. so now we must suffer through your appeal to support human rights around the world when you wont stand up for them here in good old American. Human rights begin at home. Until you stand up to the worst violators of human rights in the republican party you will have no voice with which to argue for human rights elsewhere.
8
McCain.
Generally a good man I think.
But if the situation calls for inane partisanship, he's not above that. We've seen it at times.
My problem with mentioning Reagan as a example of a man who upheld our "exceptionalism" in human rights around the globe is that it's not quite true.
Sure, he was supportive of movements like "Solidarity" the workers rights and anti-Russia movement in Poland.
But, take the time to look at Reagan's record on human rights in Central America. Atrocious. Support for murderous regimes and mercenaries against popular movements of majorities of citizens is well documented.
As well documented as the so called "Iran - Contra" scandal.
(To all under 50 years old, search that one and you'll be amazed at the illegal nonsense President Reagan presided over to fund barbaric militias in various Central American nations. Seriously, you'll be shocked he wasn't impeached and jailed)
Maybe our border to the south would not be so tempting if people in Central America were not living in countries so disrupted by our policies in the 80's. We destabilized them.
Human rights, as McCain describes them, are good for our security as well as the nations around us.
Generally a good man I think.
But if the situation calls for inane partisanship, he's not above that. We've seen it at times.
My problem with mentioning Reagan as a example of a man who upheld our "exceptionalism" in human rights around the globe is that it's not quite true.
Sure, he was supportive of movements like "Solidarity" the workers rights and anti-Russia movement in Poland.
But, take the time to look at Reagan's record on human rights in Central America. Atrocious. Support for murderous regimes and mercenaries against popular movements of majorities of citizens is well documented.
As well documented as the so called "Iran - Contra" scandal.
(To all under 50 years old, search that one and you'll be amazed at the illegal nonsense President Reagan presided over to fund barbaric militias in various Central American nations. Seriously, you'll be shocked he wasn't impeached and jailed)
Maybe our border to the south would not be so tempting if people in Central America were not living in countries so disrupted by our policies in the 80's. We destabilized them.
Human rights, as McCain describes them, are good for our security as well as the nations around us.
6
It seems many-to-most of the commenters would prefer that people line up on the side of either the Republicans or the Democrats. I do not think this is constructive. To me, issue for issue, the only side that is important is the side that is seeking the truth. For Senator McCain, concerning this article, I have only the following words: Hear hear. Well said.
-- Ben, a lifelong Democrat
-- Ben, a lifelong Democrat
1
How can you say that? Healthcare is a human right and his party has done all it can to take it away from the most vulnerable Americans! John McCain is a hypocrite!
1
And as for realpolitik, Sen. McCain, when the MI5 background obtained dossier surfaced, you had a decision to make. According to the BBC, “In early December, the whole thing, 35 pages, was sent to Senator John McCain, who pressed the FBI Director to investigate exhaustively.” Director Comey, whom you knew to be publicly “Trump’s man”, who knowingly sat on an investigation into your party while publicizing the investigation into the Democratic candidate, Clinton. And still, you kept silent.
Then Gen. Flynn was caught on audio talking to Russian agents and certainly not upholding the ideals of American democracy. He was forced to resign due to public pressure from the press and the voters, not his own party. And the whole awful basket of dirty political laundry came out: payments from foreign powers, Trump advisors getting caught in “routine foreign agent surveillance trawls”, and enough country-betraying “interests advancing” shenanagins that any rational person would begin to have doubts. There were calls for investigations independent of political parties, requests for the appointment of a special prosecutor. You kept silent.
Then Gen. Flynn was caught on audio talking to Russian agents and certainly not upholding the ideals of American democracy. He was forced to resign due to public pressure from the press and the voters, not his own party. And the whole awful basket of dirty political laundry came out: payments from foreign powers, Trump advisors getting caught in “routine foreign agent surveillance trawls”, and enough country-betraying “interests advancing” shenanagins that any rational person would begin to have doubts. There were calls for investigations independent of political parties, requests for the appointment of a special prosecutor. You kept silent.
4
Exactly!
McCain? What is wrong with you people
Agreed. You should support those rights here at home too, Senator. You can start by stopping your and your party's attempt at ripping healthcare - a right - away from millions of America. You can stop trying to disenfranchise voters by curbing their voting rights too. And we all - including you - have a right to breathe clean air, and drink and bathe in clean water. But you and your brethren in congress have a problem with that too. Something about campaign donor's rights to make scads in profits without the burden of regulation trumping our rights to clean air and water. I agree with what you are saying, just be consistent.
16
I resent John McCain's lip service to values. He puts his Republican Party first despite the fact that the GOP "values" run counter to those of our Founding Fathers, the Constitution they gave us and also counter to the values of every major religion, most especially those of the Christianity McCain purports to espouse.
There's a single word for this, of course: Hypocrite!
There's a single word for this, of course: Hypocrite!
9
Dear John McCain,
You consider yourself a realist and you favor human rights. Then get your Republican colleagues to fight climate change! Or you have not regained your integrity since naming S. Palin as your vice-presidential running mate? What is wrong with the Republicans that they deny and politicize science? That is what the Soviet Union did. This country was founded on Enlightenment principles. Doesn't that mean anything to you? It is pretty unenlightened to reject science. That basically means you believe in magic and witchcraft. It is really embarrassing to be American these days.
You consider yourself a realist and you favor human rights. Then get your Republican colleagues to fight climate change! Or you have not regained your integrity since naming S. Palin as your vice-presidential running mate? What is wrong with the Republicans that they deny and politicize science? That is what the Soviet Union did. This country was founded on Enlightenment principles. Doesn't that mean anything to you? It is pretty unenlightened to reject science. That basically means you believe in magic and witchcraft. It is really embarrassing to be American these days.
9
I admire you Senator McCain and appreciate this piece. I must say that I disagree that we are a country with a conscious. It has been heartbreaking to witness the consistent obstruction of the presidency the last few years based on political affiliation. Today, it is frustrating to see verbal attacks against other Americans from our highest American earthly office due to differing opinions. At the end of the day we are all Americans, yet what once was the party of progress is now the party of divisiveness, greed and hypocrisy.
Sir, you have always been tough and I appreciate that. As you identified yourself as a realist in this column, please deeply reflect on the current state of our country and ask yourself if your colleagues are embracing reality as well. Sir, something has to be done....please help. Our President is not well. He is acting out on Twitter as I write to you.
Thanks for all you do Sir :-)
Sir, you have always been tough and I appreciate that. As you identified yourself as a realist in this column, please deeply reflect on the current state of our country and ask yourself if your colleagues are embracing reality as well. Sir, something has to be done....please help. Our President is not well. He is acting out on Twitter as I write to you.
Thanks for all you do Sir :-)
11
McCain, I'm sure you poured your heart out but I couldn't read beyond the title when I saw who wrote this article. You have lost so much credibility on your actions that you should not be in Congress at all. I have not heard you speak these words in Congress - What's the point of doing this in a Op-Ed when our voices don't have any say in Law making?
8
Always liked McCain, wish he'd won in 2000. Honorable man.
2
McCain should have been more vocal against the Toxic Trump and his administration as well as the morally compromised Republican Party.
McCain cannot wax eloquent about human rights worldwide when his own Republican Party doesn't give two hoots about human rights of people here in America.
Nice article, though. But sorry, it does not win you my respect. Try harder, Mr. McCain.
McCain cannot wax eloquent about human rights worldwide when his own Republican Party doesn't give two hoots about human rights of people here in America.
Nice article, though. But sorry, it does not win you my respect. Try harder, Mr. McCain.
8
I greatly enjoy agreeing with John McCain on this.
1
Bravo Senator McCain.
I hope you can get your fellow Republican Senators to speak out and stand up for the values that make this country great.
RBZ, MD
I hope you can get your fellow Republican Senators to speak out and stand up for the values that make this country great.
RBZ, MD
3
Dear Senator: I have great respect for your sacrifice, which was considerable. No one can ever know how bad it was for you except you. I served in Vietnam as a civilian, and though the Tet Offensive and what followed was damaging to my physical and mental health, I do not pretend to compare experiences. But if you are attempting to show what an open-minded Republican you are, you can only fool some of the people some of the time. When you consistently vote the party line, regardless of the consequences, you disappoint every single time.
8
I have yet to hear full throated condemnation of Islam, or its deviant members, psychopaths for god, and support for our efforts to destroy, or at least 'contain' such
A clear example is hosting the Palestinian Authority's Killer Mr Abbas, and funding him, for shame
So we condemn a man who kills drug dealers but not a man who kills Jews/ Israelis, and who ever else gets in the way
No sale, JM
A clear example is hosting the Palestinian Authority's Killer Mr Abbas, and funding him, for shame
So we condemn a man who kills drug dealers but not a man who kills Jews/ Israelis, and who ever else gets in the way
No sale, JM
I always liked John McCain, just as I liked (and voted for) Bob Dole. Seems our Vets get it.
3
I am so tired of hearing the POW whine from this pious hypocrite.
5
You foisted the know-nothing Sarah Palin upon this country, Mr. McCain, and the GOP has gotten uglier and uglier ever since then. Still waiting for an apology from you.
You're an old man, with nothing to lose. You've walked the walk before; time to do it again. The fool sitting in the Oval Office needs to be driven from it. You know it, I know it, every thinking American knows it. Now do something about it.
You're an old man, with nothing to lose. You've walked the walk before; time to do it again. The fool sitting in the Oval Office needs to be driven from it. You know it, I know it, every thinking American knows it. Now do something about it.
11
How could this man have voted for Tillison as Secretary of State
6
With all my respect to Senator McCain, I always feared that in Vietnamese captivity he was converted to Manchurian Candidate.
Incidentally, Sharansky's surname is pronounced Shchransky, and his name at birth and patronymic are Anatolyi Borisovich.
Incidentally, Sharansky's surname is pronounced Shchransky, and his name at birth and patronymic are Anatolyi Borisovich.
1
If McCain truly believes that the US needs to be a beacon of hope for the oppressed on the international stage, there's plenty he and others could do to help make that a reality.
He could insist that the United States immediately discontinue arms sales to Saudi Arabia, which are facilitating a massacre of civilians in Yemen according to the United Nations and which are littering the Arabian peninsula with de facto landmines in the form of US-made cluster munitions. These weapons are banned in most of the rest of the world, though not by the US.
He could demand that the US close its prison in Guantanamo Bay, which has held at least 780 people without charge or trial in conditions that Human Rights Watch and other independent human rights organizations have called torture. (Nine detainees have died there, six from suicide).
He could call on the US to discontinue its persecution of whistleblowers such as Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning, who bring much-needed transparency to otherwise unaccountable systems of power within the US government--itself the richest and most powerful government in the world. (Manning's sentence was commuted by President Obama, but McCain opposed the move).
One could go on. If "our values are our strength and greatest treasure," as McCain says, there's no shortage of concrete actions he could take to demonstrate this. The fact that he and others haven't says everything you need to know about how he really feels about human rights.
He could insist that the United States immediately discontinue arms sales to Saudi Arabia, which are facilitating a massacre of civilians in Yemen according to the United Nations and which are littering the Arabian peninsula with de facto landmines in the form of US-made cluster munitions. These weapons are banned in most of the rest of the world, though not by the US.
He could demand that the US close its prison in Guantanamo Bay, which has held at least 780 people without charge or trial in conditions that Human Rights Watch and other independent human rights organizations have called torture. (Nine detainees have died there, six from suicide).
He could call on the US to discontinue its persecution of whistleblowers such as Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning, who bring much-needed transparency to otherwise unaccountable systems of power within the US government--itself the richest and most powerful government in the world. (Manning's sentence was commuted by President Obama, but McCain opposed the move).
One could go on. If "our values are our strength and greatest treasure," as McCain says, there's no shortage of concrete actions he could take to demonstrate this. The fact that he and others haven't says everything you need to know about how he really feels about human rights.
10
What price idealism now, Sen. McCain, when you kept silent? The joint intelligence investigation into Trump’s campaign and his advisors’ ties to Russia-Carter Page, Paul Manafort, and Gen. Flynn-was active going into the final months of Election 2016. It was an investigation robust enough for the FBI to obtain a FISA warrant in October 2016, Ten days ahead of the election, the Democratic leader in the Senate, Harry Reid wrote to the Director of the FBI, accusing him of holding back “explosive information” about Mr. Trump. According to BBC’s Paul Wood, in his article “Trump: Compromising Claims” (12 Jan 2017), “Mr Reid sent his letter after getting an intelligence briefing, along with other senior figures in Congress. Only eight people were present: the chairs and ranking minority members of the the House and Senate intelligence committees, and the leaders of the Democratic and Republican parties in Congress, the ‘gang of eight’, as they are sometimes called.” You kept silent.
15
Thank you Sen. McCain for these words: "Human rights exist above the state and beyond history. They cannot be rescinded by one government any more than they can be granted by another. They inhabit the human heart, and from there, though they may be abridged, they can never be extinguished." Regardless of whether we agree on everything (or anything), those words are very succinct and powerful.
1
These are eloquent and righteous sentiments, but as long as Senator McCain continues to act in lockstep with the Senate majority which stamps approval to all of this action, they ring hollow. He should take heed of Mr. Obama's speech this weekend imploring courage when it could affect his standing among Republicans. I will applaud Senator McCain and respect him only when he shows the courage to vote against the nomination of someone like Tillerson.
16
Does Sen McCain believe health care is a human right? We'll soon know.
7
I have to say I still like McCain and his voice, though the rest of his party doesn't seem to care for those ideals and the party boss simply doesn't care. He stands apart even more now and seems to be the last of a kind that truly believed in those ideals.
7
Well Senator Rex Tillerson & this current Administration is YOUR Republican Party, the creation of Fox-Faux News & Conservative Radio. Don the Con has been marching in a Self-Serving Parade for 40+ years so you or any other Republican who voted for him because of the success of the 2 decade Fox Hate & Propaganda Machine directed at Hilary & any other Democrat can't now be Surprised at Anything his Administration does in OUR Name.
Senator McCain what were you thinking when Don the Con's billionaire parade of a Cabinet came up for a vote? What did you think their intentions were truly gonna be? Even now with your tepid rebuke of Tillerson's sad comments your still not picking up the banner to save your Party or to prevent Don the Con from giving OUR Country a self imposed black eye or Much Much Worse.
Senator McCain what were you thinking when Don the Con's billionaire parade of a Cabinet came up for a vote? What did you think their intentions were truly gonna be? Even now with your tepid rebuke of Tillerson's sad comments your still not picking up the banner to save your Party or to prevent Don the Con from giving OUR Country a self imposed black eye or Much Much Worse.
10
Thanks Mr. McCain. You just reminded me why I almost voted for you in 2008 (unfortunately, Sarah Palin was an absolute deal-breaker). Don't know if you'll be running in 2020 (without Sarah), but I would give you my strongest consideration.
4
An elegant bit of writing. Though I am an Obama supporter, McCain would have been elected President in 2008 had he not chosen Sara Palin. He would have been an excellent choice.
5
Senator McCain, thank you for the insightful article and generally for your activity on behalf of the American people. At a time when so many citizens of this country, like most of those posting comments here, are unable to raise themselves above petty partisan attitudes, it is reassuring to know that there are some people at the highest levels of the political process who put first their country, not their ideological tribe. I say that as a voter who has voted for Obama in 2008.
1
"We saw the world as it was and we made it better." Beyond hypocrisy. Yes, this is Sen. John McCain, a man who never met a war he didn't like. A true psychopath, a valiant servant of the military-industrial complex. a traitor (they called him the songbird in his No. Vietnamese prison camp). A bosom buddy of Al Quaida and ISIS, and on and on it goes. How appropriate that he is given space in the NYT.
2
And this from a man who began his career DROPPING NAPALM on women and children! Had he been president how many countries would we now be at war with? How many more dead bodies piled up in the name of "human rights" What is wrong with you NY times readers? You're so blinded by your hatred for Trump you're losing your minds. Please refer to Greenwalds recent article regarding our long standing Foreign Policy: https://theintercept.com/2017/05/02/trumps-support-and-praise-of-despots...
2
What McCain writes about would have so much more weight and credence if he had actually opposed Trump and voted against Tillerson. This is a typical politician sitting on his high horse without getting his hands dirty. McCain is no patriot. He sold his soul by choosing party over country by getting in bed with both Trump and Tillerson. Actions speak louder than words and his words are just lip service.
8
McCain lost me even before he selected Miss Alaska when he embraced Jerry Falwell with a speech at Liberty University.
4
Yea Amen!
A good man who had sacrificed for his country immensely; and to whom, his country now entrusts its sense of itself as an exceptional nation.
Sir. stand your ground, your country needs you more than ever!
Sir. stand your ground, your country needs you more than ever!
3
"I have seen the worst the world can offer."
But enough about Sarah Palin.
Whatever happened to the fool-proof plan for a quick and decisive victory in Iraq you promised the American people in 2008? It appears you such a sore loser you decided to keep it to yourself forever after.
But enough about Sarah Palin.
Whatever happened to the fool-proof plan for a quick and decisive victory in Iraq you promised the American people in 2008? It appears you such a sore loser you decided to keep it to yourself forever after.
1
"We are a country with a conscience."
I fear that we are no longer the country Mr. McCain refers to. Now it feels like we "were" a country with a conscience.
I fear that we are no longer the country Mr. McCain refers to. Now it feels like we "were" a country with a conscience.
8
John McCain is one of the few repub congressmen who really deserved to be reelected(at the age of 80).There are many things he espouses I disagree with, but he is a decent honorable man. May he live on for many more years.
7
Thank you Senator McCain.
3
I recently heard a clip from a town hall meeting from 2008. A woman had implied that Obama was not American and couldn't be trusted, to which you immediately responded, “He's a decent family man and citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues and that's what this campaign's all about.” You showed nobility, and integrity with that answer.
But now the current President knowingly/unknowingly seems on the track to take away the human rights from the vulnerable Americans. Your party wants to take healthcare away from 24 million people. Your party wants to regress to hurting racial and ethnic minorities. Your party wants to cause irreparable damage to the environment making it inhospitable for the future generations. Every policy that this President wants to implement seems so backward and irrational.
You didn't give up courage, responsibility, integrity and decency even during the toughest of the times. Please don't give them up now. We (the country) need you. Please show us some courage. Don't let this President destroy everything that we have accomplished thus far.
But now the current President knowingly/unknowingly seems on the track to take away the human rights from the vulnerable Americans. Your party wants to take healthcare away from 24 million people. Your party wants to regress to hurting racial and ethnic minorities. Your party wants to cause irreparable damage to the environment making it inhospitable for the future generations. Every policy that this President wants to implement seems so backward and irrational.
You didn't give up courage, responsibility, integrity and decency even during the toughest of the times. Please don't give them up now. We (the country) need you. Please show us some courage. Don't let this President destroy everything that we have accomplished thus far.
12
" ...conditioning our foreign policy too heavily on values creates obstacles to advance our national interests."
Ah, exactly Mr. Tillerson. God forbid we stand by our core values if it might obstruct a "deal". And conditioning our national policy too heavily on values creates obstacles for Trump, his family and co-horts to advance their personal wealth and agendas.
The "absence of values train" already left the station with Trump's attitude towards Putin, Duterte and the "honor" of sitting down with Kim Jong-Un. Democracy is not a "deal", it is the fabric of our constitution, the rules we live by. A fabric that is being shredded daily by an amoral administration and an unfit pathetic narcissist.
Not even I, an American citizen, can look to this country for hope, Senator McCain.
Ah, exactly Mr. Tillerson. God forbid we stand by our core values if it might obstruct a "deal". And conditioning our national policy too heavily on values creates obstacles for Trump, his family and co-horts to advance their personal wealth and agendas.
The "absence of values train" already left the station with Trump's attitude towards Putin, Duterte and the "honor" of sitting down with Kim Jong-Un. Democracy is not a "deal", it is the fabric of our constitution, the rules we live by. A fabric that is being shredded daily by an amoral administration and an unfit pathetic narcissist.
Not even I, an American citizen, can look to this country for hope, Senator McCain.
3
Wonderful, long overdue words from an American hero. But, as Dem. Senator Chris Murphy modeled last week (ok, but only in a tweet) where's McCain's clear excoriation of our alleged commander in chief for his embrace of Putin, Erdogan and Duterte!? And will McCain now call on this same purported president of ours, also his own party's leader , to ask why he has yet to call & congratulate the newly, freely elected democratic president of France?
4
Well said. You do your ancestor, George Washington, credit.
1
please, senator mccain, deliver your lecture to your colleagues in the house and senate.
8
Mr. McCain:
Why did you support Donald Trump for President? An op-ed space in the New York Times does what?
Why did you support Donald Trump for President? An op-ed space in the New York Times does what?
6
Superbly written OP-ED Mr. McCain.
As far fetched it may seem, let us take your article in in the context of healthcare.
Just last week, your fellow republicans in the house passed the bill that will shatter the hopes of about 24 million American citizens who have hopes in good American values. The bill is now in the lap of the senate. I trust, and I hope, that you will vote your conscience and good judgement when time comes ... and not vote along the party lines.
As far fetched it may seem, let us take your article in in the context of healthcare.
Just last week, your fellow republicans in the house passed the bill that will shatter the hopes of about 24 million American citizens who have hopes in good American values. The bill is now in the lap of the senate. I trust, and I hope, that you will vote your conscience and good judgement when time comes ... and not vote along the party lines.
Thanks for writing this. Now do something about it instead of talking a good "rebellious Republican" game while hardly ever voting against the rest of your GOP congressmen's worst bills.
5
I wish John McCain were President. America would be respected.
