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Veterans Groups Question McCain Voting Record

Started by washingtonindependent · 9 months ago

Sen. John McCain's military service is central to his campaign, despite a record in Congress that raises doubts about his support of veterans. ... Continue reading »

40 comments

  • Pensacola

    9 months ago

    Now that we've got a candidate who actually gives a sh**, where are the Veterans? Time to rise up and show some REAL support for the men and women left behind.
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  • daveincolorado

    9 months ago

    I sure don't understand why any veteran would support mccain - he certainly is not supporting us!! Wake up, America!
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  • fderk

    9 months ago

    I recommend people go to this site to see how first mccain lie to a fellow veteran at a townhall who criticizes mccain's record, and then this site list McCain's horrible accomplishments
    http://sensico.wordpress.com/2008/07/10/mccain-...
    reply
  • gcw

    9 months ago

    Psychologists I know suggest that Sen. McCain is showing signs of untreated PTSD. His uncontrolled rage and frequent repetitions of his POW experience are two symtoms of PTSD.

    Personally, I know Vietnam Vets who still suffer from PTSD and are not very good in high stress situations, often getting angry and just reactng, rather than being capable in the face of distress.

    What do you think about the idea that Sen McCain suffers from untreated PTSD?
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  • rcwblessed

    9 months ago

    My sister is a psychiatrist and recently said the same thing. She feels strongly that McCain shows signs of untreated PTSD and early signs of dementia (possibly Alzheimer's). My brother is a Viet Nam vet, clearly with PTSD, who would never consider getting treatment for it. He is very intelligent, otherwise, but has an extremely explosive temper. He was only in Nam for a year and didn't have the added POW experience like McCain.

    I really don't feel that McCain is fit to serve as president. These are valid reasons for DEMANDING full disclosure of his medical records!
    reply
  • palintology

    9 months ago

    McCain and the POW Cover-up ...
    The "war hero" candidate buried information about POWs left behind in Vietnam

    http://www.nationinstitute.org/p/schanberg09182...
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  • USMCVet

    9 months ago

    Do your research people on the issues important to you and your family. Check each candidates voting records on the issues you feel are important to you.
    Republican/Veteran for Obama/Biden
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  • barbara miller

    9 months ago

    THIS is the article I've been waiting for. No one can call McCain out on his voting record like the Veterans groups themselves. Of course the Obama campaign has all of this information, but perhaps they trusted the best of the best to bring the information forth. And, so once again, I'm very proud of you and shall always be!
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  • Galen M. Ozawa

    9 months ago

    For McCain's views on vetrans and POW's one should read this: http://www.nationinstitute.org/p/schanberg09182...
    reply
  • john-two tours

    9 months ago

    I'm a vet. EARLY 70's.

    i can't stand this guy (Mc Cain) and in no way do i trust him.

    He's been an Admiral's kid all along, and hasn't had a paycheck that wasn't cut by the govt. in his whole life, and he's 72! that's hard to do-go your whole life on the govt dime!

    i just don't trust him. he says one thing... does another.
    reply
  • Monarchland

    9 months ago

    I am a vet who just graduated last May thanks to the GI Bill. It just burns me up to know that McCain would not even have the nerve to vote for the 21st Century GI Bill. The only thing left to honor is his service.
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  • Jules

    9 months ago

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  • paul94611

    9 months ago

    I am a 100% disabled veteran, war veteran and Ranger course graduate and there is no way I would ever cast my ballot for john McCain. He is a talker not a doer. Someone that demands respect rather than commands it. Someone that creates a personal dynamic rather than being dynamic. John McCain's so called commitment to the disabled veterans of America is pure artifice. i have borne witness to the care provided by the VA under republican governance and as a retiree from the US justice Department's Bureau of Prisons I can attest that convicted felons in federal prison receive a higher standard of care than our disabled veteran population does. That is a little straight talk on republican's promises of caring for our veterans for you.
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  • rich

    9 months ago

    McCain is not pro-vet, he is only pro-McCain.
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  • rcwblessed

    9 months ago

    I also don't understand why any veteran would vote for McCain. That said, how do we reach veterans like the one in this video, who clearly do no know of McCains voting record on issues affecting them? Is there a veteran's organization that can get the truth about McCain to these vets, before election day?