4
Not if Sarah Palin was VP and John died
Let me thank Senator McCain for his clear statement of the importance of Human Rights round the world for the US. He, however, should be more familiar with what happened in Japan.
Japan did not enjoy a Marshall-Plan as Europe had done. Instead President Truman offered the famous Point 4 of his Inaugural speech, January 20th,1949:
" .. a bold new program for making the benefits of our scientific advances and industrial progress available for the improvement and growth … The material resources which we can afford to use for assistance of other(s) (are) limited. But our imponderable resources in technical knowledge are constantly growing and are inexhaustible."
As an industrial engineer, I knew the three electrical communications of MacArthur's Civil Communications Section (CCS) who were given the task of implementing Point Four. This low cost approach should be offered to current emerging nations
Japan did not enjoy a Marshall-Plan as Europe had done. Instead President Truman offered the famous Point 4 of his Inaugural speech, January 20th,1949:
" .. a bold new program for making the benefits of our scientific advances and industrial progress available for the improvement and growth … The material resources which we can afford to use for assistance of other(s) (are) limited. But our imponderable resources in technical knowledge are constantly growing and are inexhaustible."
As an industrial engineer, I knew the three electrical communications of MacArthur's Civil Communications Section (CCS) who were given the task of implementing Point Four. This low cost approach should be offered to current emerging nations
1
John McCain is my senator. He can write all the op-eds and make all the news show appearances he wants, but they really show how little power or leverage he has in the Senate among his peers. What Congressional behaviors have changed due to the persuasive skills of Sen. McCain?
3
Eloquent piece from Sen McCain except that when given the chance to voice his opinion, he voted for Mr Tillerson as Secretary of State. Will this refusal of Tillerson to put humanity before profits finally lead McCain to not vote the GOP party line? I'm doubtful.
It seems that the motto of the Trump administration and its GOP enablers is: It's better to ask forgiveness than permission.
It seems that the motto of the Trump administration and its GOP enablers is: It's better to ask forgiveness than permission.
6
Well said, Senator McCain.
1
Well said. Too bad he doesn't believe it. Not for other countries, especially not for ours.
He was a hero. He destroyed that by turning to the racially prejudiced, intolerant congress, bowing low, & saying 'whatever you demand my lords.' He didn't do that in North Vietnam. He does it now. Is his job that important that he will willing sell his people (We the PEOPLE) down the river? He lost something when he returned. He has not found it. Maybe it no longer exists. Time to retire. Time to move into the basement to stay safe. Maybe future generations, if there are any, will be able to look past his loss of courage, to when he was that hero. Now, I can't. He wants us dead, just like the rest of that republican congress. That is no hero.
He was a hero. He destroyed that by turning to the racially prejudiced, intolerant congress, bowing low, & saying 'whatever you demand my lords.' He didn't do that in North Vietnam. He does it now. Is his job that important that he will willing sell his people (We the PEOPLE) down the river? He lost something when he returned. He has not found it. Maybe it no longer exists. Time to retire. Time to move into the basement to stay safe. Maybe future generations, if there are any, will be able to look past his loss of courage, to when he was that hero. Now, I can't. He wants us dead, just like the rest of that republican congress. That is no hero.
1
Fine words. If only Mr. McCain would read them to Donald Trump -- and Jefferson Sessions.
2
Expressive, but unfortunately your sentiments do not comport with your actions. One can only wish it were so.
9
Nice words. Now do something.
11
I agree with the words expressed here by Senator McCain. However he failed to denounce Trump when running for reelection in 2016- his political career was more important than his integrity. Moreover I've heard a word about him opposing Rex Tillerson for Secretary of State nor for that matter any of Trump's abominable appointees for Cabinet picks. Consequently his words here and his earlier inactions in my opinion are hypocritical.
It would be delightful if Senator McCain were to occasionally vote this conscience he so readily chats about. So far, everything the administration has requested, including an unethically appointed Supreme Court justice and this Secretary of State, Senator McCain has gleefully provided.
8
It's a shame that Mr. McCain's humanity and understanding of human rights came at his own mistreatment as a pow. Now if he hadn't been dropping bombs on innocents during an undeclared war maybe he would never have become so aware...and might not have killed untold numbers of Vietnamese.
Bombing from over 10,000 feet is not heroic. Suffering through rough treatment by an "enemy" is. Too bad the senator had to learn the hard way but I don't think that his call for "supporting human rights" is worth much. It's a little too little and a little too late.
Bombing from over 10,000 feet is not heroic. Suffering through rough treatment by an "enemy" is. Too bad the senator had to learn the hard way but I don't think that his call for "supporting human rights" is worth much. It's a little too little and a little too late.
1
I guess Reagan had time since he wasn't distracted dealing with the AIDS epidemic that was happening on his watch. There are so many real examples of leaders who care about human rights, I'm not surprised that this Republican Senator chose the cowardly Reagan.
1
Thank you, Senator McCain.
1
I couldn't agree more with Ms. Zeman's comment below. Inspiring word that need to be strengthened by the actions taken by Mr. McCain in the US Senate.
1
So, Senator, where do you stand regarding a US citizen laughing at the AG?
3
5 stars and two thumbs up.
Senator, many of us knew you are a true hero more than 40 years ago, when you refused early release by your torturers in North Vietnam until senior POWs were released. You are a man of uncommon valor. When candidate Trump denigrated your heroism it hurt me deeply and personally.
We have seen that the same flawed character that derided you for having been shot down, now justifies denial of basic human rights when convenient. These businessmen only understand the pursuit of money; morality is unknown to them.
You are my hero.
We have seen that the same flawed character that derided you for having been shot down, now justifies denial of basic human rights when convenient. These businessmen only understand the pursuit of money; morality is unknown to them.
You are my hero.
1
Many years ago, I saw Sen McCain snoozing on a North West Airlines flight passing through the Memphis hub while I was a naval officer. He was sitting way back in coach, quiet and dignified. I contrast that man with the current occupant in the White house. We have lost dignity and respect and replaced it with "Lets make a Deal." How sad. We need more Senator McCains from both sides of the isle to check the Trump-Kushner cash machine and its monetary ambitions before they milk our dignity dry.
4
This McCain has already refused that action. He prefers to snooze.
Thank you Senator McCain for articulating what truly makes American "great."
4
McCain is a fraud on human rights. He proved it in 2006 when he said this:
"I work in Washington and I know that money corrupts. And I and a lot of other people were trying to stop that corruption. Obviously, from what we've been seeing lately, we didn't complete the job. But I would rather have a clean government than one where quote First Amendment rights are being respected that has become corrupt. If I had my choice, I'd rather have the clean government."
"I work in Washington and I know that money corrupts. And I and a lot of other people were trying to stop that corruption. Obviously, from what we've been seeing lately, we didn't complete the job. But I would rather have a clean government than one where quote First Amendment rights are being respected that has become corrupt. If I had my choice, I'd rather have the clean government."
Dear Senator McCain,
You now have the opportunity to actually be Presidential. To be the leader you promised you would be in your run for the Presidency of the United(!) States (before being shackled with Sarah Palin). You are 80 years old. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain- your Soul and the Soul and gratitude of your country. You are once again being called to heroism on behalf of your country and its citizens. Will you answer the call of duty?
You now have the opportunity to actually be Presidential. To be the leader you promised you would be in your run for the Presidency of the United(!) States (before being shackled with Sarah Palin). You are 80 years old. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain- your Soul and the Soul and gratitude of your country. You are once again being called to heroism on behalf of your country and its citizens. Will you answer the call of duty?
8
If an article written by somebody with Senator's McCain record as a true patriot, on a topic so likely to generate broad consensus as defense of human rights, is met with overwhelming scorn and condescendence by the vast majority of people posting here, just because he has different political views than them, how much hope is left for this country ? The NYT is supposed to be center-left, but the comments section looks like an alt-left basement. Decency, respect and tolerance for different points of view are out; Fox/MSNBC are in.
1
Maybe it would help if you understood why people were so angry. This is why the Senator got so far up my nose he raised my hat: Ordinary citizens, with everything to lose, and appalled at the utter failure of our government to protect us from the actions of a foreign power, have been standing up for American idealism. Ordinary people have stood up and put their everyday lives at risk: in print, in the press, in emails and letters to Congress, and God help us, in the streets.
While you, Senator, kept silent.
You, Sir, above all people could have taken the risk. You had power. You had position. You had knowledge. You could have said “this is wrong, and this is why”. But you didn’t. You kept silent. Silence gives assent to all kinds of evils. You of all people knowingly chose party over country. You left your country to the political wolves.
So you don’t get to come out now and whinge about the Trump administration’s failure to uphold idealism when it is you, Sir, who have failed to uphold it.
I am calling you out, Sir. You, Sir, are a political coward who put party loyalty above loyalty to your country. You don’t get to complain about it to the very country you betrayed.
I await your reply, Sir.
While you, Senator, kept silent.
You, Sir, above all people could have taken the risk. You had power. You had position. You had knowledge. You could have said “this is wrong, and this is why”. But you didn’t. You kept silent. Silence gives assent to all kinds of evils. You of all people knowingly chose party over country. You left your country to the political wolves.
So you don’t get to come out now and whinge about the Trump administration’s failure to uphold idealism when it is you, Sir, who have failed to uphold it.
I am calling you out, Sir. You, Sir, are a political coward who put party loyalty above loyalty to your country. You don’t get to complain about it to the very country you betrayed.
I await your reply, Sir.
John McCain is a true American patriot and hero.
1
Susan, he was. Then the only one in the world who could change that did. He himself. Now, he just a sorry old man. It may be hard for someone who sounds so young to understand. But, to be a hero, one must continue to be a hero. Fail, & in his case, he might as well have come home early as was offered him my the North Vietnamese. Heros don't get free passes to do wrong, just because they did right once. Can be little wrong things. Like, picking a mistress,because his wife had grown was was no longer just a little 'wifey'. But, a woman who gave of herself & worked hard to bring him & others home. Instead of seeing in her another hero, he found someone else to sleep with. She was too much of a person for him to handle. She did what she had to, he would never have been seen again if she hadn't, like other MIAs are still missing.
Now human rights are a talking point, not a doing point. How many sick, elderly, poor are going to be his next group of ignored MIAs?
Now human rights are a talking point, not a doing point. How many sick, elderly, poor are going to be his next group of ignored MIAs?
2
What about human rights for Americans? Why is Senator McCain quiet while health care is stripped away from tens of millions of American citizens? Why is he silent when the Trumps and Kushners cash in on the Presidency with the most grotesque avarice? McCain likes to see himself as a hero and maverick. But he is very selective with his displays of integrity and courage.
2
McCain obviously lives in a virtual reality of his own creation.
3
I am so proud of Senator McCain today.
1
Why then did you vote to confirm Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State? The chickens come home to roost, Senator.
4
nice job.
Does Betsy Devos agree with any of these values? What will she inculcate in American children? Why not draw up your moral courage and cast a "no" vote? A single vote would have prevented her confirmation.
6
A year ago I would have considered Mr. McCain's passionate assertion regarding America's place in the hearts of the citizens of other countries as part of the overall delusion of American exceptionalism, which always strikes me as a convenient way to gloss over and thus dismiss the historic and ongoing barbarism this country is guilty of: slavery, Manifest Destiny, Jim Crow, industrial pollution, on and on, all leading up to the current age of Donald 'Lord of the Flies' Trump.
But thanks to said orange-haired Lord of the Continent of the Lost, I've been forced to realize that this country has done a lot more than merely make my life and the lives of other fairly privileged Americans enjoyable. Reading the heartfelt laments of folks around the globe during the 2016 campaign and its aftermath, I realized that folks like Mr. McCain are right about this country in many respects. Although this doesn't absolve its myriad sins and atrocities, it does underline the importance of how we as a nation have been able to put into practice many of the best of its ideals. It is clear that many folks around the world lament the Trump phenomenon as I do: as a grave threat to this progress. And I'm heartened by the conservative Mr. McCain's outspoken voice on this critical matter.
But thanks to said orange-haired Lord of the Continent of the Lost, I've been forced to realize that this country has done a lot more than merely make my life and the lives of other fairly privileged Americans enjoyable. Reading the heartfelt laments of folks around the globe during the 2016 campaign and its aftermath, I realized that folks like Mr. McCain are right about this country in many respects. Although this doesn't absolve its myriad sins and atrocities, it does underline the importance of how we as a nation have been able to put into practice many of the best of its ideals. It is clear that many folks around the world lament the Trump phenomenon as I do: as a grave threat to this progress. And I'm heartened by the conservative Mr. McCain's outspoken voice on this critical matter.
1
We do need to care about all people of planet Earth. We all want freedom to live our lives safely. If we only cared about our country and didn't positively influence the rest of the world with support, it would put all of us on the planet in danger of war.
1
If the conscience of our country is a reflection of its current leadership, then we are conscience-free. Indeed Senator McCain you did "go home one day with [your] honor intact," but your own vile President tried to explode it with one mendacious slander against your heroic record. As for our current President's record of brave sacrifice, nothing should be said because nothing can be said.
Keep advocating for human rights, Senator McCain, because your voice on this matter enjoys no resonance from today's Oval Office.
Keep advocating for human rights, Senator McCain, because your voice on this matter enjoys no resonance from today's Oval Office.
2
McCain.....STOP TALKING & DO SOMETHING. Or maybe some of us will send you back to Vietnam, the Northern Half. Then forget we did. It would be better than you deserve. All we'd ask is that when doing whatever they want, they should keep you alive for as long as possible, with as little as possible. They know how, & you know it.
Heroes don't stay heroes when they refuse to be heroes. That is you to a T.
Heroes don't stay heroes when they refuse to be heroes. That is you to a T.
A familiar McCain stance. Move forward to the line, stating things that are antithetical to his fellow republican travelers, and then , when push comes to shove McCain grovels back into his republican shell, not to be heard from for a month or two.
Spare us please, you lost your soul many years back.
Spare us please, you lost your soul many years back.
4
Totally irrelevant from someone that gave us pailin and played a fake maverick routine poor pathetic shadow of faux morality
4
No Sir, we WERE a country with a conscience. If we be a nation with a conscience, that conscience is heavy with guilt and filthy with the shame. And, Sir, as one being charged with keeping the conscience clean, you have done a poor job. Your own commander in chief has brought international disgrace on our nation and has repeatedly flaunted the constitution you swore to uphold. If that's not enough, he has repeatedly and recently degraded your own military service and STILL you do not have the courage to call the man what he is: the embodiment of everything un-American. You still will not call a spade a spade. Your straight-talk is still buried in NYT Editorial swipes that poorly imitate head-on opposition. Try harder.
7
Cannot agree more with Senator McCain words. His actions while imprisoned in the "Hanoi Hilton" served as the moral compass to himself and his cell mates there. But his selection of Palin as his running mate in the 2008 presidential campaign, or other actions of his in what presumably is his final term as a US senator do not jibe with those words he wrote today. Aren't those as well as the other Trump policies, not jus his foreign policy, or even the presidency itself, treated purely as "transactional" by Trump and his family?
2
John, I have a lot of respect for you, but when you ran for president, you cut all ties with the reasonable Republican philosophies and adopted the irrational theses of the extreme right. I can even forgive closing your eyes, holding your nose and picking Sarah Palin which looked like -- and was -- an act of desperation. I might have voted for you before you actually ran and caved to the far right.
But now, there is no reason to sustain the dismantling of the Senate Rules or confirming self-dealing hotshots like Tom Price or Scott Pruitt or Betsy DeVos only to cut taxes and hack away at regulations.
Donald is, in all generosity, ill-informed on foreign and domestic policy. He chooses people and programs solely for their "gotcha" value, further alienating the majority of the country who preferred Hillary.
Donald and the Pubs are doing to the country what they did to the Republican Party and the Congress. Pyrrhic victories.
But now, there is no reason to sustain the dismantling of the Senate Rules or confirming self-dealing hotshots like Tom Price or Scott Pruitt or Betsy DeVos only to cut taxes and hack away at regulations.
Donald is, in all generosity, ill-informed on foreign and domestic policy. He chooses people and programs solely for their "gotcha" value, further alienating the majority of the country who preferred Hillary.
Donald and the Pubs are doing to the country what they did to the Republican Party and the Congress. Pyrrhic victories.
3
When Captain McCain refused to be released from POW status unless all longer held POWs would be released also, I was a member of the Navy Medical Corps. When he was finally released in March 1973 I was a Medical Officer in the U.S. Foreign Service, stationed in Bangkok. I never had the privilege of meeting this American hero. He knows human rights' issues more than any public figure. His commentary must be adopted by our current administration. Our nation must stand adamantly in support of human rights as the now Senator McCain explains so well. President Trump and his Secretary of State must adopt Senator McCain's stated position.
James F Quilty MD, Rocky River, Ohio
James F Quilty MD, Rocky River, Ohio
3
Without compassion and mercy for living things, human rights included, the United States becomes nothing more than a directionless fee-fi-fo-fum like giant.
3
It was both inspiring and infuriating to read Sen. John McCain's speech on the importance of human rights.
I heard no apology for the injury+death he inflicted on an unimaginable number of Vietnamese people, just for living in a "Communist" land. Furthermore, I heard no expression of regret or remorse for supporting the launching+continuing of our current wars in Afghanistan+Iraq, despite most of the poor ppl there having nothing against us, at least until we invaded, as was the case with Vietnam too. An appropriate response to the mass murder on 9/11 would have been to go after the murderers, not to murder multiples of innocents.
Finally, I find it infuriating he has such a narrow definition of "human rights." Certainly, when living in the wealthiest nation+world in history, all humans have the right to food, housing, medical care, children, education+freedom. However, at least 1B ppl in the world are starving today, including 50M in the USA, millions of whom have just had all their food cut off. Even when ppl do get food stamps, they just get $1.40/meal, hardly enough. USA has millions of homeless ppl. Yes, free food, healthcare, housing, higher education for all costs money, but the wealthiest 1% owns over 40% of our assets. All we have to do is tax them fairly, on net worth.
Finally, in the name of enforcing unconstitutional victimless/consensual "morals crimes", USA has the highest number (2M)+ % (25%) of citizens enslaved in jail+on probation (70M/25%)! NO!
I heard no apology for the injury+death he inflicted on an unimaginable number of Vietnamese people, just for living in a "Communist" land. Furthermore, I heard no expression of regret or remorse for supporting the launching+continuing of our current wars in Afghanistan+Iraq, despite most of the poor ppl there having nothing against us, at least until we invaded, as was the case with Vietnam too. An appropriate response to the mass murder on 9/11 would have been to go after the murderers, not to murder multiples of innocents.
Finally, I find it infuriating he has such a narrow definition of "human rights." Certainly, when living in the wealthiest nation+world in history, all humans have the right to food, housing, medical care, children, education+freedom. However, at least 1B ppl in the world are starving today, including 50M in the USA, millions of whom have just had all their food cut off. Even when ppl do get food stamps, they just get $1.40/meal, hardly enough. USA has millions of homeless ppl. Yes, free food, healthcare, housing, higher education for all costs money, but the wealthiest 1% owns over 40% of our assets. All we have to do is tax them fairly, on net worth.
Finally, in the name of enforcing unconstitutional victimless/consensual "morals crimes", USA has the highest number (2M)+ % (25%) of citizens enslaved in jail+on probation (70M/25%)! NO!
4
Wow. Senator McCain sounds like he might change parties. I am elated he has reaffirmed human rights and exactly what that means. I take issue with American exceptionalism however. That core belief is what allows for a great deal of moral latitude for some. I believe we as American citizens are very good people. Keeping our selves grounded and striving for increased human rights is difficult.
1
Thank you for highlighting how important our country's policies should reflect our common values.
Thank you, Senator McCain - we do not agree on many political questions, but I deeply admire you and thank you for this excellent calling to account.
3
Senator McCain, I am heartened by you very clear and powerful call for Tillerson and others to realize that policy and values are inextricably bound together, and that we abandon vigorous defense of human rights at our peril. Thank you for your service to our nation, now and for so many decades.
I was a political enemy of Senator McCain until I watched his 2008 concession speech to Obama which was the most graceful and generous reaction to unexpected loss that I've ever witnessed. It enabled me both to celebrate Obama's win with passion while simultaneously empathizing with McCain's loss. I remain opposed to most of McCain's political positions but I've learned to maintain an undying respect for his commitment to the same fundamental values that I share with him. Our differences are in the way that he and I interpret those values and how best to defend them, not in the values themselves. McCain may be criticized for his failure to have rejected Trump's candidacy early on but I see this as a reflection of his generosity of spirit and misplaced optimism, rather than in nefarious intent.
McCain's election to the Presidency in 2008 would have greatly disappointed me. But it would never have resulted in any questioning of allegiance. I am a US citizen not by accident but by choice. The values that underpin the words and behavior of this administration are not the values that I swore allegiance to when I became a citizen.
McCain's election to the Presidency in 2008 would have greatly disappointed me. But it would never have resulted in any questioning of allegiance. I am a US citizen not by accident but by choice. The values that underpin the words and behavior of this administration are not the values that I swore allegiance to when I became a citizen.
3
Thank you for beautifully articulating why abandoning human rights will be a tragedy for America! Please do whatever else you can do to forestall this tragedy. That includes considering this issue when you vote on Trump appointees, and continuing to be vocal when this administration tries to harm human rights.
2
Senator, Thank you for this essay. America today needs voices like yours on our role in the world. You spoke above party, beyond party. It was one of the best defenses of the value of human rights in U.S. foreign policy that I have ever read. It is about our respect for people's longings for human dignity, not just the mere acceptance of their governments' unjust exercise of power. Keep it up with State, USAID, MCC, IRI and NDI.
For all those who support John McCain on this issue, please remember one thing.
He is calling for a military buildup far in excess of what Trump has proposed.
Senator McCain is at least intellectually honest and consistent on this issue. He understands and is willing to fund the increased military power necessary to support and enforce our values across the world.
Are liberal on board with this military buildup? Make your voices heard.
He is calling for a military buildup far in excess of what Trump has proposed.
Senator McCain is at least intellectually honest and consistent on this issue. He understands and is willing to fund the increased military power necessary to support and enforce our values across the world.
Are liberal on board with this military buildup? Make your voices heard.
1
Senator McCain's defense of human rights is doubly welcome, given Secretary Tillerson's preference for business priorities clumsily cloaked as the best interests of our country. Sad to say, we're marching headlong into an era where success is measured without modification by the percentage of gain to any corporate interest that matters. This, even more sadly, includes military actions that have no ultimate purpose other than to bolster the gains achieved by producing and using weapons against any foe that's too weak to fight back meaningfully.
1
Sen. McCain, you indeed correct that Sec. Tillerson has failed to uphold American idealism in his speech about the “necessity” of dumping values-based foreign policy in order to “advance national interests.” But you, Sir, have not a leg to stand on when it comes to upholding idealism in American politics, and on that, Sir, I am calling you to account.
You had your chance to uphold American political idealism before and after the debacle of the Russian hacked Election of 2016. You, better than most, knew who Candidate and then President Trump’s advisors were, and what they had done to get where they are. You, Sir, could have stood up publicly, and denounced them, but instead you chose “business as usual” and party loyalty over the interests of the voters and your country. So much for idealism.
You had your chance to uphold American political idealism before and after the debacle of the Russian hacked Election of 2016. You, better than most, knew who Candidate and then President Trump’s advisors were, and what they had done to get where they are. You, Sir, could have stood up publicly, and denounced them, but instead you chose “business as usual” and party loyalty over the interests of the voters and your country. So much for idealism.
2
Important message. Thank you for sharing your experience and wisdom Mr. McCain.
1
The head of our State Dept. needs a history lesson (as well as an admonishment from Sen. McCain) after he said we can't impose "our" values on other countries.
Eleanor Roosevelt worked hard to bring all countries to agreement that certain basic rights are universal as she helped create the UN Declaration of Human Rights after WWII, and members of the UN today accept in theory if not in practice that human rights should apply to everyone in the human global community.
Eleanor Roosevelt worked hard to bring all countries to agreement that certain basic rights are universal as she helped create the UN Declaration of Human Rights after WWII, and members of the UN today accept in theory if not in practice that human rights should apply to everyone in the human global community.
1
I am a proud Democrat and a proud citizen of AZ, with Senator McCain's powerful, informed voice on human rights. I have been dismayed by the many articles by liberals and conservative alike praising Secretary Tillerson. Secretary Tillerson's recent "realpolitik" statement regarding our country's support for human rights has only been the most recent and unambiguous declaration of our lack of concern for human rights. For NYT readers, I don't need to list the many other instances.
It is so clear that there is not one member of the Trump administration who is concerned with the plight of the world's population in countries without a free press, where dissidents are imprisoned and tortured, and where tribal conflicts are resulting in starvation. And Trump's constant attacks against the free press provide support to dictators like Putin who proclaim that our press is corrupt. Clearly, the NYT and Alex Jones or Breitbart are not equal. Yes. One of them is fake news, and it's not the NYT. Tillerson's refusal to travel with the press, conduct regular press conferences, and his stopping of the Department of State's daily press briefings simply reinforce that.
In Trump's desire to ensure that he personally has no negative press coverage, he has taken one of our country's greatest freedoms - a free press - and undermined it in the world's view.
Thank you, Senator McCain! Now can you please speak out for accessible, affordable health care and a clean environment?
It is so clear that there is not one member of the Trump administration who is concerned with the plight of the world's population in countries without a free press, where dissidents are imprisoned and tortured, and where tribal conflicts are resulting in starvation. And Trump's constant attacks against the free press provide support to dictators like Putin who proclaim that our press is corrupt. Clearly, the NYT and Alex Jones or Breitbart are not equal. Yes. One of them is fake news, and it's not the NYT. Tillerson's refusal to travel with the press, conduct regular press conferences, and his stopping of the Department of State's daily press briefings simply reinforce that.
In Trump's desire to ensure that he personally has no negative press coverage, he has taken one of our country's greatest freedoms - a free press - and undermined it in the world's view.
Thank you, Senator McCain! Now can you please speak out for accessible, affordable health care and a clean environment?
3
As a last and best hurrah to his long career, Senator McCain could more broadly confront the vicissitudes of his Republican administration, using the same courage he mustered in confronting the Viet Cong, a much, much tougher enemy than President T.
McCain should be far more worried about, and first focus on, the home front. If we (and he) uphold our values here it will be an effective example to allow us to promote human rights elsewhere. And I hope his isn't using this op-ed to distract from the plight we are in here under Trump while our own basic rights remain under assault.
2
Senator McCain has shown us, once again, what it means to to be a patriotic American. It is reassuring to know that there are senators that put human rights and their country before their party. I thank him for writing this, and I thank the Times for publishing us.
Senator McCain, thanks for this.
I can't imagine what you went through, as a POW.
I don't want to imply that life here in the US is anything like that bad. It probably isn't, for any of us who live here.
However, it's not just out there, in world beyond our national borders, that things are bad, really bad. Too many of us who live in this self-celebrative country experience, as you put it, "despair". We know well the feeling that "the American government [has] forgotten us." We, too, feel "are on our own...and at [the] mercy" of forces that threaten our ability to live honorably.
You argue for supporting "human rights". Would you please engage in a thoughtful discussion of which human rights, specifically, we should support and how we should support them -- here in the US.
In your view, is medical care one of them?
I can't imagine what you went through, as a POW.
I don't want to imply that life here in the US is anything like that bad. It probably isn't, for any of us who live here.
However, it's not just out there, in world beyond our national borders, that things are bad, really bad. Too many of us who live in this self-celebrative country experience, as you put it, "despair". We know well the feeling that "the American government [has] forgotten us." We, too, feel "are on our own...and at [the] mercy" of forces that threaten our ability to live honorably.
You argue for supporting "human rights". Would you please engage in a thoughtful discussion of which human rights, specifically, we should support and how we should support them -- here in the US.
In your view, is medical care one of them?
2
Charity begins at home. We have spent trillions going to war to protect the human rights of people in far off countries of whom we know very little. Are Iraqis better off today as a result of the money we spent replacing Saddam?
We don't seem to care enough about your own people. Would not America be better off if that money was spent on funding US health and infrastructure? Is healthcare not a human right? Thousands of Americans die every year because they don't have adequate health care.
We don't seem to care enough about your own people. Would not America be better off if that money was spent on funding US health and infrastructure? Is healthcare not a human right? Thousands of Americans die every year because they don't have adequate health care.
1
I was very moved by your words Senator McCain and truly feel what you seem to believe. But now, I would very much like to HEAR your voice LOUD AND CLEAR inside the Senate as well as outside the Senate. Please don't disappoint all who read your thoughts today.
3
Trump and Tillerson are bent on reducing the US to a selfish, war mongering, greedy and grasping banana republic. I admire Sen McCain, and sometimes, Sen. Graham. But, they both seem to toe the line when McConnell calls. McConnell is the Devil himself.
The 'real' America shows itself at times. Americans do believe "Our values are our strength and greatest treasure" - but we let things slip from time to time.
Our real war now is internal. How do we recover our senses? If whatever resistance is forming against this trump criminal enterprise, I am hoping it drives us to hold to our values until the mid terms so we can become the beacon we need to be again.
The 'real' America shows itself at times. Americans do believe "Our values are our strength and greatest treasure" - but we let things slip from time to time.
Our real war now is internal. How do we recover our senses? If whatever resistance is forming against this trump criminal enterprise, I am hoping it drives us to hold to our values until the mid terms so we can become the beacon we need to be again.
1
I have not been a great fan of Senator McCain or many of his positions, but I applaud this article wholeheartedly. For now the moral leadership of the Western world has passed to France and Germany. Hopefully it won't be long before the United States can make this a triumverate.
13
Thank you for your editorial, Senator McCain. I largely agree with you, but would add an important qualifier. America’s support for the oppressed in other countries should not include unnecessary warfare. If the war is not a last resort necessity, then it is ethically equivalent to international murder (the culpability for which lies with those who make the decisions, not soldiers under orders). And even if such a war “works” (though they’re usually counterproductive), we justify to the world that ends justify means. This is why many Americans like myself opposed initiating the “war of choice” in Iraq in 2003.
We are always grateful to you & other veterans for their service. Thank you.
“When you wage war against a tyrant, you are killing the victims of the tyrant.” Howard Zinn
We are always grateful to you & other veterans for their service. Thank you.
“When you wage war against a tyrant, you are killing the victims of the tyrant.” Howard Zinn
13
What do you, as our senator, propose to do as your part, and what do you suggest we do, as our part, to halt the dangerous wheels that have begun to end our democracy as we know it and want it?
8
John McCain, you write "We are a country with a conscience." This is no longer the country I see under the leadership of your party, the Republican Party. Are you still living in 1984 as you quote Ronald Reagan? Our country has become a Kakfaesque and Orwellian reality and nightmare under Trump and Republican Leadership.
15
He was a willing contributor to this dystopia we are living now
Totally agree -- he is complicit in this American Tragedy.
Bravo
Having just watched 60 Minutes last night with Leslie Stahl's phenomenal piece on Ben Ferencz, the Nuremberg Prosecutor, I can't imagine any other reaction than John McCain's reaction to Tillerson's outrageous statement. National Interests should "trump" values? How scary.
7
Absent action, words are worthless.
16
I too consider Senator McCain a hero. I too am a Disabled Veteran. But I was livid when that video was seen by millions where Trump said, "I like people who weren't captured", which exposed every disabled veteran to the shame and rebuke that that sentence conveyed. I am sure Senator McCain would not have liked to have been captured. Who wouldn't? But where was the uproar? Where was the disqualification of Trump? Where was the outcry by his fellow Senators? And still, no apology. Still, McCain's willingness to tow the party line. I too heard Tillerson's comments. I too found them reprehensible. Where"s the shame?
16
I'm kind of the opposite and kind of not. I don't really consider McCain a hero, but it's not because he was captured. I just think that to be a hero you need to help people, whether that means being the soldier who wades back into danger to drag his buddy to safety, being the guy in the gulag who helps everyone else keep their spirits up or just being the guy who speaks up against injustice when it would be easier to keep silent or steps in to help a lost child. To me heroism can happen on the battlefield, but that doesn't mean all soldiers are heroes. That's not to say I'm ungrateful for what you and McCain did, I'm glad the US has people willing to put their lives on the line for what's right, so thanks :)
And don't worry too much about what Trump says, guys like him are the polar opposite of a hero.
And don't worry too much about what Trump says, guys like him are the polar opposite of a hero.
That John McCain and his fellow prisoners were inspired to avoid despair by their country asserting it's commitment to them and asserting human rights values is rationale enough for our Secretary of State to profess values we aspire to. I applaud John McCain for this point.
This sits side by side with valid criticism in many comments here. But let's not lose this point. It's important today as it was when John McCain sat in a N Vietnamese jail. We need to hold our government to a high standard of advocating for human rights. And we need to hold our citizens to a high standard of critiquing our governments actions and policies fall short.
This sits side by side with valid criticism in many comments here. But let's not lose this point. It's important today as it was when John McCain sat in a N Vietnamese jail. We need to hold our government to a high standard of advocating for human rights. And we need to hold our citizens to a high standard of critiquing our governments actions and policies fall short.
4
Senator McCain, you speak one way and act a different way. There are two people in recent American history that I despise - Ronald Reagan for giving a voice to the far right, and you for giving the far right a seat at the table, a prominent seat.
Donald Trump is the consequence of your's and Reagan's delusions.
Donald Trump is the consequence of your's and Reagan's delusions.
14
Nice
Well said, Senator McCain. Just a few quick questions:
1) For whom did you vote in the Presidential election of 2016? I obviously don't know for sure, but I'd be fairly aghast were you to say that it was for Ms. Clinton. If that is the case, why and how could you have voted for Mr. Trump? No one above the age of three would not have been able to tell you that this was exactly what was coming.
2) Would you disagree with the following assertion: Sarah Palin, your choice for Vice Presidential candidate, has done much to bring about precisely this "America First," the rest of the world last, human rights be damned attutude we now see coming from our so-called President. (Her good friends Mr. Nugent and Mr. "Rock" are exhibits A and B.) Given the opportunity to do so, would you like to apologize to humanity for thrusting her upon a vastly wider stage and, thus, helping to reduce the general tenor of debate to the barely juvenile and clearly racist?
I await your answers, sir, although I'm sure they won't be coming anytime soon.
1) For whom did you vote in the Presidential election of 2016? I obviously don't know for sure, but I'd be fairly aghast were you to say that it was for Ms. Clinton. If that is the case, why and how could you have voted for Mr. Trump? No one above the age of three would not have been able to tell you that this was exactly what was coming.
2) Would you disagree with the following assertion: Sarah Palin, your choice for Vice Presidential candidate, has done much to bring about precisely this "America First," the rest of the world last, human rights be damned attutude we now see coming from our so-called President. (Her good friends Mr. Nugent and Mr. "Rock" are exhibits A and B.) Given the opportunity to do so, would you like to apologize to humanity for thrusting her upon a vastly wider stage and, thus, helping to reduce the general tenor of debate to the barely juvenile and clearly racist?
I await your answers, sir, although I'm sure they won't be coming anytime soon.
15
Sorry, Senator. You had credibility several years ago, when you were the maverick who spoke for humane immigration reform and against big money in politics. That was then.
Your behavior during Obama's terms and then your endorsement of Trump and your votes since his election have left no doubt - that you've abandoned what seemed to be a strong moral core. I guess you feel a pang of regret now and then. Thanks for letting us know. Let us know when you stand up to this cretin you helped elected, and begin getting rid of him. In point of fact, you and your pal Lindsey - and a few others - have the power to get that ball rolling.
Your behavior during Obama's terms and then your endorsement of Trump and your votes since his election have left no doubt - that you've abandoned what seemed to be a strong moral core. I guess you feel a pang of regret now and then. Thanks for letting us know. Let us know when you stand up to this cretin you helped elected, and begin getting rid of him. In point of fact, you and your pal Lindsey - and a few others - have the power to get that ball rolling.
14
Where was John McCain when the US, via proxy Turkey and Israel, were arming & funding ISIS with arms smuggled out of Libya to help overthrow Assad in Syria? Where was McCain when bipartisan senators were clamoring for more arms & aid to ISIS, even when they knew ISIS was aligned with more radical elements of the Islamic world? Where was McCain when Israel was training & funding ISIS leader Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi to rally extremists to the "Cause"?
Where was McCain when the US was arming & financing the Neo-Nazi party that took control of Ukraine's Parliment & Military & committed the murders in Maiden Square? Where was McCain when the US destroyed Libya, Iraq & Afghanistan? Where was McCain when the US was arming & training death squads across Central America? Where was McCain when his fellow prisoners in Vietnam were being tortured, & he was singling like a songbird to his captors to receive hospital treatment & get released? Where was McCaine when hundreds of his fellow POW's were left in in Vietnam long after the war? Where was McCain when a bill to locate & bring the prisoners home was voted down in the Senate?
Citing his name & human rights in the same sentence is a disgrace.
Allowing this man to write a revisionist account of inhumane acts that he was directly responsible for or wholeheartedly supported is a disgrace.
McCain is a perfect example of why we need term limits for Senators.
Where was McCain when the US was arming & financing the Neo-Nazi party that took control of Ukraine's Parliment & Military & committed the murders in Maiden Square? Where was McCain when the US destroyed Libya, Iraq & Afghanistan? Where was McCain when the US was arming & training death squads across Central America? Where was McCain when his fellow prisoners in Vietnam were being tortured, & he was singling like a songbird to his captors to receive hospital treatment & get released? Where was McCaine when hundreds of his fellow POW's were left in in Vietnam long after the war? Where was McCain when a bill to locate & bring the prisoners home was voted down in the Senate?
Citing his name & human rights in the same sentence is a disgrace.
Allowing this man to write a revisionist account of inhumane acts that he was directly responsible for or wholeheartedly supported is a disgrace.
McCain is a perfect example of why we need term limits for Senators.
9
Supporting human rights around the world is not in question: the question is at what cost we are willing to support them, which already assumes that we Americans know more than we do about other countries and peoples.
2
Where to start.At what cost? Trump and the GOP have shown their colors. Whom might Trump admire and emulate? So far, Lepen,Duarte, Putin, Kim. What a puerile post.
Empty words.
While wartime heroism is commendable, peacetime action, in particular on behalf of the most vulnerable Americans--women, children, African Americans, and immigrants--is equally commendable.
I wonder if Senator McCain ever reflects upon the destruction of human rights within the borders of this country beginning with healthcare for millions of his fellow Americans and continuing with racism and misogyny.
Until I see Senator McCain stand up against the gun lobby, against his fellow GOP oppressors who want to eliminate healthcare for their constituents, and who continue to overspend on military endeavors destroying other nations, I cannot take his words seriously.
Action speaks louder than words.
While wartime heroism is commendable, peacetime action, in particular on behalf of the most vulnerable Americans--women, children, African Americans, and immigrants--is equally commendable.
I wonder if Senator McCain ever reflects upon the destruction of human rights within the borders of this country beginning with healthcare for millions of his fellow Americans and continuing with racism and misogyny.
Until I see Senator McCain stand up against the gun lobby, against his fellow GOP oppressors who want to eliminate healthcare for their constituents, and who continue to overspend on military endeavors destroying other nations, I cannot take his words seriously.
Action speaks louder than words.
9
We should do those things that are in the best interests of US citizens, if that is meddling in the internal affairs of other countries then OK. If not then their internal affairs are their business not our government's.
Right on Senator John McCain. Every day I realize more and more how much America missed out by not having you as our president (though I wished you had selected a better vice presidential candidate). You really would have been our era's Teddy Roosevelt I feel. I might not always agree with your stance on every issue, but the fact that you were so tolerant and open to differing opinions--plus a war hero who selflessly served (and continues to serve)--are qualities we don't see in many so-called leaders today.
2
We must support Human Rights because: It is World Law. I am not sure where The World Court is, to punish violations. Human Rights is not a choice/option.
1
Senator, you once defined yourself as a "maverick." Well, the time is at hand to show your true stripe. Vote your conscience by culling yourself from the herd of Senators toeing your party's line in Support of Trump's corrupt corporate vision of an America for the fortunate, the wealthy, the healthy, and the White.
When you cast your vote, go for it: Dissent! Dissent! Dissent! And, may God Bless an America of the People, by the People, for the People, an America that will long endure. Without the voting strength of your convictions and other like minded GOP Senators civil disobedience will explode across our great Land.
When you cast your vote, go for it: Dissent! Dissent! Dissent! And, may God Bless an America of the People, by the People, for the People, an America that will long endure. Without the voting strength of your convictions and other like minded GOP Senators civil disobedience will explode across our great Land.
1
McCain has taken millions from the Saudis this year. What about the human rights of the people of Yemen? What about the human rights of the people of Syria where millions have been displaced by Saudi mercenaries? Why would we listen to the meaningless mouthing of a paid representative of a foreign government?
5
Sen McCain knew what he was when he endorsed him. He endorsed him after being denigrated for being captured (shot out of the sky, grievously injured, tortured in captivity - and denigrated for that by the current), he endorsed him after hearing PTSD military being called weak. these words are a start; actions speak louder than words, let's see some action.
3
As a lifelong democrat in despair over the incredibly inhumane, punishing and ignorant activities of the "administration" of Mr. Trump, his appointees determined to wreck the federal agencies they now direct, and the Republican party in general, which bands together like a fierce and hardened tribe to always favor the rich over everyone else, it is nevertheless a pleasure to read Mr. McCain's words reminding us that standing for human rights has been this country's shining example to the world.
Now if only principled words could inspire my senator from Arizona to principled actions, and to advocating and encouraging his fellow travelers to open their hearts and minds to what they are doing.
To stop denying or ignoring the fact-based sciences and analyses known to all peoples who actually reason rather than follow any rigid creed or philosophy. To accept that our government itself is based on evolution of an amazing form of democracy--not the oligarchy we are devolving to--and that most of what it does already establishes and promotes those very values he cherishes and that sustained him through his painful captivity.
Please, Mr. McCain, do not be a party to the destruction of so much that is good about what America is today. Have the courage to act on those values you claim to espouse.
Now if only principled words could inspire my senator from Arizona to principled actions, and to advocating and encouraging his fellow travelers to open their hearts and minds to what they are doing.
To stop denying or ignoring the fact-based sciences and analyses known to all peoples who actually reason rather than follow any rigid creed or philosophy. To accept that our government itself is based on evolution of an amazing form of democracy--not the oligarchy we are devolving to--and that most of what it does already establishes and promotes those very values he cherishes and that sustained him through his painful captivity.
Please, Mr. McCain, do not be a party to the destruction of so much that is good about what America is today. Have the courage to act on those values you claim to espouse.
8
These are some beautiful thoughts. Senator McCain is a hero. I wish he would act like one consistently.
I personally will never understand why he has continued to acquiesce in the Trump agenda. I am no hero, but if I were McCain I would have declared all out war on Trump the day he called McCain a Loser for being captured during the Vietnam War. McCain's failure to consistently oppose Trump and all he stands for speaks louder than the eloquent words in his column.
I personally will never understand why he has continued to acquiesce in the Trump agenda. I am no hero, but if I were McCain I would have declared all out war on Trump the day he called McCain a Loser for being captured during the Vietnam War. McCain's failure to consistently oppose Trump and all he stands for speaks louder than the eloquent words in his column.
8
Thank you Sen McCain for reminding people that this country is unique in act that we are a people, unlike the rest of the world, not bound by ethnic ties but by an ideological one. The ideals of this country ARE this country and we are nothing if we don't adhere to them. I hope you will also be bulwark against this administrations attack on every norm and ideal of what makes (and has made) America great. Certainly not praising every tin-pot dictator in the world and rejecting other leaders that and modeled and embraced our values as a liberal democracy.
This is your moment Senator. If you wish, it can give true meaning to all the suffering you and your fellow soldiers endured on our behalf.
This is your moment Senator. If you wish, it can give true meaning to all the suffering you and your fellow soldiers endured on our behalf.
2
Morality, leadership, and the the position the United States occupies as the world's indispensable nation, cannot be subordinated to transactional considerations and deal making. This is how a small-minded leader views progress.
It is true, countries do have interested and do form policy on achieving those interests. How does President Trump and Secretary of State Tillerson not see that it is in our interest to be the beacon of hope, the standard bearer for the oppressed? How can they not see the greater interest being served by adhering to our values and putting them on the line when they are not convenient for us to do so?
President Trump has shown again, he doesn't yet, so far, have the vision and the courage to reach for true greatness. Surely not in our interest.
It is true, countries do have interested and do form policy on achieving those interests. How does President Trump and Secretary of State Tillerson not see that it is in our interest to be the beacon of hope, the standard bearer for the oppressed? How can they not see the greater interest being served by adhering to our values and putting them on the line when they are not convenient for us to do so?
President Trump has shown again, he doesn't yet, so far, have the vision and the courage to reach for true greatness. Surely not in our interest.
1
"We are a country with a conscience". Correction: We used to be a country with a conscience. The current occupant of the White House has no conscience and no relationship with the truth. He is a man without principle or core beliefs and cares only about himself, what serves his interests, what makes him "look good". The world is learning that the US is not credible, allies are learning they can no longer count on us to stand with them in the fight for liberty, equality and justice. What makes this more alarming is the failure of the Republican majority in both Houses to rigorously investigate the Trump/Russia connections and Russian attack on our election. Party over country.
5
John McCain tell a story of protecting human rights, when he intends to strip American citizen human right to affordable and accessible health care.
3
Senator John McCain is an American hero and a patriot. His standing for American values is much in need today more than ever, even if it means speaking out against the current administration and the majority of his unrecognizable Republican party. We have entered a period where money is the overriding principle of American democracy and foreign policy. It has influenced virtually all of our political institutions and elected officials who pander to, and are dependent upon special interest donors.
If American values are getting in the way of American interests than we should question just what those interests are and who actually are they serving.
The philosophy of might makes right or the notion that we should get our way because we're the richest and most powerful nation on earth, will have the reverse effect of serving U.S. interests. Instead earning us respect or admiration in the world, it will sow the seeds of resentment and hostility leaving us less secure, and ultimately contributing to our demise.
Democratic ideals and the advancement of human rights should be paramount to U.S. interests, but clearly under this administration, they are being thrown under the proverbial bus.
If American values are getting in the way of American interests than we should question just what those interests are and who actually are they serving.
The philosophy of might makes right or the notion that we should get our way because we're the richest and most powerful nation on earth, will have the reverse effect of serving U.S. interests. Instead earning us respect or admiration in the world, it will sow the seeds of resentment and hostility leaving us less secure, and ultimately contributing to our demise.
Democratic ideals and the advancement of human rights should be paramount to U.S. interests, but clearly under this administration, they are being thrown under the proverbial bus.
1
Our government often must make agreements with nations that abuse human rights or deny civil liberties and due process, but the one deal we must not make is the deal to tacitly accept, or worse yet endorse, their abuses.
How many here remember the "Kirkpatrick Doctrine;' the idea that right-wing dictatorships were less terrible than bolshevik ones, on the theory that right-wing dictatorships ended more frequently than communist ones.
Then the Berlin wall fell and the USSR fell apart. End of that idea.
How many here remember the "Kirkpatrick Doctrine;' the idea that right-wing dictatorships were less terrible than bolshevik ones, on the theory that right-wing dictatorships ended more frequently than communist ones.
Then the Berlin wall fell and the USSR fell apart. End of that idea.
After placing Sarah Palin within reach of the Presidency, John McCain gave up ever being taken seriously again on any subject, even human rights. Did you see the photo of Palin with Ted Nugget and Kid Rock in the White House making faces next to a portrait of Hilary Clinton? That's who McCain saw running the country. And then supported Trump. He's no hero.
3
Charlie's pa, you express my own sentiments exactly. I am sad to say that I lost all respect for Senator McCain the moment he named Sarah Palin as his running mate. I still find it hard to believe that he did so, even after all these years.
2
It might be that McCain put party over principle if he wants to remain in politics. Call it survival. What I do not forget is Trump's denigration of McCain as a naval aviator POW. To Trump, all shame. He cannot walk a mile in McCains shoes. Worse yet, Trump had no sense of shame in mocking McCain. I have yet to hear an apology. McCain came from a naval family that put service over self. Can anyone say this about Trump? Anyone? I thought not.
Your argument would carry much more weight if you and other Republicans would speak out against the destruction of American values that is being led by Donald Trump. Treating everyone with dignity has disappeared from the scene as Trump tweets insults and invective and incites violence and hatred in his rallies. And I am talking about what takes place in our own country not even considering how people from other countries and their leaders are treated. I am embarrassed by our government and saddened by the loss of any decency in politics.
3
Thank you for those powerful words, Sen. McCain. On the other hand, why would anyone think that a Trump presidency would be any different than a Trump businessman where any and all ends justified his means? He's always run roughshod over the little people to get his buildings up and his name on them. He will never know what is in a piece of healthcare reform legislation because he doesn't actually care what's in it and taking the time to read it would take him away from his mirror. No, the main ingredient is that something, anything got passed. He can then go on the stump and say how wonderful it is. It's all about the show. That little Republicans follow him around like puppies is embarrassing and some day, please, they will be run from office.
2
The logic of not projecting our values on others comes from Obama multiple times in his speeches to our military and was a firm belief imbedded within own state department under Obama. The cancer came from within and it hasn't changed. Sad that it took a change of Presidency for this to be brought up. I personally get ill when I see individuals wanting nothing to do with that which is good and honest. The betterment of our world has everything to do with being good and honest.
Senator McCain, I recently looked to you as a beacon of hope against ill conceived Republican policies during the first 100 days, but your actions failed your words. You have been, and remain in a political party which, to me, represents a full scale insult to humanity and a disaster to the planet we live on. I have listened to you before, John, but in the end you failed to give me hope. Sorry but I am done listening to your hollow words.
14
I suspect Mr Mc Cain means support for human rights anywhere but inside the USA
11
Surprise surprise, John McCain. You sound a lot like Barack Obama.
Are you trying to show that you're some sort of principled, insightful thought leader, lighting the way forward for American policy?
Certainly you must realize that your well-known actions as a senator completely nullify any such intention. Indeed, your actions have nullified your credibility.
I'm not the only commenter who has reminded you of this, and many have cited specific actions of yours that blatantly contradicted your lofty-sounding words. I will cite another instance though, which particularly galled me: your deep, hand-wringing objection to the use of the nuclear option by Republicans. Which of course, you unflinchingly voted for anyway.
Anybody can change though, so maybe you have. There is an easy test of your credibility coming up. Consider these words of yours:
"We are a country with a conscience. We have long believed moral concerns must be an essential part of our foreign policy, not a departure from it. "
By "we" do you include yourself and your Republican cohort? And are your moral concerns limited to foreign policy?
Will you and your Republican cohort vote to destroy Obamacare??
Are you trying to show that you're some sort of principled, insightful thought leader, lighting the way forward for American policy?
Certainly you must realize that your well-known actions as a senator completely nullify any such intention. Indeed, your actions have nullified your credibility.
I'm not the only commenter who has reminded you of this, and many have cited specific actions of yours that blatantly contradicted your lofty-sounding words. I will cite another instance though, which particularly galled me: your deep, hand-wringing objection to the use of the nuclear option by Republicans. Which of course, you unflinchingly voted for anyway.
Anybody can change though, so maybe you have. There is an easy test of your credibility coming up. Consider these words of yours:
"We are a country with a conscience. We have long believed moral concerns must be an essential part of our foreign policy, not a departure from it. "
By "we" do you include yourself and your Republican cohort? And are your moral concerns limited to foreign policy?
Will you and your Republican cohort vote to destroy Obamacare??
7
In other words, E., you admit not knowing the first thing about either McCain's life or anything he has ever said, done, or recommended. You must have been popular in school laying all sorts of empty pretty words while actually saying nothing.
I do thing you've joined the right political movement. They'll never need the first individual thought from you.
I do thing you've joined the right political movement. They'll never need the first individual thought from you.
Thank you Senator McCain!
Senator McCain, unless and until you state emphatically Health Care and decent Education are the fundamental human rights, setting the path for freedom and dignity, what you say is all pontification.
The party you are a member of, by any measure, is set to destroy both solely for the benefit of plutocrats. And yet, one doesn't hear you say it. What are you afraid of?
The party you are a member of, by any measure, is set to destroy both solely for the benefit of plutocrats. And yet, one doesn't hear you say it. What are you afraid of?
13
Refreshing words.Thanks Mr. McCain
What about the human rights of the people of Vietnam when you were bombing them in what was basically an illegal war fought for bogus reasons against people that only wanted their independence? You were incarcerated in the Hanoi Hilton because you were killing innocent people.
As for today; Human rights should start at home. When republicans start putting people ahead of business interests and conservative ideology, like backing the NRA and gutting Obamacare, perhaps you will have some room to talk.
As for today; Human rights should start at home. When republicans start putting people ahead of business interests and conservative ideology, like backing the NRA and gutting Obamacare, perhaps you will have some room to talk.
7
I am no mccainiac but this is an unfair attack.
1
No mention of Trump? Surprise, surprise...
2
Leave it to the maverick to blunt his own strongest ideas.
John McCain: Change your political party affiliation!!
We are a nation of laws.................our first duty is to the American citizen
WE deserve to be protected.................we are not responsible to the entire world
Fix the borders, defend OUR rights........................
WE deserve to be protected.................we are not responsible to the entire world
Fix the borders, defend OUR rights........................
We ARE protected. Except in the delusional minds of wingnuts.
only the shallowest and vacuous minds to not understand that promoting human rights abroad IS securing your borders.
It is also an economic benefit, as the decades after WW2 demonstrated.
There are no terrorists who beleive in democracy, there are not mass-murdering leaders of fully democratic nations.
The link is obvious, think about it a bit.
It is also an economic benefit, as the decades after WW2 demonstrated.
There are no terrorists who beleive in democracy, there are not mass-murdering leaders of fully democratic nations.
The link is obvious, think about it a bit.
I kind of doubt you have a border problem up in Seattle...
& by fixing the border you mean repressing sanctuary cities & building a wall, these things will do much more harm to the border than you realize.
& by fixing the border you mean repressing sanctuary cities & building a wall, these things will do much more harm to the border than you realize.
Then change parties.
4
Senator McCain, it is time for you to start voting against the current administration's initiatives, laws and court picks. Please put your money where your mouth is.
10
To all the detractors commenting here, Senator McCain, an American Hero if ever there was one, is merely emphasizing the importance of eternal values above short-term political expediency.
Let's not judge him, or others as they make thankless choices. No one said freedom is, or ever will be, easy. A value is something that you would follow if it meant giving up some immediate political advances.
With people like Tillerson and Trump, we see the adherence to our values being eroded. Great caution is required. A value, once disclaimed for expediency, is hard to put back.
The Senator's article is a strong testimonial to the importance of values. If you don't know what your's are, start writing them down, and then use them to guide your decisions.
One value we have clearly lost is government's responsibility to take responsibility for the least amongst us, and to help the truly needy get back on their feet. Our values do not support a welfare state, and that's a value that has taken a back seat, and given the Right just cause to complain.
The dangers are many. The opportunities are now. Maybe instead we should thank Senator McCain. Imagine what his life was like in captivity, and realize that there are more than a few reasons to keep those values alive. They kept Senator McCain alive. He is a good man, and unfortunately, a vanishing breed. Let's honor him sacrifice and loyalty and keep our nation's values alive.
Let's not judge him, or others as they make thankless choices. No one said freedom is, or ever will be, easy. A value is something that you would follow if it meant giving up some immediate political advances.
With people like Tillerson and Trump, we see the adherence to our values being eroded. Great caution is required. A value, once disclaimed for expediency, is hard to put back.
The Senator's article is a strong testimonial to the importance of values. If you don't know what your's are, start writing them down, and then use them to guide your decisions.
One value we have clearly lost is government's responsibility to take responsibility for the least amongst us, and to help the truly needy get back on their feet. Our values do not support a welfare state, and that's a value that has taken a back seat, and given the Right just cause to complain.
The dangers are many. The opportunities are now. Maybe instead we should thank Senator McCain. Imagine what his life was like in captivity, and realize that there are more than a few reasons to keep those values alive. They kept Senator McCain alive. He is a good man, and unfortunately, a vanishing breed. Let's honor him sacrifice and loyalty and keep our nation's values alive.
5
Beautifully said, Senator McCain. But I would add that what is true and necessary in our foreign policy as you see it, is also true and necessary in our domestic policies as well. Please consider the suffering this so-called President and his appointees cause American families and immigrant families and our sick, our poor and our Veterans who go to sleep every night wondering what awful deed he will subject millions of people to next.
4
Senator McCain, just make sure your votes and actions line up with your rhetoric.
6
McCain is a true patriot and a man with a conscience...and this is regardless of what you think of his stances on policy issues. This was a well thought and written piece. Too bad it likely has too many big words for DT to understand.
1
Why didn't you support Hillary Clinton over Vladimir Putin (I mean Donald Trump)?
Now THAT would have been a profile in courage. And would have been consistent with the ideals you write here.
Now THAT would have been a profile in courage. And would have been consistent with the ideals you write here.
5
Didn"t same Reagan who opposed evil USSR, support the freedom fighters in Afghanistan who disrepected not only human rights but human lives?
5
How nice, Senator McCain, to be concerned about international human rights. Care to focus on the AHCA that will put millions of American's on the road to early death? How about standing up to Trump and his dismantling of climate change policies, which would protect the United States and the world?
How about standing up to Jeff Sessions who plans to build more private prisons and ignore police shootings of innocent victims like Alton Sterling?
You voted Neil Gorsuch into the Supreme Court: Gorsuch will rule against individual liberties, women's rights, and gut the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendment.
Charity begins at home, sir.
How about standing up to Jeff Sessions who plans to build more private prisons and ignore police shootings of innocent victims like Alton Sterling?
You voted Neil Gorsuch into the Supreme Court: Gorsuch will rule against individual liberties, women's rights, and gut the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendment.
Charity begins at home, sir.
7
Walk your talk, Mr. McCain.
6
Certainly the wrong Republican is in the White House.Why would they cheer a draft dodger and not a War Hero ?
2
Every American war and alliance is about American values and interests in preserving, protecting and defending our civil secular liberal plural egalitarian divided limited power democratic republic.
The basic American belief is the founding original principle that all human beings are divinely created equal with certain unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness trumps everything else.
Every connection to the likes of King Salman, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Benjamin Netanyahu, Recip Erdogan, King Abdullah, Prayut Chan-o-cha, Michel Temer, King Al Khalifa, Emir Al Thani, Sultan al Said etc. undermines American moral and political authority.
America's ultimate weapon of mass construction is leading with it's interests following in subservience to it's values most of the time. There is no military solution to the socioeconomic political educational ethnic sectarian colored misogynist civil wars facing America.
The basic American belief is the founding original principle that all human beings are divinely created equal with certain unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness trumps everything else.
Every connection to the likes of King Salman, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Benjamin Netanyahu, Recip Erdogan, King Abdullah, Prayut Chan-o-cha, Michel Temer, King Al Khalifa, Emir Al Thani, Sultan al Said etc. undermines American moral and political authority.
America's ultimate weapon of mass construction is leading with it's interests following in subservience to it's values most of the time. There is no military solution to the socioeconomic political educational ethnic sectarian colored misogynist civil wars facing America.
2
It is IMPOSSIBLE to support Human Rights in the US
Feminists are too obsessed only with Woman's Rights.
Boys here are genitally mutialted and it is accepted.
We ignore the suicide of men.
We focus on poverty of women but men are the overwhelming majority of the homeless and in poverty.
In fact, the US endorsed the EU call on violence against women and ignores violence against men (but men constitute the majority of the violence (cue the feminist handwaving on men being more violent so they can comfortabley ignore violence against men).
We obsess over 300 girls kidnapped by Boko Haram and ignore the 10,000 boys they killed.
We focus on girls getting an education and ignore the fact that the boys in third world countries are equally uneducated.
So, no, in the US we will never be able to support HUMAN rights.
Feminists won't allow it.
Feminists are too obsessed only with Woman's Rights.
Boys here are genitally mutialted and it is accepted.
We ignore the suicide of men.
We focus on poverty of women but men are the overwhelming majority of the homeless and in poverty.
In fact, the US endorsed the EU call on violence against women and ignores violence against men (but men constitute the majority of the violence (cue the feminist handwaving on men being more violent so they can comfortabley ignore violence against men).
We obsess over 300 girls kidnapped by Boko Haram and ignore the 10,000 boys they killed.
We focus on girls getting an education and ignore the fact that the boys in third world countries are equally uneducated.
So, no, in the US we will never be able to support HUMAN rights.
Feminists won't allow it.
1
@ ReaderAbroad, Excuse ME. Who has the overwhelming amount of power in this world? Men do. It isn't women (feminists - both male and female - and otherwise), doing all the raping and murdering. Who comprises Boko Haram, ISIS, the Taliban? Get off your misogynist rant and place the blame where it belongs.
2
You are excused. But your response does seem to be expected -- employ any logic structure possible to deny the validity of the needs of men, DESPITE the cause.
Also, you women are the majority of voters, are you not? What is wrong with you voters?
Please get off your misandrist response and place the blame where it belongs: the toxicity and selfishness of feminism.
Also, you women are the majority of voters, are you not? What is wrong with you voters?
Please get off your misandrist response and place the blame where it belongs: the toxicity and selfishness of feminism.
This is a wonderful opinion from a man and a politician that I deeply admire. However, as a gay man and US citizen, his support of human rights for minorities will always fall short and leave a bitter taste in my mouth and heart, due to his deep and clear record on LGBTQ rights when he has been in a powerful position to support those human rights. McCain on Prop. 8. “I support the efforts of the people of California to recognize marriage as a unique institution between a man and a woman, just as we did in my home state of Arizona,” he said. He has since made some polite remarks regarding his prior positions on LGTBQ rights, which perhaps he does not include in his beliefs on 'human' rights, but "almost" apologies will never suffice as a substitute for clear action. At the end of the day, he must either include LGBTQ people in his definition of human, or he clearly does not.
1
Why then did Mr. McCain support donald trump, the antithesis of everything he supports in this column, for president? To me it seems that he betrayed the very principles he so clearly and convincingly elucidates, by supporting the current occupant of the White House. I don't get it.
5
Senator McCain, you are a fraud that should have retired two terms ago. You sir are the epitome of all talk, no action. As the a senior statesman in the Senate, you deserve much of the blame for where we are currently as a nation. Divided.
5
Dear John McCain,
I grew up a child of a Marine. My childhood was marked with great pride in my father's choice to be a professional soldier, a good guy against bad guys. I also grew up in fear for 18 month stretches, the length of his tours in a war zone or overseas. A time when I would not see him for a long year and a half. I wore POW/MIA bracelets with soldiers names on them, one of whom belonged to a friend's father who never came home. I always greatly admired you for your service as a soldier, prisoner of war and senator. When you ran for president I was inclined to vote for you until you brought on Palin who was so clearly unqualified. My question to you is how you can write a column on American integrity throughout the world while supporting a president who has none? You seem to be saying that America is made better and stronger by bringing in the world's refugees and freedom seekers (which I agree with) while supporting a party and president who says the opposite. How does John McCain rationalize supporting a president and party who are actively seeking to remove the healthcare of millions of Americans so that you and other wealthy people get to pay less taxes, taxes which your president seems not to have paid in over 20 years? The is speculation from the partial tax return that was leaked to this newspaper showing an almost billion dollar loss in one year from a supposed businessman.
How does that John McCain sleep at night?
Semper Fi from a marine's daughter
I grew up a child of a Marine. My childhood was marked with great pride in my father's choice to be a professional soldier, a good guy against bad guys. I also grew up in fear for 18 month stretches, the length of his tours in a war zone or overseas. A time when I would not see him for a long year and a half. I wore POW/MIA bracelets with soldiers names on them, one of whom belonged to a friend's father who never came home. I always greatly admired you for your service as a soldier, prisoner of war and senator. When you ran for president I was inclined to vote for you until you brought on Palin who was so clearly unqualified. My question to you is how you can write a column on American integrity throughout the world while supporting a president who has none? You seem to be saying that America is made better and stronger by bringing in the world's refugees and freedom seekers (which I agree with) while supporting a party and president who says the opposite. How does John McCain rationalize supporting a president and party who are actively seeking to remove the healthcare of millions of Americans so that you and other wealthy people get to pay less taxes, taxes which your president seems not to have paid in over 20 years? The is speculation from the partial tax return that was leaked to this newspaper showing an almost billion dollar loss in one year from a supposed businessman.
How does that John McCain sleep at night?
Semper Fi from a marine's daughter
9
Palin was not McCains choice. She was foisted on him by the Party in order to appeal to the Republican base. McCain, poor fellow, had to live with it.
You voted for Tillerson. You partially own him.
6
After 30 plus years of republicans denying basic human rights to the people here in America and now doing it on steroids, I find this space empty, his words empty, himself a traitor to the American people.
5
Very ironic based on your voting record and your lack of spine in truly trying to fight this corrupt so called administration. Thank you for your service, and you have done some great things, but this op-ed rang hollow as you have not led a revolt against the evil and toxic policies and LIES being churned out of the so called white house. Easy to write a piece, harder to really stand up for all people. Please do so.
Vote talks, editorial walks, Mr. McCain.
1
If Mr. McCain wishes to have America become a moral leader, he can start by quitting his party and showing the world that our evil president does not have popular support and that his election was a fluke. So long as he stands with hate and wears the scarlet 'R' of America's fascist party, he has no more credibility than a moral lecture by Bill Cosby. McCain wishes for America to lead, but to lead now would be to lead astray.
We need good people like Merkel and Macron to carry the torch while we get our house in order. Trump cannot and will not ever be a moral leader.
We need good people like Merkel and Macron to carry the torch while we get our house in order. Trump cannot and will not ever be a moral leader.
4
McCain...can you stay on this track and not Flip-Flop the values that you are stating...for once stand up and topple the current GOP agenda that is a despicable self-serving hipocracy that is focused on suppression and greed...or we will see the USA go down the path of dictatorship, extinguishing the light of liberty, and equality; looked upon as a destroyer of freedom...what say you John?
2
This nurse wants to know, Senator McCain, do you think healthcare is a human right?
Says the man who just voted to pass a most inhumane healthcare bill.
Thank you, Sir. But, does not compensate for PALIN. There's a direct line from her, to Trump. Please, own it. Align your votes with your words. Before it's too late.
5
What about women's rights Senator McCain? Your Republican party tries to defund Planned Parenthood any chance they get. Only 3% of their total services goes to abortion and any federal funding they receive cannot be used for abortion. Women's right ARE human rights!
4
Hope and change! Thanks Obama!
Thank you Senator McCain for reminding us of what America stands for ideally, but has waive red away from many times. We have lost our moral compass and it is time for us to reassess where we are going and what we stand for, and why. If we are to stand for basic human rights, freedom of choice, and equality, then we should start by making those ideals true here, in our own country first. Let us lead by example and not by arrogance or misplaced "national interests" cloaked in false idealism and military might. Where have the wars in Korea, Vietnam and the Middle East gotten us or improved the lives of those we were trying to "protect"?
We need to show the world that our way, the equal rights and democratic way works by cleaning up the mess in our own country, (the poverty, the hatred, the inequality, the homelessness, the unemployed & under employed, ...), and show the world by example. Then the dictators and naysayers will have little to point to to say that democracy doesn't work, I can do better, follow me.
We need to show the world that our way, the equal rights and democratic way works by cleaning up the mess in our own country, (the poverty, the hatred, the inequality, the homelessness, the unemployed & under employed, ...), and show the world by example. Then the dictators and naysayers will have little to point to to say that democracy doesn't work, I can do better, follow me.
1
I see you voted for Rex Tillerson for Secretary of State. I don't see how your vote aligns with your editorial.
3
Nothing like an opinion piece designed to take you your eye off the ball. Hey, John, what about ACA and repeal and replace with something better and more affordable in the way of healthcare?
4
Why are you telling this to us, the American people? It's your monstrous boss Trump who never reads, but whose ear is yours for the taking.
3
Senator McCain, people don't listen to what you are sayin' since you thought a vice-president could be Sarah Palin,
6
Who is the person who wrote this piece?
Is this the same person who hooked up with Sarah Palin and voted for Trump for President?
Is this the same person who hooked up with Sarah Palin and voted for Trump for President?
5
Thank you.
McCain wants to sacrifice Americans to foreigners. But sacrifice contradicts rights, despite cowardly conservatives. The US govt should protect the individual rights of Americans and nothing more. Nothing. Americans have a right to their own lives. Americans are not slaves of foreigners (or of each other). Morality is a guide to life, not a rationalization for bloody sacrifice as Nazis, Marxists and other religionists think. Rights are a moral sanction to a man's freedom of action in society.
Phew - a breath of fresh air from the Republican side
Your record does not show your care for Humanity. https://votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/53270/john-mccain-iii#.WRCIOVK... By the way If you cared for Human Rights you would not have picked Palin as your VP, this was an assault on our rights!
6
Thank you.
Face it a Senator, your party is no longer representing American values. Your party represents traitors, exploiters of fossil fuels and dictators. You made some mistakes in your life, Palin and Keating were horrible errors in judgement. But your country needs you now more than ever, please fight for our democracy and honor.
3
It would be extremely difficult to find a more eloquent expression of patriotism than these thoughtful expressions of Senator McCain. Not only that, but also his thoughts express a meaningful, philosophical alternative to what might be a turning point in American policy, depending, of course, upon one's interpretation of history. If there is such a thing as a "Deep State", which compromises the democratic proclivities of this country by ordering the acquisition of the natural resources of others at the expense of their human rights, then what Senator McCain advocates, the compelled support of human rights, should be enough to counter it. The question remains: "Will or would it?"
1
Senator McCain's view is great as far as it goes, but he needs to convince a few of his fellow Republicans in the House that Human Rights is not just for foreign countries, but rather starts at home. Why is it that most other countries do a better job at delivering medical care to their people ? Why is it that most foreign countries have recognized the need to allow refugees to resettle in their countries ? We are losing what it means to be Americans, and what brought many of our forefathers to the United States, whether those who came in the 1700s, 1800s, 1900s or first part of this century. Very few of us trace our heritage to the American Indians - we are, for the most part, all descendants of immigrants motivated to come here by different forms of oppression. We need to restore that.
3
Great to hear that you're both an idealist and a realist, Mr. McCain. Here's an ideal: a presidency that supports human rights. Here's a realistic path in that direction: removal of the current administration. I look forward to your vote in the impeachment trial.
2
McCain never exactly defines what humane treatment and human rights are.
Would that include the right for American citizens to have health care and humane treatment by private health insurance companies?
Would that include the right for American citizens to have health care and humane treatment by private health insurance companies?
3
I couldn't agree more with Mr. McCain, that as a country, our decision should reflect our moral values.
That said; I don't believe that our moral values are limited to our response to how other governments provide Human Rights to their citizens. How about US moral values informing how we provide Human Rights to our citizens?
Mr. McCain, and his fellow Republican senators, will soon be debating the repeal and replacement of Obamacare. I'd like to see their actions be driven by their concerns for the Human Rights of all US citizens. Their fellow House Republicans clearly were not.
That said; I don't believe that our moral values are limited to our response to how other governments provide Human Rights to their citizens. How about US moral values informing how we provide Human Rights to our citizens?
Mr. McCain, and his fellow Republican senators, will soon be debating the repeal and replacement of Obamacare. I'd like to see their actions be driven by their concerns for the Human Rights of all US citizens. Their fellow House Republicans clearly were not.
4
Thank you for your insightful words, Senator McCain. Though I haven't always agreed with you in the past, you have shown in recent months that you are still a man who truly believes in the values that make most of us proud to be Americans. We are faced with a President and an administration that seems to not understand or care about those values, a group who, when they talk about Making America Great Again are really talking about putting dollars before humanity. GDP before peace. Reducing taxes before reducing inequality. Men like Rex Tillerson only understand balance sheets and they have no desire to look at governing as anything other than simply running another kind of business.
1
Thank you John McCain for this eloquent essay. I disagree with you about almost everything, but we share some core values.
Not only does or State Department led by Tillerson NOT represent those values, but Trump in his embrace of dictators and thugs and compliments to Kim Jong Un represents their opposite. Please be clearer about this.
Not only does or State Department led by Tillerson NOT represent those values, but Trump in his embrace of dictators and thugs and compliments to Kim Jong Un represents their opposite. Please be clearer about this.
2
It seems that corporate rights Trump human rights.
2
John McCain is right on with this one. Rex Tillerson is trying to bring the current philosophy of the business world into the country's Foreign Policy sphere . I was in business for my entire career and I remember when the business philosophy was that a business served three equal stakeholders. They were the shareholders, the employees, and the community.
Somewhere in the early 90's this changed to driving shareholder wealth as the only goal for business. Compensation plans were changed to handsomely reward those who could drive profits through any and all means possible. Stock options and stock grants were awarded to executives in order to make their quest for profits self serving. Short term decisions were de rigueur and executives benefited handsomely.
Is this what we really want our country to become? Have we forsaken the sacrifices of those who came before us and made this country the bastion of "doing the right thing"?
Unfortunately Donald Trump has awakened the dark underbelly of America who want "America First" at any price. By the time we wake up realize what we have become, we will well past the point of no return.
Somewhere in the early 90's this changed to driving shareholder wealth as the only goal for business. Compensation plans were changed to handsomely reward those who could drive profits through any and all means possible. Stock options and stock grants were awarded to executives in order to make their quest for profits self serving. Short term decisions were de rigueur and executives benefited handsomely.
Is this what we really want our country to become? Have we forsaken the sacrifices of those who came before us and made this country the bastion of "doing the right thing"?
Unfortunately Donald Trump has awakened the dark underbelly of America who want "America First" at any price. By the time we wake up realize what we have become, we will well past the point of no return.
2
"Human rights exist above the state and beyond history. "
WRONG! Rights are a creation of law, and law is a creation of government. Even among those unalienable rights inscribed in the Declaration of Independence, only one is truly unalienable, the pursuit of happiness. And even that exists only because no one but the individual can define happiness and its pursuit, not its capture, is mentioned therein.
What unalienable right to life does the sole survivor of a shipwreck, floating alone in the Pacific, have? Or a parent, passing his or her children out of a burning building rather than escaping it? What unalienable right to liberty did the soldiers of Patton's Seventh Army have when they crushed the German resistance and liberated Europe?
Human rights are a creation of the time, the place, and the government in power. America was founded with one set of beliefs as to human rights, other countries have their own set of beliefs. The only universal right should be to move, presuming one can afford it, to a country where the beliefs match your own set.
WRONG! Rights are a creation of law, and law is a creation of government. Even among those unalienable rights inscribed in the Declaration of Independence, only one is truly unalienable, the pursuit of happiness. And even that exists only because no one but the individual can define happiness and its pursuit, not its capture, is mentioned therein.
What unalienable right to life does the sole survivor of a shipwreck, floating alone in the Pacific, have? Or a parent, passing his or her children out of a burning building rather than escaping it? What unalienable right to liberty did the soldiers of Patton's Seventh Army have when they crushed the German resistance and liberated Europe?
Human rights are a creation of the time, the place, and the government in power. America was founded with one set of beliefs as to human rights, other countries have their own set of beliefs. The only universal right should be to move, presuming one can afford it, to a country where the beliefs match your own set.
I used to think McCain had values and I was wiling to accept a McCain presidency if Gore didn't win in 2000. But when he accepted Palin as his running mate in 2008, I lost respect for him. Once he started voting party before country during the Obama administration, he was irredeemable. He became a politician who set an example of how to lose your moral compass in order to try to win an election. Now he cries foul for what he has helped to create.
3
I agree with McCain, but, ah, I can't help but recall he traded in his values for votes when he endorsed Trump. Sure, later he said he was taking back his endorsement. But, when the endorsement was given McCain made essentially the same decision for which he is now criticizing Tillerson: act without your ethical values for some short term gain.
2
I applaud my senator John McCain's admirable expose of Secretary Tillerson's cynical statement of real politik, ignoring human rights and the self-determination of other countries and peoples. But words are hollow compared to deeds. Senator McCain is skilled at criticizing and blaming others for hypocrisy and malfeasance. McCain was senator during the entire time that the Phoenix VA ignored veterans pleas for medical service, many dying, while it all occurred under McCain's nose. After exposure, he got on the bandwagon of critics of course.
The same could be said about his positions on the Dreamers, on Arizona's dismal position in funding for the education of its children, and for funding of healthcare in general. Charity begins at home, Senator.
Moreover, his model for human rights Natan Sharansky, who like McCain was imprisoned unjustly and revered as a hero when arriving in Israel after nine years in a Russian gulag, has questionable human rights credentials as well.
As Housing Minister in Ariel Sharon’s first government, he oversaw the expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank. In a subsequent position, Sharansky chaired a secret committee that approved the seizure of East Jerusalem property of West Bank Palestinians, a decision which was reversed after an outcry from the Israeli left and the international community.
Apparently Sharansky doesn't believe that human rights applies to all peoples.
The same could be said about his positions on the Dreamers, on Arizona's dismal position in funding for the education of its children, and for funding of healthcare in general. Charity begins at home, Senator.
Moreover, his model for human rights Natan Sharansky, who like McCain was imprisoned unjustly and revered as a hero when arriving in Israel after nine years in a Russian gulag, has questionable human rights credentials as well.
As Housing Minister in Ariel Sharon’s first government, he oversaw the expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank. In a subsequent position, Sharansky chaired a secret committee that approved the seizure of East Jerusalem property of West Bank Palestinians, a decision which was reversed after an outcry from the Israeli left and the international community.
Apparently Sharansky doesn't believe that human rights applies to all peoples.
3
Smarter words have not been spoke. Please remain a maverick, and thank you for your service.
Thank you.
Perhaps the Secretary forgot he wasn't negotiating for an oil deal at this time. Addressing the issue like this we can help him to remember that this is politics and it demands different skills and values. Surely he can learn to represent the country. Hopefully we will have time to allow him to learn.
Perhaps the Secretary forgot he wasn't negotiating for an oil deal at this time. Addressing the issue like this we can help him to remember that this is politics and it demands different skills and values. Surely he can learn to represent the country. Hopefully we will have time to allow him to learn.
It's a sad moment in history when the US chief diplomat has to be reminded that the promotion of human rights are the purpose of US foreign policy. Tillerson runs his ministry like he did run Exxon: however dirty the business with a foreign entity may be, if it helps US, we are ready to deal. He is more polished than his boss, but he is equally incompetent in his job.
3
"What I’ve learned is that it is foolish to view realism and idealism as incompatible or to consider our power and wealth as encumbered by the demands of justice, morality and conscience." Honestly, Senator McCain, how can you possibly belong to the Republican Party and espouse these beliefs. Nothing about the GOP represents the ideal that our tremendous blessings oblige us to champion justice, morality, and conscience. Did you even read the headlines about the healthcare vote last week? Your party does not care one bit about the poor and oppressed in THIS country, why would they care about the poor and oppressed in any other country? And didn't you vote to confirm Mr. Tillerson. Did his record indicate that he would be the idealist you seek, or did his record indicate that he would be a capitalist most interested in advancing the economic interest of the rich and powerful? I think at least a few of your fellow senators saw the writing on that wall. You might want to consult them about it. Considering how casually you put party above country, why does it surprise you that your fellow Republicans (Tillerson) are cut from the exact same mercenary cloth as you?
3
Wonderful words. One should keep in mind though that health insurance, public education and the freedom to immigrate are basic human rights. The main issue today in the USA is to fight for human rights and civil liberties there, now under a serious threat. Senator McCain has spoken clearly and eloquently, but I wish he would do more in the fight against the morally bankrupt and politically inept president and the present administration and unfortunately the Republican party by and large.
3
To Senator McCain:
As a rabid defender of my chosen Democratic Party, I am thrilled to read your wise words, so welcome at this difficult time. Your thoughts will echo around the world. Thank you.
I have always listened to you, and I happily accept the wisdom so many of your Republican Party members refute. If compassion fails, a country fails. I hope you will continue to pronounce your influence. In my view, you seem to be on the wrong side of the aisle.
With solid admiration..................
Grandmother of a Special Needs child.
As a rabid defender of my chosen Democratic Party, I am thrilled to read your wise words, so welcome at this difficult time. Your thoughts will echo around the world. Thank you.
I have always listened to you, and I happily accept the wisdom so many of your Republican Party members refute. If compassion fails, a country fails. I hope you will continue to pronounce your influence. In my view, you seem to be on the wrong side of the aisle.
With solid admiration..................
Grandmother of a Special Needs child.
1
Thank you Senator McCain, for your near life long service to the United States. Your steadfast commitment to our country, and the sacrifices you have suffered as a result, prove you are one of most important hero's and patriotic leaders of our era.
Your words here about the importance of a dedicated State Department, as opposed to the gutted one we now face, was heart felt and sincere. It would appear we have even greater threats today to our democracy - our human rights - to repel before we can get back to the world's leader in combating human rights abuses.
Sadly, within our country we now face a host of internal threats: health care, the Supreme Court, the environment, the Internet, education, food supply, alternative energy sources, the Russian influence...the list is mind dumbing and endless. Althought they pale in comparison to the abuses you reference, these are assaults on the human rights of all American citizens.
Your couragous leadership is needed more than ever to once again put country first and help combat these threats to our freedom that come from within.
Your words here about the importance of a dedicated State Department, as opposed to the gutted one we now face, was heart felt and sincere. It would appear we have even greater threats today to our democracy - our human rights - to repel before we can get back to the world's leader in combating human rights abuses.
Sadly, within our country we now face a host of internal threats: health care, the Supreme Court, the environment, the Internet, education, food supply, alternative energy sources, the Russian influence...the list is mind dumbing and endless. Althought they pale in comparison to the abuses you reference, these are assaults on the human rights of all American citizens.
Your couragous leadership is needed more than ever to once again put country first and help combat these threats to our freedom that come from within.
2
How are you going to vote on the House healthcare bill, Sen McCain?
5
So what are you doing, Senator, in a party that is content to trash basic human rights at home?
3
McCain never misses an opportunity to pontificate......
Retire already.
Retire already.
4
Mr. McCain, your president and your Republican Party are slowly dismantling and destroying this country. Where do you stand, sir? Are you an American first, or are you a Republican first? Which is more important to you? You deserve no respect if you condone the hatred and the meanness. Decide soon Mr. McCain. We are all running out of time. Is it Trump ignorance and stupidity, or is it American common sense and fairness to all? If you can't differentiate between the two, it's sadly too late for you. Maybe it's time for you to go away. Decide soon Mr. McCain.
3
Amen...glad you seem back from the cold.
About your North Vietnamese captors, you say, "In their continuous efforts to infect us with despair and dissolve our attachment to our country..." Say what? That’s exactly what your party is doing to the majority of our citizens now.
I used to admire you. I felt I owed you something. Now I can't even look at you.
"Secretary Tillerson sent a message to oppressed people everywhere: Don’t look to the United States for hope."
Don't look for hope within the United States, he might have said. You guys, with your overarching agenda to crush any hope of social democracy by any means necessary - dressing it up as religious dogma, arming the so-called citizen militia, promoting race and gender hatred, characterizing anything less than billionaire status as a moral failing, and equating wealth with intellect – you wiped out any hope of progression towards a more equitable distribution of the finite resources of this world. You used to at least offer a few crumbs, now you’ve swept those off the table, as well. While you were in Hanoi, your Republican compatriots were busy selling the middle class down the river in search of lower wages. The poor, they always discounted.
If you had Jesus Christ here today, you'd crucify him now the same as Rome did then. No way that honorable compassionate man would buy into the Republican - now the new American – platform of use up your fellow man, no matter his country of origin, and throw him away.
Why did you even bother to write this piece?
I used to admire you. I felt I owed you something. Now I can't even look at you.
"Secretary Tillerson sent a message to oppressed people everywhere: Don’t look to the United States for hope."
Don't look for hope within the United States, he might have said. You guys, with your overarching agenda to crush any hope of social democracy by any means necessary - dressing it up as religious dogma, arming the so-called citizen militia, promoting race and gender hatred, characterizing anything less than billionaire status as a moral failing, and equating wealth with intellect – you wiped out any hope of progression towards a more equitable distribution of the finite resources of this world. You used to at least offer a few crumbs, now you’ve swept those off the table, as well. While you were in Hanoi, your Republican compatriots were busy selling the middle class down the river in search of lower wages. The poor, they always discounted.
If you had Jesus Christ here today, you'd crucify him now the same as Rome did then. No way that honorable compassionate man would buy into the Republican - now the new American – platform of use up your fellow man, no matter his country of origin, and throw him away.
Why did you even bother to write this piece?
5
Thank you, John McCain, for not being co-opted by the animals on your side of the aisle!
John McCain you are irrelevant.
1
It will take a lot more than a nice OpEd in the times to redeem yourself, Senator McCain. Your actions over many years have aided and abetted dangerous and corrupt extremists. If you actually want to be a force for good you are going to have to take far more bold decisive action. Powerfully support the human right to health care, clean air, clean water, equal protection under the law, and many other pressing issues for humanity. I dare you.
4
Russian Jews are the foundation of Likud, yet nothing in here about the human rights denied the Palestinian people by them. And no apology for your role in Vietnam, where you were shot down bombing civilians. Not a lot of awareness here, just one old fool who has never stopped thinking he deserves special attention for what are mostly reprehensible ideas.
3
i wrote an oped
i did what i could
now back to sleep
Senator McCain, you are the same person who signed of on the horrible cabinet choices of the man who humiliated you about your capture by the Vietnamese. Voting for Price, DeVos, Rick Perry and Scott Pruitt and Tillerson leads me to believe that you are just empty words in an empty suit.
2
C'mon don't be shy, call Trump and his ilk what they are, lousy (not good) capitalists raiding the nation's treasury for their entertainment and profit. Trump despises you out of jealousy, you will never win him over as long as he remains immature and spiteful. Resist his harmful policies. Acting against the Antiquities act is most shameful, most of our citizens may only get a chance to see these wonders of creation once in their lifetime. They existed before states and they should remain available for all generations beyond the temporal notion of states. They need the finance and force of the federal government to preserve. The states and private individuals have neither.
1
Just when I thought you becoming a party hack, you write something inspirational and critical of the administration. Bravo!
Thank you Senator McCain but I would also point out that human rights right here at home are being eroded by the current person in the WH so I think we should all have a major concern with preserving and defending our rights here at home- starting with access to healthcare which is a human right for all of us- not just for the rich.
The GOP working group in the Senate is not reaching out to work with the Dems- why is that?
Your party is in the process of dismantling the ACA and replacing it with worthless nonsense. I suggest you concentrate on that abuse of human rights and consider the fact that AARP, AMA, American Cancer Association, American Hospital Association, etc etc - all hate the House version of this bill.
Finally, do not assume all voters are stupid and will forget about this give back to the rich at the expense of the poor and old even if nothing goes into effect until after the election. Yes, the DT base may be idiots- but they are in the minority- not the majority.
The GOP working group in the Senate is not reaching out to work with the Dems- why is that?
Your party is in the process of dismantling the ACA and replacing it with worthless nonsense. I suggest you concentrate on that abuse of human rights and consider the fact that AARP, AMA, American Cancer Association, American Hospital Association, etc etc - all hate the House version of this bill.
Finally, do not assume all voters are stupid and will forget about this give back to the rich at the expense of the poor and old even if nothing goes into effect until after the election. Yes, the DT base may be idiots- but they are in the minority- not the majority.
Give grandpa the comfy chair treatment
And this article is written by the person who thought Sara Palin was a good choice for Vice President...
1
How can a man who writes words like this also seek to put a Sarah Palin one heart beat from the Presidency.
2
Amen.
Sen. McCain, please, please read this - or have a staffer read it, then have a long conversation about it. We are up against disaster:
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/may/07/the-great-british-bre...
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/may/07/the-great-british-bre...
Senator McCain is wise in almost all things....
Typical hypocrite McCain......how about defending your so-called values at home, first.....and stop voting against bills protecting Americans in needs......how about having the courage to defend your so-called virtues against your own party....how about stopping wars abroad and supporting Saudi Arabia in Yemen but crying about what is going on in Syria......Do not worry...CNN will still invite you to hear your series of old platitudes
3
Sir: You talk pretty, but side with the ugly. Please do better.
1
Senator McCain, will you stand up to human rights in the form that an allied country, like GB, would be alllowed to vote on Brexit on their own merit, without being illegally influenced by Bannon, Thiel and the likes???? Will you call for an investigation of this heinous swamp which acted as a practice run for the hijacking of the American presidency here????
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/may/07/the-great-british-bre...
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/may/07/the-great-british-bre...
Senator, PLEASE help end this nightmare. An OpEd is a non-step since those you need to convince, A. Think the NYT is fake news B. Words are empty without action. Bring back the MAVERICK....America needs you now more than ever. Sincerely, a daughter of USN Vet, buried in Arlington
1
Thank you Senetor McCain for your wisdom. Why aren't there more politicians like you who are willing to think citicially and sometimes break from the party-line when you see things that you need to speak up about? The beacon of hope that the USA shone for so many years is dimming. Please, more of you stand up to your morally bankrupt president and his cronies and show the world you are not drowning in the swamp.
I am so tired of hearing the POW whine from this miserable hypocrite, and never a word of concern about the Vietnamese people he ruthlessly bombed, and who nonetheless saved his life after his plane was shot down.
Senator McCain, the best thing you can do for human rights is to vigorously pursue the Trump, Inc. connection to Russia. When you find and reveal the truth, maybe we can be rid of all the vermin that Trump has installed, including the Chief Rat himself.
Dig in, stand up, and be the McCain we once knew as a bulldog seeking to do what's right.
Dig in, stand up, and be the McCain we once knew as a bulldog seeking to do what's right.
1
Senator McCain....one of the 'Good People'
The United State must represent those with no voice. When angry Muslim men insist of savagely harming girls to protect the men's honor, we have to insist that stops NOW. When the voiceless gays and women of the Muslim world simply as to be left free we have to answer.
The world is now seeing the horrors of life visited up poor Bill Maher when he was young and being housed in unspeakable conditions. With so many strange men moving in and out of his environment, of course horrible things happened to him that are emerging today as he recasts things apparently done against his body as committed by his political enemies. This sort of trauma for the young must be stopped as well.
We on the Right regret politicians attacking the greatest middle class on the planet with the re-distributive PPACA seven years ago to ''fix'' a problem that didn't exist. 80% of the country was satisfied with its health care at that time.
To wreck family finance across the country to provide free health care to 12 million people was a waste - no, an attack on innocent people.
The world is now seeing the horrors of life visited up poor Bill Maher when he was young and being housed in unspeakable conditions. With so many strange men moving in and out of his environment, of course horrible things happened to him that are emerging today as he recasts things apparently done against his body as committed by his political enemies. This sort of trauma for the young must be stopped as well.
We on the Right regret politicians attacking the greatest middle class on the planet with the re-distributive PPACA seven years ago to ''fix'' a problem that didn't exist. 80% of the country was satisfied with its health care at that time.
To wreck family finance across the country to provide free health care to 12 million people was a waste - no, an attack on innocent people.
Wise words, Mr. McCain. Unfortunately, you paved the way for our current ignoramus-in-chief with your choice of running mate. Never in living memory had such an obvious and proud nincompoop been so close to the second highest office in the land. Her popularity showed Donald Trump that the path was open all the way to the top.
3
If only you could get your fellow Repooplicans to even listen to you.
"Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said conditioning our foreign policy too heavily on [human rights]."
Tillerson was simply describing Washington"s overriding view of human rights: it should remain forever in our rhetoric but always take a number and get in line behind oil, commerce and empire. Human rights becomes paramount only when abuses are committed by official enemies.
Tillerson was simply describing Washington"s overriding view of human rights: it should remain forever in our rhetoric but always take a number and get in line behind oil, commerce and empire. Human rights becomes paramount only when abuses are committed by official enemies.
Well said. SPQA
Yes!!!!!!! Thank you!!!!!
Speaking of humans rights..how nice of you. You've been in the gulag, so you should understand how us citizens feel now with the current administration. We are drowning in the stench of the swamp. Give us universal healthcare. Or will you side with the swamp and throw us under the bus?
2
As old and senile as you have become, you should have realized when your usefulness as a senator had come to an end, that was years ago. We are not, nor ever have been, the cesspool of the World, closing our borders keeps us that way; we need no more diversity, it breeds contempt. America First, should be our rallying cry, the World has yet to mature to the degree that would allow globalization.
Hypocrite.
2
Dear Mr. McCain,
As I recall you supported Donald Trump (of the Mexicans are rapists tribe), so your right to lecture anyone has evaporated.
As I recall you supported Donald Trump (of the Mexicans are rapists tribe), so your right to lecture anyone has evaporated.
2
What a pernicious article. John McCain needs to stop living in the past. So, he along with thousands of others was a POW. There are millions of POP's (Prisoners of Poverty) right here in the US. What has McCain and his bromance with Lindsey Graham done to alleviate their suffering? Quit reliving your checkered past do something worthwhile for America's working poor.
2
Respectfully, John, but where is your backbone these days? The only reason Tillerson is at State is that your spineless party got all 'rah rah' behind the awful person in the White House who nominated him. You didn't speak out then... you can't criticize now... sorry!
All our current pain can be laid at the foot of John McCain. HE is the one who brought fruitcake nutcase politics into the mainstream with his selection of the appalling Sarah Palin.
If we must support human rights, Mr McCain, then why do you prostrate yourself publicly to the Gulf nations? Why do you permit their support and role in diffusing their Wahhabi version of radical Islam?
Are you sure it is human rights we must support Mr McCain?
And not money?
Are you sure it is human rights we must support Mr McCain?
And not money?
2
Too late the children saw the trap they had fallen into: the sweeties had been laced, the promises had been but stories, and the wicked wizard now ruled kingdom. All that was good began to wither and his agents flew from the now dark castle to spread their own distress. Who knew? Anyone with half a brain and a conscience, that's who!
1
Human rights begins here at a home .. your voting record does not reflect that. You flooded on your power to stop DeVos and voted party instead, Sessions a none racist, Goresuch , the list is sadly too long and Healthcare is next. These votes all effect the rights of the humans of the United Staes not the corporations, which by the way, has no human heartbeat.
2
I once had great respect for you sir. I recall watching a documentary on your harrowing experience aboard the U.S.S. Forrestal during Vietnam, and believed you were a true patriot that could be trusted.
But you and your Republican colleagues have obviously lost your moral compass. You have done NOTHING to stop the U.S. from electing a criminal liar who may well be a stooge of both Russia and American/Russian organized crime. At the very least, you continue to support an unqualified idiot that may well end the world in short order.
You continue to support a dolt in the Oval Office who worships dictators and cares about nothing other than power and money. You continue to support a lying sexual predator who is one of the greatest grifters the world has ever seen.
Do you not care about America and your legacy? You could do so much more to end the threat and the madness lurking daily in the West Wing!
What the heck happened to you, Senator John McCain?
But you and your Republican colleagues have obviously lost your moral compass. You have done NOTHING to stop the U.S. from electing a criminal liar who may well be a stooge of both Russia and American/Russian organized crime. At the very least, you continue to support an unqualified idiot that may well end the world in short order.
You continue to support a dolt in the Oval Office who worships dictators and cares about nothing other than power and money. You continue to support a lying sexual predator who is one of the greatest grifters the world has ever seen.
Do you not care about America and your legacy? You could do so much more to end the threat and the madness lurking daily in the West Wing!
What the heck happened to you, Senator John McCain?
2
The Senator expresses very well the core of America, existing since our revolution against the British Monarchy. We have always insisted that we are different from many of the nations of the Earth and, in the past, have persuaded many of these nations to adopt these values. We have gained wealth - economic and moral, individually and nationally - through these pesuations. We certainly will not gain by dropping these persuasions. We -all major parties - have been a "light to the world" in the past. We will certainly lose if one of these parties strive to put that light out.
Where did your social conscience go, Mr. McCain? Did you ever have one or did you just use your military experience to get a cushy government job so you could destroy it? Is war all you know? I consider you - who pretends to be so holier-than-thou - among the most treasonous of democracy in America.
This is how you and your buddies got The Con Don into office. It was no election. You participated in the culmination of a 40+ year coup - since Reagan - for The International Mafia Robber Barons to take over OUR government. There is not enough shame to heap on you.
Every American needs to read the article linked below. Names like Bannon, Thiel, Mercer and Murdoch are the subjects - along with players most people have never heard of - and they caused the Brexit vote and the destruction of the Most Qualified Candidate to ever run to be President of the United States - Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton.
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/may/07/the-great-british-bre...
This is how you and your buddies got The Con Don into office. It was no election. You participated in the culmination of a 40+ year coup - since Reagan - for The International Mafia Robber Barons to take over OUR government. There is not enough shame to heap on you.
Every American needs to read the article linked below. Names like Bannon, Thiel, Mercer and Murdoch are the subjects - along with players most people have never heard of - and they caused the Brexit vote and the destruction of the Most Qualified Candidate to ever run to be President of the United States - Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton.
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/may/07/the-great-british-bre...
1
Senator McCain's column is ludicrous.
"We are a country with a conscience. We have long believed moral concerns must be an essential part of our foreign policy, not a departure from it. We are the chief architect and defender of an international order governed by rules derived from our political and economic values."
Regime changes, death squads, torture schools, unprovoked wars, destabilizations, sponsoring ultra-right wing or jihadi proxy armies, cluster bombs, depleted uranium, agent orange, assassinations, drone wars etc.
Does that ring a bell ? Many of these atrocities were supported by YOU and your warmongering ilk.
You, your party, and this country has no moral high ground to speak of upon close examination of the facts.
And to keep bringing up American Exceptionalism in a time when the country is ruled by your president, the Orange Ignoramus, is not only baffling but ... simply pathetic.
This entire column reeks like something a British Colonialist might have written just before the end of the Empire arguing that Great Britain did all those poor Africans a favor by exploiting them.
I find this rather insulting to people's intelligence and to the suffering that was produced by American Imperialism.
Disgusting really.
"We are a country with a conscience. We have long believed moral concerns must be an essential part of our foreign policy, not a departure from it. We are the chief architect and defender of an international order governed by rules derived from our political and economic values."
Regime changes, death squads, torture schools, unprovoked wars, destabilizations, sponsoring ultra-right wing or jihadi proxy armies, cluster bombs, depleted uranium, agent orange, assassinations, drone wars etc.
Does that ring a bell ? Many of these atrocities were supported by YOU and your warmongering ilk.
You, your party, and this country has no moral high ground to speak of upon close examination of the facts.
And to keep bringing up American Exceptionalism in a time when the country is ruled by your president, the Orange Ignoramus, is not only baffling but ... simply pathetic.
This entire column reeks like something a British Colonialist might have written just before the end of the Empire arguing that Great Britain did all those poor Africans a favor by exploiting them.
I find this rather insulting to people's intelligence and to the suffering that was produced by American Imperialism.
Disgusting really.
4
I respect John McCain. This paper would not be lionizing this conservative if it were not for their #1 enemy, the President of the US, having mocked John McCain's war record.
Mr. McCain is wrong, or at least mistaken. At the cost of how many lives does he want to promote "human rights" in the outer world?
Evil exists in degrees. Sometimes we must acquiesce or work with lesser evil to combat greater evil. We can deal with the lesser evil later. I think that's Tillerson's point. And I don't think Tillerson means that lesser evil can't be managed to produce less odious results while, for the moment, being tolerated.
Examples abound. Churchill tolerated Stalin to victory, until the Iron Curtain was drawn across Eastern Europe. Even then, we had made a mistake, and Patton should have been allowed to push the USSR back past Poland. But that's another story.
A more recent example is Obama's destabilization of the Middle East. Talk about a disaster of choice. Why did we need to tell the world Assad needs to go? Why did we remove Gaddafi and then leave? Why did we allow Egypt to fall into Islamist hands? Why did we hightail it out if Iraq? Why did we virtually abandon Afghanistan? All to some high-minded purpose.
Now we are talking half a million Syrian dead. Was it worth it, Mr. McCain?
I know, you wanted to arm the "rebels". The "rebels" would have ended up being our next enemy in short order, except not as sane as Assad. More Syrian dead.
Mr. McCain is wrong, or at least mistaken. At the cost of how many lives does he want to promote "human rights" in the outer world?
Evil exists in degrees. Sometimes we must acquiesce or work with lesser evil to combat greater evil. We can deal with the lesser evil later. I think that's Tillerson's point. And I don't think Tillerson means that lesser evil can't be managed to produce less odious results while, for the moment, being tolerated.
Examples abound. Churchill tolerated Stalin to victory, until the Iron Curtain was drawn across Eastern Europe. Even then, we had made a mistake, and Patton should have been allowed to push the USSR back past Poland. But that's another story.
A more recent example is Obama's destabilization of the Middle East. Talk about a disaster of choice. Why did we need to tell the world Assad needs to go? Why did we remove Gaddafi and then leave? Why did we allow Egypt to fall into Islamist hands? Why did we hightail it out if Iraq? Why did we virtually abandon Afghanistan? All to some high-minded purpose.
Now we are talking half a million Syrian dead. Was it worth it, Mr. McCain?
I know, you wanted to arm the "rebels". The "rebels" would have ended up being our next enemy in short order, except not as sane as Assad. More Syrian dead.
1
"We let it nourish our hope that we would go home with our honour intact". Until Donald Trump said that you were no hero and that he likes "people who didn't gat captured". The juxtaposition of these things is stunning. According to Trump, you and your fellow POWs have no honour-you are losers. Yet peo-le voted for Trump and McCain went along with him. These words today from John McCain show just how morally bankrupt and inhuman Trump and his enablers really are. It's not enough that immigrants, minorities, and other odious creatures have been maligned and lied about-now it's the sick and the poor. How can there be so much hate in the Republican Party for anyone but rich white men? Human rights are at best an inconvenience for an administration that just wants the rich to get richer and turns a blind eye to suffering and human need. It will just get worse, but that's good for Republicans who are in the process of preventing those inconvenient people from landing on American shores or ignoring them altogether. I fear that they will so corrupt the U.S. Governmental and electoral system that Americans will soon live in a totalitarian state with the pretence of democracy. Keeping people in the dark and filling them with platitudes is the way it is done. Deliberate ignorance and preoccupation with mindless entertainment and materialism on the part of the American people just paves the way. No rights for others eventually means no rights for anyone.
3
Senator McCain, put your money where your mouths. Vote against such people as Tillerson and Gorsuch if you actually believe the words you wrote.
3
I can hear our anthem ringing in your reasonable words….Ahhh! However, I am quite sure you voted for the Trump - even as you saw his many awfullnesses and heard his crazy words.
...and you still endorsed Donald Trump at the end of the day. You're a coward and a fraud.
4
Barack Obama made human rights a priority by coddling the theocracy in Iran. Because undoing economic sanctions against a rights-violating regime is going to teach its rulers that violating human rights is rewarded.
Barack Obama made human rights a priority by bombing Libya and transforming it from a dictatorship into an anarchic hellhole.
Barack Obama made human rights a priority by bombing Libya and transforming it from a dictatorship into an anarchic hellhole.
1
John McCain has definitely seen the worst. He has supped with the biggest Barbarians on the planet (friendly, moderate headchopppers) and given them ships full of weapons and planes full of cash.
Get off my liberal paper, Songbird! You are a Chickenhawk's Chickenhawk.
For shame New York Times. Way to beat the war drum once again!
Get off my liberal paper, Songbird! You are a Chickenhawk's Chickenhawk.
For shame New York Times. Way to beat the war drum once again!
2
I'd rather hear this kind of propaganda coming out of our 'leaders' mouths than the idiocy coming out of Trump's mouth.
If ..."moral concerns are always an important part of foreign policy..." then would we have sent John McCain to bomb North Korea and to learn that hard, painful lesson of hope and courage? McCain is an outstanding American. But was our foreign policy that victimized him any more moral than Tilleson's?
I have to ask, why oh why did McCain bother to publish this piece in the NYTimes. Take it to Faux or the pulp of the repulsives. You are speaking to the choir sir and wasting your breath. Now, having said this, I suggest you take your words, along with actions, to the rest of your repulsive ilk.
"Human rights exist above the state and beyond history."
^^^This. Now, please, Senator McCain, take your party back. I'm quite sure you won't join mine. But for our two-party democracy to survive, we need two healthy parties governed by facts to support their ideals. And those ideals need to be about how to create and manage the best possible society, not just how to cut taxes for the few. And we need experienced legislators who know how to compromise to move forward, not government by beginners.
This is not the Republican party I grew up with: intelligent people who believed in fiscal responsibility and small government. I could negotiate with those people. Together we can keep the USA as the beacon of hope for the world that it has become--and that we are in danger of losing. Do something.
^^^This. Now, please, Senator McCain, take your party back. I'm quite sure you won't join mine. But for our two-party democracy to survive, we need two healthy parties governed by facts to support their ideals. And those ideals need to be about how to create and manage the best possible society, not just how to cut taxes for the few. And we need experienced legislators who know how to compromise to move forward, not government by beginners.
This is not the Republican party I grew up with: intelligent people who believed in fiscal responsibility and small government. I could negotiate with those people. Together we can keep the USA as the beacon of hope for the world that it has become--and that we are in danger of losing. Do something.
Some in the GOP would risk their life for their country, as you did. Others will risk the wellbeing of their country to aggrandize themselves (everyone who voted for Trumpcare(snot).
Nothing will improve for America, or the world, while a narcissist like Trump is in charge. He endangers us and diminishes us.
PLEASE continue to call out the members of your own party who enable this travesty... all the "tailors" who 'mirror' DT's naked emperor.
Nothing will improve for America, or the world, while a narcissist like Trump is in charge. He endangers us and diminishes us.
PLEASE continue to call out the members of your own party who enable this travesty... all the "tailors" who 'mirror' DT's naked emperor.
1
Thank you Senator for your service and for this editorial. IfI often disagree with you I also often admire what you say and always work to remember that principled compromise is essential to the legislation for and design of the world of our grandchildren's grandchildren.
The great psychologist George Miller of 7 plus or minus two memory and if it doesn't work, perhaps try it again harder and faster and perhaps a third time, but otherwise it becomes insanity said what is known as Miller's Law:
In order to understand what another is saying, you must first imagine it can be true, and only then imagine of what world it can be true of.
Readers, let us cut the flaming and renew our vision of the primacy of human rights and the requirements of resources, freedoms, and information needed for individual and group responsibility--'ability to respond' to our call and the design of that world now and a thousand years from now.
Yes readers, our water and air can be poisoned for thousands of years. It is too easy to forget that conservatism has historically been about the future of those great great grandchildren, not just only about how much money and prime land we can grab.
For every Arizonan destroyer of our waters and nature, there are a dozen preserving our soil, water, and air, going back to Senator Goldwater and before.
In order to understand wh
The great psychologist George Miller of 7 plus or minus two memory and if it doesn't work, perhaps try it again harder and faster and perhaps a third time, but otherwise it becomes insanity said what is known as Miller's Law:
In order to understand what another is saying, you must first imagine it can be true, and only then imagine of what world it can be true of.
Readers, let us cut the flaming and renew our vision of the primacy of human rights and the requirements of resources, freedoms, and information needed for individual and group responsibility--'ability to respond' to our call and the design of that world now and a thousand years from now.
Yes readers, our water and air can be poisoned for thousands of years. It is too easy to forget that conservatism has historically been about the future of those great great grandchildren, not just only about how much money and prime land we can grab.
For every Arizonan destroyer of our waters and nature, there are a dozen preserving our soil, water, and air, going back to Senator Goldwater and before.
In order to understand wh
1
The essential issue not covered by Sen. McCain is whether America's blood and treasure should be spent overseas to secure essential human rights for others.
In my long life one million Americans have paid the ultimate price for defending our freedoms. We ought think long and hard about spending our sons and daughters to secure better lives for others. Our national leaders have an unfortunate history of embarking on foreign adventures with other citizens sons and daughters. Not their own.
In my long life one million Americans have paid the ultimate price for defending our freedoms. We ought think long and hard about spending our sons and daughters to secure better lives for others. Our national leaders have an unfortunate history of embarking on foreign adventures with other citizens sons and daughters. Not their own.
2
Thank you, Senator McCain, for speaking these important words. Ironically, whenever our country has chosen to support our business interests over our moral principles, in the long run that policy has backfired. It turns out that the right thing to do morally, is the right thing to do pragmatically.
Right up until the closing argument about "American exceptionalism," Senator McCain's passionate yet realist plea for holding human rights at the center of our foreign policy is a cause for celebration. The Senator's eloquent defense of human rights is a sign that within our government there are still leaders who understand that our role as a global power rests on our values, not just as stated, but as demonstrated. But pandering to the crowd that insists on an ROI from our investment in values and that the U.S. is "distinct from all others in our achievements, our identity and our enduring influence on mankind" is to slip into the rhetoric that disregards the accomplishments, throughout history, of other countries and peoples, and creates a separation where we should be building common cause around shared values.
2
I agree with the senator moral argument but have some concern about the sugar coating of his description of the US actions in the past which implicitly supported many dictators and atrocities like Pinochet in Chilly, the military regimes in Brazil and Argentina, the Iran Contra debacle to name a few. The only difference between the current administration and past administrations is the explicit admission.
1
Dear Senator McCain,
Yes, human rights are important throughout the world. But first we must start at home. The new Republican healthcare plan is a brutal callous inhumane and sinful act that will harm and even kill countless Americans. It should not be “fixed" by the Senate. Don’t support this bill. It is evil and destructive to American Society. Look out for the EPA and NIH on which our health also depends. Save Planned Parenthood. The majority of us do not share the religious views of the minority who defend it. Majority does count.
Yes, human rights are important throughout the world. But first we must start at home. The new Republican healthcare plan is a brutal callous inhumane and sinful act that will harm and even kill countless Americans. It should not be “fixed" by the Senate. Don’t support this bill. It is evil and destructive to American Society. Look out for the EPA and NIH on which our health also depends. Save Planned Parenthood. The majority of us do not share the religious views of the minority who defend it. Majority does count.
7
Most unfortunately, Rex Tillerson is quite correct that US interests can and do overrode our values. The historical evidence of this is quite clear, from our behavior in El Salvador, Iraq, and Libya, just three examples of our active incursion into existing sovereignties to advance our interests. Yet, we have been silent, comparatively, in many countries in Africa where drought and famine are the order of the day. I guess we must have no interests there- certainly no oil or other natural resources- no compelling reason to intervene on behalf of those who suffer, in stark contradistinction to our "values".
A final example- Saudi Arabia is no champion of human rights. Ahhhhhh, but they have oil. All the better to ignore them as they publicly behead and whip those who commit what to most civilized people would seem to be pretty minor infractions.
Senator, I appreciate your column today, but until we as a nation come to grips with the fact that our path to "exceptionalism" has been tarnished in the past, and with the fact that the tyrannical executive-branch apparatus currently in place is seeking to destroy that path, your words have much fury, but they signify nothing.
A final example- Saudi Arabia is no champion of human rights. Ahhhhhh, but they have oil. All the better to ignore them as they publicly behead and whip those who commit what to most civilized people would seem to be pretty minor infractions.
Senator, I appreciate your column today, but until we as a nation come to grips with the fact that our path to "exceptionalism" has been tarnished in the past, and with the fact that the tyrannical executive-branch apparatus currently in place is seeking to destroy that path, your words have much fury, but they signify nothing.
1
“Depriving the oppressed of a beacon of hope could lose us the world we have built and thrived in.”
You wrote the following letter to me on August 2, 1999:
"I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your letter of July 16, 1999, regarding the United States Supreme Court's decision in Calderon v. Thompson.
Your situation is in the jurisdiction of the state of California. Therefore, I have forwarded your letter to Senator Barbara Boxer.
Mr. Lockmiller, I do hope your situation can be resolved favorably."
And, she did nothing, like you.
On a five-to-four vote of the U. S. Supreme Court (the same five justices who later "elected" George Bush as President), the death penalty conviction of Thomas Thompson had been upheld and the state's order of execution was reinstated.
I was there in the first minutes of July 14, 1998 at San Quentin State Prison to protest the execution of an innocent man, Thomas Thompson. As he was being executed, I held the sign high, which I had made.
It read simply: UNCONSTITUTIONAL EXECUTION
On the one year anniversary of his execution, I wrote to you with the hope and expectation that you would do something as an honorable United States Senator to make certain that nothing like this would ever happen again to a United States citizen.
I was deeply disappointed.
You wrote the following letter to me on August 2, 1999:
"I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your letter of July 16, 1999, regarding the United States Supreme Court's decision in Calderon v. Thompson.
Your situation is in the jurisdiction of the state of California. Therefore, I have forwarded your letter to Senator Barbara Boxer.
Mr. Lockmiller, I do hope your situation can be resolved favorably."
And, she did nothing, like you.
On a five-to-four vote of the U. S. Supreme Court (the same five justices who later "elected" George Bush as President), the death penalty conviction of Thomas Thompson had been upheld and the state's order of execution was reinstated.
I was there in the first minutes of July 14, 1998 at San Quentin State Prison to protest the execution of an innocent man, Thomas Thompson. As he was being executed, I held the sign high, which I had made.
It read simply: UNCONSTITUTIONAL EXECUTION
On the one year anniversary of his execution, I wrote to you with the hope and expectation that you would do something as an honorable United States Senator to make certain that nothing like this would ever happen again to a United States citizen.
I was deeply disappointed.
In order to be absolutely fair to Senator McCain, I must disclose that I only copied him on this Open Letter on the subject of "The Unconstitutional Execution of Thomas Thompson on July 14, 1998. The letter was addressed to the respective chairmen of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees, Rep. Henry Hyde and Senator Orin Hatch, with copies mailed to each and every member of both Committees. In addition, I mailed copies to Speaker Dennis Hastert, ex-U.S. Senator Bill Bradley, Rep. George Miller, Calif. Governor Grey Davis, State Rep. Scott Baugh, Stuart Taylor of the National Journal, David Remmick of the New Yorker Magazine, David Gergen of the U.S. News & World Report, Julie Chao of the SF Examiner, the Editor of the NYTimes, and the Editor of the Washington Post.
Of all of these civic-minded people, Senator McCain was the only person who responded to my letter.
My letter began:
A year ago, five justices of the U. S. Supreme Court ordered the execution of Thomas Thompson over the Constitutional objections from seven justices of the federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Also objecting, Justice Souter wrote for the 4-justice minority:
"The factors underlying the action of the Court of Appeals in this case were wholly appropriate, the court's stated justification having been to exercise extreme care to counter the malfunction of its own procedural mechanisms where the result otherwise might well be a constitutionally erroneous imposition of the death penalty."
Of all of these civic-minded people, Senator McCain was the only person who responded to my letter.
My letter began:
A year ago, five justices of the U. S. Supreme Court ordered the execution of Thomas Thompson over the Constitutional objections from seven justices of the federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Also objecting, Justice Souter wrote for the 4-justice minority:
"The factors underlying the action of the Court of Appeals in this case were wholly appropriate, the court's stated justification having been to exercise extreme care to counter the malfunction of its own procedural mechanisms where the result otherwise might well be a constitutionally erroneous imposition of the death penalty."
I guess in the age of Trump, senator McCain's bromide of Ronald Reagan inspired US human rights support (the support of the dirty contras war and other egregious human rights violations notwithstanding) is very moving to a lot of people. Let's see how the senator will vote when the horrifying Trump/Republican "healthcare" bill will be voted on by the senate.
1
The Senator is giving a strong but lonely voice to questions of critical importance to this country both now and in the distant future. I would hope he would turn is value-centred vision to that other empty bucket, "making American great".
My reading of the Trump intent is that it means that America wins and everyone else loses, all the time. A better, valued meaning and one which I hope Senator McCain endorses is that everyone wins all the time (win-win). That's what you get with high performance teaming and deep collaboration. These are the practices that lead to superior quality and, in turn, wealth and productivity for all.
Were Senator McCain put his mid to making American values great (and real) again, the world and the nation would greatly benefit. I would also expect these to be a major and positive reversal of our current course.
My reading of the Trump intent is that it means that America wins and everyone else loses, all the time. A better, valued meaning and one which I hope Senator McCain endorses is that everyone wins all the time (win-win). That's what you get with high performance teaming and deep collaboration. These are the practices that lead to superior quality and, in turn, wealth and productivity for all.
Were Senator McCain put his mid to making American values great (and real) again, the world and the nation would greatly benefit. I would also expect these to be a major and positive reversal of our current course.
I certainly wish Mr. McCain, who knew better, had voiced these sentiments before it was too late to prevent Donald Trump from occupying the White House. These words of Mr. McCain ring hollow in light of his full-throated support of the travesty that was the Trump campaign, and his party-before-country stance in supporting Trump all the way to the White House. I agree wholeheartedly with every word Mr. McCain wrote in this essay. I hope he will read them word-for-word during Trump's impeachment trial in the Senate. I hope his colleagues in the House will read them, too, and remember them as they draft articles of impeachment and vote to begin the proceedings.
2
Actions speak louder than words.
2
I'm very liberal, but I've been saying for about a year now that there was a very good reason McCain didn't "take a stand" when Trump mocked and derided his service, sacrifice, and the honor of American PoWs. It's because that would have been personal, and ultimately a pointless gesture that everyone forgot about the next time Trump opened his mouth.
He played his cards right, because – as much as I disagree with him on domestic issues – he's one of the last and few United States congressmen who knows that the job is about serving the country and its people. And at this point, he might be the only one who realizes that our democracy can only function if the people chosen to wield that kind of power never, ever mistake compromise for shame.
He played his cards right, because – as much as I disagree with him on domestic issues – he's one of the last and few United States congressmen who knows that the job is about serving the country and its people. And at this point, he might be the only one who realizes that our democracy can only function if the people chosen to wield that kind of power never, ever mistake compromise for shame.
There are many words that can be used to describe Senator McCain. "Apostate" is not among them.
Thank you Senator.
Thank you Senator.
I disagree with Senator McCain in one important assertion. Human rights do not exist apart from the state and are not common to all people. In fact, throughout history, those who have governed have asserted control over the rights of the governed. For most of what we would refer to as civilization, rulers, seldom chosen by the "people" and often deemed deities, had absolute control of the property, rights and lives of their populations. Even our beloved America was founded with little concern for the human rights of those enslaved. Some historians , such as Howard Zinn, asset than the founding fathers considered the rights of the wealthy paramount to those of the common man.
In nations where the "rights of man" are respected, those rights were hard won by armed conflict. This includes America, where the struggle for humanity continued long after the revolution: workers died in the fight to unionize; civil rights workers and the people they fought for died in the cause.
Though far from perfect, and as a result of the constant struggle by those who have not reaped all the rewards of our freedom, America is a beacon to the world for freedom and human rights. It is for this reason that Tikkerson's "realism" is dangerous. We have learned that we cannot bring our democratic values to other states at the point of a gun. What we can and must do is act as an inspiration to those struggling for basic rights. We must let the world know whose side of the struggle we are on.
In nations where the "rights of man" are respected, those rights were hard won by armed conflict. This includes America, where the struggle for humanity continued long after the revolution: workers died in the fight to unionize; civil rights workers and the people they fought for died in the cause.
Though far from perfect, and as a result of the constant struggle by those who have not reaped all the rewards of our freedom, America is a beacon to the world for freedom and human rights. It is for this reason that Tikkerson's "realism" is dangerous. We have learned that we cannot bring our democratic values to other states at the point of a gun. What we can and must do is act as an inspiration to those struggling for basic rights. We must let the world know whose side of the struggle we are on.
8
This commenter apparently would reject the Declaration of Independence:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
What Sen. McCain is talking about is a long tradition of American presidential oratory that goes back to the Founding Fathers. It is often high-flown, idealistic and moralizing. But as with most countries, there is a gap, sometimes a huge one, between talk and action. The Mexican War, the Munro Doctrine, and a long tradition of supporting convenient dictators contradict the rhetoric of American Exceptionalism. Trump's achievement, albeit a dubious one, is to have completely overthrown the practice of the lofty presidential speech. Instead of Lincoln, we have Archie Bunker and the art of the deal. As the uneducated voters he loves so much could say, "he's got all that money and he talks just like us" Reagan knew how to deliver an uplifting address, but he also was responsible for Iran-Contra, and the heroic invasion of Granada. Frankly I am less worried by Trump's inability to do uplift as I am by the absence of any principle other than how is he going to be perceived.
7
A beautiful and stirring call to be our highest selves which I fear will fall on un-hearing ears in this Administration. May the rest of us take it as a call to action.
3
A person's health and well being, access to healthcare and reproductive services are, IMHO, human rights. As much as I used to respect John McCain, he has not shown that he 'walks the talk.' Let's see what he says and does in the Senate about repeal of affordable health care.
14
Senator McCain:
Notwithstanding your poor judgement (Sarah Palin) I've always thought you a good man. I applaud the sentiment expressed here. But as I suspect many other readers would agree, it's a little too late.
Your statements are given under the cover of what's already been done. Mr. Tillerson is free to use the apparatus of state to further the goals of corporate america. Mr. Trump and his congress are free to bankrupt seniors with limits removed on health care.
You are watching all this go by...what are you doing about it?
Notwithstanding your poor judgement (Sarah Palin) I've always thought you a good man. I applaud the sentiment expressed here. But as I suspect many other readers would agree, it's a little too late.
Your statements are given under the cover of what's already been done. Mr. Tillerson is free to use the apparatus of state to further the goals of corporate america. Mr. Trump and his congress are free to bankrupt seniors with limits removed on health care.
You are watching all this go by...what are you doing about it?
12
I hope that a century from now this piece is included in textbooks. I hope that it will not be there as the last expression of its kind.
1
Senator McCain - You keep speaking the truth, then voting with your opponents. I don't understand. For example, I believe health care is a human right, especially in a first world nation. Not pretend health care, but actual you-have-it-and-you-can-depend-on-it healthcare; depend on it without having to worry about losing your home or bankrupting your family healthcare. You have always stood up for this country. We need you now more than ever, at home as well as abroad.
4
I agree with much of what you have written here but I have to ask do you really truly see these values represented in the modern Republican party? How do building a wall with Mexico, banning refugees, cutting health care for vulnerable Americans and global health programs if they dare acknowledge that abortion exists...etc further our commitment to human rights or basic compassion.
5
Just wish, Senator McCain, that more of your Republican colleagues, agreed with you and would display the courage to voice their opinions as well. Thank you for speaking up and being the beacon that helps us retain hope that we are not a nation who has lost its core values.
3
Well done Senator!
To deny dignity is treat others as less than ourselves.
To deny dignity is treat others as less than ourselves.
1
Thank you Mr. McCain for standing up to what I can only describe as corporate amorality wrapped in the State dept flag. It is well established that Exxon will happily deal with all comers no matter how vicious as long as there is a profit to be made. This valueless ideology must not replace, no matter how imperfectly enacted, the values we as a nation have enshrined over two plus centuries as our reason for being.
2
Senator McCain, This is a beautiful dissertation and quite self-evident.
Thank you.
A Democrat
Thank you.
A Democrat
2
First, Mr. McCain, you have to walk the walk. Two words: Sarah Palin. If you work tirelessly, publicly, and vocally for the rest of your life to oppose the greedy oligarchs who are your Republican colleagues, you MIGHT make up for that choice in 2008.
Second, why frame fighting for human rights in terms of American exceptionalism? Why not simply support the rights of all human beings because it's the moral thing to do? The United States has no lock on democracy; it is not the only country to offer basic freedoms. It is, however, one of the most egregious offenders when it comes to interfering in the affairs of other sovereign nations and putting cruel, corrupt leaders into power....
Second, why frame fighting for human rights in terms of American exceptionalism? Why not simply support the rights of all human beings because it's the moral thing to do? The United States has no lock on democracy; it is not the only country to offer basic freedoms. It is, however, one of the most egregious offenders when it comes to interfering in the affairs of other sovereign nations and putting cruel, corrupt leaders into power....
5
Senator McCain, thanks for your thoughtful article. If you really want to align your actions with your words, join the Democratic caucus. The John McCain of 2007 would fit right in. It is nice to see that the compassionate, big-picture thinking of that person has not been completely extinguished. If you come to your senses and rediscover your former self, we will be glad to forget the unfortunate Palin episode.
2
I agree that Trump's (aka the GOP's) foreign policy, as effectuated through Tillerson as Secretary of State, is self serving and overly pragmatic. But McCain dances around calling it what it really is -- amoral. This shouldn't be a surprise given Trump's history in general or the attitude of the far right (aka GOP) in this country. As others have pointed out, McCain is known to criticize a lot but he rarely takes any effective steps to change his party's positions. Not only does it come across as disingenuous, but it makes it clear he no longer holds any power in the GOP. The GOP likes to have McCain on their side as an elder statesman of sorts, but for the most part, the new kids on the block simply ignore him.
The idea that the US should act as a "country with a conscience" would hold more water as an argument if Senator McCain would also apply his rationale to other aspects of public policy, such as health care, issues of social & criminal justice, and immigration. One's POW experience shouldn't be the only reason for applying a consistent moral policy. McCain's idea of human rights is very colored by his own narrowly defined past experience - at the expense of millions who suffer every day due to social, racial and economic injustice (to name but a few).
Of course, it's nice of him to try to be reasonable in print for the NYT's non-GOP readers, but it's not going to affect the current administration, Tillerson, or McCain's congressional colleagues one iota.
The idea that the US should act as a "country with a conscience" would hold more water as an argument if Senator McCain would also apply his rationale to other aspects of public policy, such as health care, issues of social & criminal justice, and immigration. One's POW experience shouldn't be the only reason for applying a consistent moral policy. McCain's idea of human rights is very colored by his own narrowly defined past experience - at the expense of millions who suffer every day due to social, racial and economic injustice (to name but a few).
Of course, it's nice of him to try to be reasonable in print for the NYT's non-GOP readers, but it's not going to affect the current administration, Tillerson, or McCain's congressional colleagues one iota.
4
As a RINO I want to thank Senator McCain for standing up for my values. As far as I'm concerned the Republican Party is finished. It has become a party for the ignorant and greedy. People like Senator McCain and I no longer belong. I think it is time for a new centrist party. Maybe he and a moderate Dem should get together and start one.
3
Senator McCain, I agree. Now, can we count on your support to fight against the erosion of America's hard-won human rights of our own citizens and the immigrants who have come here with hope in their hearts?
3
You write, sir, as if you believe this country is still exceptional and yet you support our president who makes a mockery of all we used to stand for. You cannot have it both ways Senator, you cannot have it both ways.
9
I hope, Senator McCain, that you are listening to the plea for your help on domestic and international human rights that reaches out from these comments on your thoughtful editorial.
2
McCain is a typical Trump Republican. Talks a good game, but then always votes the Trump party line.
4
Human rights should begin right here at home. Pass universal health care, Mr. McCain. Country first!
You are well respected and trusted. If only you would vote the way you say you believe. If you didn't go along with this horrible administration, others would follow your lead. Action speaks louder than words!
6
The present Republic healthcare bill would treat the poor and chronically ill like POWs in the sense that it locks them into a cruelly punishing and hopeless life situation bereft of even a modicum of Christian charity.
3
Mr. McCain,
Get off the fence, do the world a favor and resign from the Republican party. The rest is just blowing smoke in our faces. You've been trying to be the appeaser for too long. Come out strong, take a real stand with a real action behind it and backup your ideals with a moral stand.
Get off the fence, do the world a favor and resign from the Republican party. The rest is just blowing smoke in our faces. You've been trying to be the appeaser for too long. Come out strong, take a real stand with a real action behind it and backup your ideals with a moral stand.
3
"We have met the enemy and it is us." --Pogo
It is a shame that he didn't have a better running mate. I think John McCain would have made a good president.
2
If you want to support human rights, start right here at home. Your party leader is going to announce candidates who are steadfast opponents of basic human rights. He is the standard bearer for a fringe element in our society that decries basic freedoms. His vile health bill would violate the basic human rights of millions of our fellow citizens by denying them medical treatment. His policies on the environment violate the basic human right to breath and drink water without becoming ill.
Senator McCain has been SAYING many things in recent months, but still votes lock step with the corrupted Russophile leadership of his party for an agenda that is not just an affront to human rights, but debases every aspect of our society and culture. He could ally with Collins and Democrats and start a REAL human rights agenda right here at home.
So......
Put up or shut up.
Senator McCain has been SAYING many things in recent months, but still votes lock step with the corrupted Russophile leadership of his party for an agenda that is not just an affront to human rights, but debases every aspect of our society and culture. He could ally with Collins and Democrats and start a REAL human rights agenda right here at home.
So......
Put up or shut up.
2
The US has a long history of financially and militarily supporting regimes who blatantly practice human rights abuse. We saw this in South America. We saw this in Central America. We saw this in Sadam's Iraq. We see this in Egypt. We see this in Israel. We see this in Saudi Arabia.
Words are not enough Mr. McCain.
Words are not enough Mr. McCain.
5
Great words ... but preaching to the converted at NYT. How many Republicans and Trumpistas has McCain converted to the faith of a values and ideology based foreign policy with this sermon of hope? Isn't he seen more and more as the exception that makes the rule, the one that other GOP leaders can point to and claim with bald faced hypocrisy that their government still holds to the values of equality, liberty and human rights for all, because well, John is still talking about it. Change your party, Senator McCain, and then your great words may have more resonance and not sound so hollw.
2
The only republican I ever almost voted for....
Senator McCain is right - and was right (on Syria) since day one.
While I applaud the message of this writing, I can't help but question, did Senator McCain write this himself?
This written word does not mimic what we see or hear in our daily lives from this statesman. I challenge you Senator to bring these words to life, in deed.
This written word does not mimic what we see or hear in our daily lives from this statesman. I challenge you Senator to bring these words to life, in deed.
Senator McCain is an honourable and brave man. There is no doubt about that. But when he says that it is Secretary Tillerson who sends the message to oppressed peoples that the US is a false hope, two words come to mind that make his statement ring hollow: Saudi Arabia. As long as successive US Governments make nice with a psychopathic group of kleptocrats in that country, these words of his will merely remain words.
Then, Senator McCain, quit voting along party lines for the most anti-human rights pretender there has ever been. Your vote reflects what YOU will tolerate, and right now, you tolerate and enable Donald J. Trump. Until you prove that you will stand up to him, your words are meaningless.
Your words, however eloquent, ring hollow without actions to support them. The Liberty Bell has no clapper. It is only an empty symbol. You have voted with a tyrant, expect tyranny. Voted for an oligarch, expect oligarchy. Voted for one who insulted you, expect insult. Voted for divisive rhetoric, expect division. Voted for a man of no experience, expect ignorance. Voted for a blatant liar, expect mendacity. How could you be surprised at the outcome? Spare us the pose of noble disagreement when no disagreement has been manifest. The "failed" NY Times has a new voice of "fake news," and it is you.
3
Dear Senator McCain,
There is a fundamental value upon which all others are built. Specifically, a deep and abiding commitment to speaking the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Do you, sir, still believe that the political party to which you remain affiliated has that commitment? Or, perhaps, has the leader of your party clearly demonstrated that, in his words, he "... stands by nothing"?
There is a fundamental value upon which all others are built. Specifically, a deep and abiding commitment to speaking the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Do you, sir, still believe that the political party to which you remain affiliated has that commitment? Or, perhaps, has the leader of your party clearly demonstrated that, in his words, he "... stands by nothing"?
1
While I respect your human experiences Senator McCain, the sincerity of your statement, which is excellent, would be more believable to be your true intent were you to stop propping up the party stooges, leave the GOP, and register as an independent. For what it is worth, you sound very much like Bernie Sanders.
Confused about good, just ask any Native American. US policy fluctuates between good and evil with evil winning out every time, along with the profits.
While Senator McCain claims to be a realist who emphasizes the importance of values, he voted in favor of all this administration's appointments, including Tillerson, except Mulvaney for O.M.B. (He wasn't there for the vote on Pruitt for EPA.) We need to pay attention to whether or not he continues to vote the party line for the rest of his term. Or is he a liar and hypocrite like the rest of his GOP pals?
(https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/01/31/us/politics/trump-cabinet...
(https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/01/31/us/politics/trump-cabinet...
2
Senator McCain, please convert these beautiful words into action; summon the courage you had to get through your Viet Nam experience and fight this silly president. He cares nothing about America or its people -- only self-interest and applause wherever he can find it.
1
Senator McCain, as one of your constituents:
Deeds, not words.
Deeds, not words.
3
Human Rights begin at home, John McCain, as you well know and which you learned the hard way. Human Rights include the health care of the ill, the old, the children, to say the least - a sensible approach mostly over-looked by Republicans, and especially the current group in our Congress. You should be standing up and shouting and doing everything you can to defeat this health care abomination. Stand Up and Be Counted, John McCain......as a retired military officer i once considered you a hero.....but that is now gone. You are simply a Republican politician who cares not about the People!
1
You're preaching to the converted, Senator McCain. Why don't you start talking to your constituency? I think your allies in the Republican Party, and the president you supported need this lecture more than readers of the NY Times.
1
Coy but benevolent sounding musings from a feckless senior trying to keep his maverick bonafides afloat though when the curtains open he votes and plays lockstep with Trump's marching band.
1
Senator McCain - step up and get this horror of an administration out, brow beat every Republican you encounter - and send this OpEd piece to Trump in the form of an "Executive Order". Maybe this will be one he will read.
1
Senator. You have gotten beyond politics yourself. No more elections to dance your way through. As a iconic national figure when are you going to denounce the president?
2
Senator McCain, your party has become very cruel. It is time for you to switch to the party that still has some conscience, and still shares your sentiments.
1
How cute for McCain to forget the most current batch of POWs seeking someone to defend their right to freedom and humane treatment: the inmates of Guantanamo. His blind spots all so conveniently obscure his support for the perpetration of the grossest of abuses of human rights when they serve HIS policy interest, i.e. illegal and immoral and interminable warfare.
2
and yet,you supported Trump, despite the odious things he said about you, an attack not only personal and vindictive, but an insult to everyone and anyone who steps forward to protect other Americans.
you're the enigma of the Senate.
you're the enigma of the Senate.
1
Dear Senator McCain
Your words and past deeds are inspiring. But had you not unleashed Sarah Palin, we might not be dealing with her malignant clone, Donald Trump. You may be the last angry man in the GOP., and if YOU really believe what you say, then act on it! Speak out now against every soul-destroying attempt by this treasonous administration to take a wrecking ball to our country. Start with health care!
Your words and past deeds are inspiring. But had you not unleashed Sarah Palin, we might not be dealing with her malignant clone, Donald Trump. You may be the last angry man in the GOP., and if YOU really believe what you say, then act on it! Speak out now against every soul-destroying attempt by this treasonous administration to take a wrecking ball to our country. Start with health care!
Maybe my memory is faulty, but I recall that after 9/11, when Bush wanted to make torture legal and SOP, Sen McCain spoke out on how Torture is wrong (1)
however, when crucial votes came, Sen McCain wimped out, and did not try and hold bush accountable
1) not to mention, if we torture, what happens to american POWs ?
also, one of those who stayed silent under bush was J Brennan, who was later nominated by Obama to be DCIA
IF a republican had nominated a senior bush official who had , at a minimum, stayed silent about torture, liberals would have been furious and indignant
instead, so called liberal senators like E Warren voted to confirm Brennan
however, when crucial votes came, Sen McCain wimped out, and did not try and hold bush accountable
1) not to mention, if we torture, what happens to american POWs ?
also, one of those who stayed silent under bush was J Brennan, who was later nominated by Obama to be DCIA
IF a republican had nominated a senior bush official who had , at a minimum, stayed silent about torture, liberals would have been furious and indignant
instead, so called liberal senators like E Warren voted to confirm Brennan
Until Mr. McCain puts his words into action by using his considerable power, this will continue to sound like nothing more than blah, blah, blah.
1
And how is Mr. Sharansky acting in Israel now? Not very convincing concerning human rights.
Two words are missing from this timely op-ed: 'President Trump'. Tillerson did not come up with the new transactional polici on his own.
1
Well said Senator, thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Senator.
McCain. Still divided in his mind. Please do right finally and join the Democratic Party. How better to spend your last years than having licked your military addiction to the other one?! Try being a hero once more!
As a former bomber pilot himself, dropping American ordinance on an agrarian peasant society for the sin of defying American will, and a relentless advocate for war and military interventions in his maturer years, including the invasion of Iraq, Mr. McCain has done far more than "see the world as it really is".
For the millions of civilians directly affected by the policies he's supported and demanded, he's promoted boundless misery.
What a luxury it is, to write high-minded op-eds from Washington.
For the millions of civilians directly affected by the policies he's supported and demanded, he's promoted boundless misery.
What a luxury it is, to write high-minded op-eds from Washington.
Mr. McCain you speak of ransoming honor. This is what you did when you supported the completely dishonorable Donald Trump who mocked you for your honorable service.
Your words which sound nice lost all credibility as you became Trump's flunky and a Republican Party hack.
Your words which sound nice lost all credibility as you became Trump's flunky and a Republican Party hack.
1
Dear Senator McCain, I respect and honor your service to our country, but your continued allegiance to the current GOP calls into question the nobler sentiments you express here. The GOP proposes to:
1. Enact tax cuts which will stretch the deficit as far as the eye can see while further enriching the wealthiest among us, the president included. I thought you were a fiscal conservative.
2. Take health care away from hundreds of thousands over the next decade while also reducing the benefits of an estimated 7 million veterans. I thought you supported all Americans, especially veterans like yourself.
3. Enforce an order purporting to enhance "religious freedom" which actually opens the door to untold millions in secret campaign donations. I thought you were the campaign finance reform guy.
With each passing day the honor and patriotism you claim is called into question by your failure to condemn the current GOP and its policies. Putting party before country is neither patriotic nor honorable, sir.
1. Enact tax cuts which will stretch the deficit as far as the eye can see while further enriching the wealthiest among us, the president included. I thought you were a fiscal conservative.
2. Take health care away from hundreds of thousands over the next decade while also reducing the benefits of an estimated 7 million veterans. I thought you supported all Americans, especially veterans like yourself.
3. Enforce an order purporting to enhance "religious freedom" which actually opens the door to untold millions in secret campaign donations. I thought you were the campaign finance reform guy.
With each passing day the honor and patriotism you claim is called into question by your failure to condemn the current GOP and its policies. Putting party before country is neither patriotic nor honorable, sir.
2
Specifics please, Senator.
Very pretty words. How will you act, Senator McCain?
1
Beginning the essay with reference to Natan Sharansky is rich. The most high profile refusenik of the mid-1980s, Sharansky was released to world-wide acclaim and touted as a symbol of human rights. Then he went to Israel and actively endorsed the continued oppression of Palestinians in what is arguably the world's longest and bitterest human rights debacle.
Sharansky has done more than any other individual on the planet to delegitimize human rights by transforming them into a lever for tribal power grabs.
Considering "Uwe"'s comments elsewhere in these responses, Trump's slavish adoration of power is simply the logical conclusion of, and comeuppance for, a history of the cynical and self-interested use of moral discourses such as human rights, civil rights and all that City on the Hill claptrap.
Sharansky has done more than any other individual on the planet to delegitimize human rights by transforming them into a lever for tribal power grabs.
Considering "Uwe"'s comments elsewhere in these responses, Trump's slavish adoration of power is simply the logical conclusion of, and comeuppance for, a history of the cynical and self-interested use of moral discourses such as human rights, civil rights and all that City on the Hill claptrap.
Mr. McCain,
Your party does not care one wit for human rights. Your leader applauds dictators and strongmen around the globe, while vilifying democratic leaders that have been our friends for a century or more. You turn away the most hopeless refugees because they are the wrong religion.
Your party does not care one wit for human rights. Your leader applauds dictators and strongmen around the globe, while vilifying democratic leaders that have been our friends for a century or more. You turn away the most hopeless refugees because they are the wrong religion.
2
"America didn’t invent human rights."
Except we kinda did. At least liberal humanism did. And America loves to tout human rights in order to justify whatever global skullduggery it is engaged in, be it supporting brutal dictators suppressing their own citizen's rights, or subverting democracy by actively undermining those who would practice it.
"Those rights are common to all people: nations, cultures and religions cannot choose to simply opt out of them."
Except they can and they do. What Mr. McCain is alleging is simply not reflected in the real world. He pretends his washed-in-the-blood-of-the-lamb 'murrican values permeate the globe. They don't, and anyone who knows anything about current events and/or history knows how hollow ring these words.
Mr. McCain is not a realist in any sense of the word. He is an idealogue spouting ideology for all the sheep who have never examined the sham pretext "human rights."
Except we kinda did. At least liberal humanism did. And America loves to tout human rights in order to justify whatever global skullduggery it is engaged in, be it supporting brutal dictators suppressing their own citizen's rights, or subverting democracy by actively undermining those who would practice it.
"Those rights are common to all people: nations, cultures and religions cannot choose to simply opt out of them."
Except they can and they do. What Mr. McCain is alleging is simply not reflected in the real world. He pretends his washed-in-the-blood-of-the-lamb 'murrican values permeate the globe. They don't, and anyone who knows anything about current events and/or history knows how hollow ring these words.
Mr. McCain is not a realist in any sense of the word. He is an idealogue spouting ideology for all the sheep who have never examined the sham pretext "human rights."
Without values we are nothing.
You still have some good values although you lost me when you said whatever you thought necessary to win the Republican primaries and took on Sarah Palin.
Senator McCain, if you want the U.S. to defend human rights -- as I certainly do -- then why do you praise Henry Kissinger as "one of our greatest thinkers and diplomats of all time" ((May 27, 2016)? Kissinger was responsible for aligning the U.S. with military dictatorships in Chile and Argentina that murdered and tortured their own citizens.
1
I believe your party's president just defunded the Global maternal health organization. He's going after women's rights like a rabid dog. He's YOUR party's president, so make it a point to FIGHT against his animosity for human rights.
Senator, your POW status was a direct result of the U.S.' 'fight against the global communist threat'. Your treatment was humane compared to that of the napalmed women, children and elderly in the rice fields of Vietnam. As an instrument of that unjust undeclared war, you have little moral standing.
Now Senator McCain refind your rogue. Apply human rights to the people of your own country. Your party wants to strip healthcare from the least of us and burden the middle and working class with useless insurance. All to make the rich richer. A plan that will cause slow deaths and financial ruin for many. A subtle form of inhumane treatment. Stand up and fight.
What realists forget is that the means are the ends.
If you use violence, lying, bullying, and theft to advance your goals you will end up in a world full of violence, lying, bullying and theft, and worse you will become a violent, lying, bullying, thief.
Some people aspire to that, such as our president. But the rest of us don't have to believe their lies.
If you want a world that operates on peace, honesty, fairness, and justice, you have to be peaceful, honest, fair, and just, to the best off your ability.
I believe in defending myself and my country, but that does not include exporting military force beyond our borders, or using force to silence dissent, or lot the working class at home. No one is perfect, and every situation is different, but if you are lying to yourself too much, the rest of the world sees you as an orange buffoon and you lose all respect.
Think about what kind of world you really want to live in, and why, then mold your actions to match that world.
If you use violence, lying, bullying, and theft to advance your goals you will end up in a world full of violence, lying, bullying and theft, and worse you will become a violent, lying, bullying, thief.
Some people aspire to that, such as our president. But the rest of us don't have to believe their lies.
If you want a world that operates on peace, honesty, fairness, and justice, you have to be peaceful, honest, fair, and just, to the best off your ability.
I believe in defending myself and my country, but that does not include exporting military force beyond our borders, or using force to silence dissent, or lot the working class at home. No one is perfect, and every situation is different, but if you are lying to yourself too much, the rest of the world sees you as an orange buffoon and you lose all respect.
Think about what kind of world you really want to live in, and why, then mold your actions to match that world.
I do not want to rehash the very way the US came to extend itself from sea to shining sea, and the genocide that accompanied this process. Nor do I want to query the oddness of those stirring words "liberty is the inalienable right of mankind" having been written by a slaveholder.
I should like to point out though that the very reason Lt.Com. John McCain III found himself languishing in a North-Vietnamese prison is that the US decided in 1944 to support the only effective resistance movement against the Japanese, the Vietminh under Ho Chi Mihn.
That they did so with the clear understanding that they would continue their support and back the Vietnamese desire for independence, after the Allied victory.
That they chose to do otherwise in 1945 and assist the French in regaining control over their colonies.
That, after the final victory of the, by now Communist, resistance, they chose to support the South and its right-wing government and no to hold the plebiscite that was an integral part of the Geneva Accords in 1954.
That throughout the second half of the 50's and the 60's the US supported RVN governments that excelled in exploiting their people.
That, in conclusion, several million people, of whom more than 57,000 US service personnel, left their lives in Indochina (+ >1,600 US MIA).
I note that John S. McCain III, now a distinguished Senator, doesn't find a contradiction between this behavior and the ideals he purports set aside the USA from the rest of the world.
Odd.
I should like to point out though that the very reason Lt.Com. John McCain III found himself languishing in a North-Vietnamese prison is that the US decided in 1944 to support the only effective resistance movement against the Japanese, the Vietminh under Ho Chi Mihn.
That they did so with the clear understanding that they would continue their support and back the Vietnamese desire for independence, after the Allied victory.
That they chose to do otherwise in 1945 and assist the French in regaining control over their colonies.
That, after the final victory of the, by now Communist, resistance, they chose to support the South and its right-wing government and no to hold the plebiscite that was an integral part of the Geneva Accords in 1954.
That throughout the second half of the 50's and the 60's the US supported RVN governments that excelled in exploiting their people.
That, in conclusion, several million people, of whom more than 57,000 US service personnel, left their lives in Indochina (+ >1,600 US MIA).
I note that John S. McCain III, now a distinguished Senator, doesn't find a contradiction between this behavior and the ideals he purports set aside the USA from the rest of the world.
Odd.
1
Thank you Senator!
1
It was pleasure to read the op-ed by Sen McCain. I was surprised to see no comments. Recognition and the protection of human rights defines the world’s greatest and most admired societies. Societies that deny their citizens basic human rights are the ones that commit the worst atrocities. NBC's 60 Minutes last night featured Ben Ferencz, the Nuremberg prosecutor who brought to trial 22 Einsatzgruppen commanders responsible for murdering countless civilians in the wake the German army’s advance. Like Sen McCain he recognized that people were being deprived of their basic right of being alive. Somewhere in the world denial of the ultimate right, by genocide and democide is "Going on right this minute" Ben Ferencz said. Denial of rights starts with small steps and gains momentum, and acceptance, as the populist movement grows and dictates the national sentiment. The evolution of this process is recorded in Daniel Goldhagen’s book "Hitler’s Willing Executioners". Small but significant steps that lead to this are, dismantling government to concentrate power, dictating what may be said or written and finally locking up dissenters.
We lived in South Africa during the Apartheid era and witnessed gross violations of human rights. Protestors were jailed under the 180-day detention law, with no recourse to legal defense. We emigrated to the US because it is a society that recognizes the value of individuals and their rights. We hope that we will not lose this.
We lived in South Africa during the Apartheid era and witnessed gross violations of human rights. Protestors were jailed under the 180-day detention law, with no recourse to legal defense. We emigrated to the US because it is a society that recognizes the value of individuals and their rights. We hope that we will not lose this.
Dear Sen McCain, after very careful reading of your column, the word that came immediately to mind, loudly and clearly, was: hypocrite.
1
As an unending disappointment to me a former supporter and contributor.
Mr Mc Cain do your job and stop putting your finger in the wind.
What an enormous sellout you have been. I don't believe you at all anymore.
SAD!
Mr Mc Cain do your job and stop putting your finger in the wind.
What an enormous sellout you have been. I don't believe you at all anymore.
SAD!
1
Alas, the trump administration, filled with rich, unprincipled men, see the world from the top floor of the Trump Tower. This is a world to be taken advantage of whenever possible, to strike deals with undemocratic countries to the detriment of its people, to rape the land, to reap the benefits, as if they don't already possess more than they possibly require to "live the live style" of their dreams. May their fondest dreams become their worst nightmares.
Unfortunately, actions speak louder than words and, in Senator McCain's actions, a LOT louder.
I live in northern AZ and I can hear the Mexicans south of the border laughing from here after they read this pious nonsense. Want to show your conscience, Senator? Your moral concerns? You can start less than 10 feet from your home state.
I live in northern AZ and I can hear the Mexicans south of the border laughing from here after they read this pious nonsense. Want to show your conscience, Senator? Your moral concerns? You can start less than 10 feet from your home state.
Human rights, Sir?
I lost all respect for you, Mr. McCain, during your last run for the presidency, when you casually remade a 60's surfer tune, singing, 'Bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran!' to a vitriolic, cheering audience on the campaign trail. It's absolutely disgusting to joke about war, and I would figure an ex-pilot and POW would know better. Your party has no platform, no logic and no morals. You and your colleagues are a bunch of retrograde thugs, terrifying the world with your militaristic savagery, economic giveaways to the 'one percent' and appeasement of radical Christian fundamentalists. Your hubris will ensure that America backslides into the bottom tier of OECD countries in terms of economic competitiveness, social cohesion and environmental quality. Worse yet, all the trends for full-on civil conflict are falling into place, and your party seems oblivious!
I lost all respect for you, Mr. McCain, during your last run for the presidency, when you casually remade a 60's surfer tune, singing, 'Bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran!' to a vitriolic, cheering audience on the campaign trail. It's absolutely disgusting to joke about war, and I would figure an ex-pilot and POW would know better. Your party has no platform, no logic and no morals. You and your colleagues are a bunch of retrograde thugs, terrifying the world with your militaristic savagery, economic giveaways to the 'one percent' and appeasement of radical Christian fundamentalists. Your hubris will ensure that America backslides into the bottom tier of OECD countries in terms of economic competitiveness, social cohesion and environmental quality. Worse yet, all the trends for full-on civil conflict are falling into place, and your party seems oblivious!
1
John McCain, a true war hero, doesn't have what it takes to take on Trump. Sad.
2
Well said... so can you please explain why you keep trying to strip Americans of access to healthcare?
2
What's really sad about this column is the fact this even needs to be said.
It's hard to believe anything Senator McCains says. After his loss to President Obama he took the low road and now is all talk and no action. You are just another Donald Trump enabler.
Thank you for taking a stand...we are nothing without sustaining our value of human rights!!!