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8
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  • E Z Rider

    9 months ago

    I know that mccain was shot down in nam and spent time as a pow.
    Fact is, he wasn't the only one that spent time as a pow.
    He wasn't the only one that was shot down.
    He was really fortunate.
    a lot of guys did not return from nam, except in body bags.
    A lot of guys have never been found, MIA's

    So, what makes mccain special Nothing I see.
    He is no more special than anyone else that went to nam.
    He is different than most that returned tho, he uses his experience for political and personal gain. The rest of us don't.
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  • Paul Theis

    9 months ago

    Maybe Wes Clark and Anthony Zinni and other military leaders who support Sen. Obama can be sent out onto the hustings in an effort to cut into McCain's lead in the polls among rank-and-file veterans who apparently still buy his tough talk, even though McCain continues to say contradictory things, each time with the very same tone and with the very same conviction.
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  • pops

    9 months ago

    john mccain took care of himself with a 60.000 disability, he come home with his arms and legs but he always votes against or to lower payments for our brothers and sisters comeing home from iraq missing there arms and legs missing .I have little support for mccain most vets do not want to talk about the hoores of war, but mcshame does it makes me wonder about all the stories he tells.
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  • Leonard

    9 months ago

    Continually repeats stories and/or asks the same questions over and over -- Makes up stories to fill gaps -- Behavioral symptoms common, mood changes, irritability or emotional agitation -- Deficits in intellect and reasoning -- Signs of memory loss and language difficulties -- Physical coordination problems and physical confusion, changes in gait.
    Watch the man carefully. These are all, very often, symptomatic of senile dementia and his appearance and behavior over the past few months have been very telling. Those who arranged his questionable nomination in the primaries have known of his condition and they're also the same folks who arranged Sarah Palin's selection as his vice. John McCain had nothing to do with her choice.
    Regardless of what you think of this man's past, you really need to examine his present behavior. He reminds me all too much of Reagan during his second term, and with the choice of Sarah Palin as his backup, I do fear very much for our country.
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  • Rebecca

    8 months ago

    According to the DSM-VI, MCCain DOES show all classic signs and symptoms of PTSD, dementia, depression and a few other cognitive disfunctions. Meds and LOTS of counseling are in order, not the presidency. As a peace-time vet, I find that getting into the VA a nightmare, and I have seen how the VA is now treating VietNam era vets (like 2nd and 3rd class citizens)... I think that maybe it's time for Mr. McCain to avail himself of the system that he's helped to create. But then, I also think that ALL members of Congress and the Senate should spend a year living on Welfare and ONLY Welfare...
    reply
  • trippin

    9 months ago

    Forgive my language, but I'm needing to quote what I hear at VFWs and Legion posts across southwestern Pennsylvania.

    The consensus here is "I'm not voting for that n!gger."

    So at least in this swing state, expect ignorant racism to prevail and usher in four more years of abject neglect to our brave veterans.
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  • Bree

    9 months ago

    I can't believe that people still hold on to these beliefs, let alone say them out loud. How disgusting. For what it's worth, I'm a 30 year old white woman, PROUDLY voting for Obama.
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  • larry

    9 months ago

    "Nigger"!! That disparaging word shows the racism you possess goes back to at least sixty years. How can someone live so long with so much hate. You soul must be tormented.
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  • t-bone

    9 months ago

    Lighten up larry and read trippin's post again, slowly. Did that clear it up for you?
    reply
  • bacalove

    9 months ago

    McCain Says One Thing and THEN Votes The Opposite! When you hear McCain talk, think -- Wizard of Oz.

    http://www.salon.com/env/feature/2008/09/20/joh...
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  • clover2

    9 months ago

    I hope every veteran who has written a response to this article has also taken the time to write a letter to their local newspaper. Please speak up. For somehow who likes to claim he'd make a better commander-in-chief, the choice of Sarah Palin is as alarming as it is irresponsible.
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  • Jack Stone

    9 months ago

    JUST TEN of the 100s of REASONS
    NOT TO SUPPORT MCCAIN

    (1) McCain gave military secrets to the Viet Cong. Which he admitted to in his own book.

    (2) McCain made radio announcements for the Viet Cong telling American sailors and soldiers not to fight and to give up.

    (3) McCain cheated on his wife with more than one woman and admitted it.

    (4) McCain left his wife when she was sickly and needed him most.

    (5)McCain repeatedly mistreated the POW-MIAs’ wives and families and activists on many occasions.

    (6) McCain did all he could to normalize US-VIET NAM Relations in opposition to most US veterans groups.

    (7) McCain signed that death warrant for any and all living US POW-MIAs in VIET NAM by normalizing relations.

    (8) McCain was heavily involved in the Keating 5.

    (9) McCain did nothing about Clinton’s Treason of selling NUKES to the Chinese for ten million in illegal Communist Chinese Campaign money... Even though he was in the unique position to do something about it as the Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee.

    (10) McCain’s so-called “Campaign Finance Reform” Bill is totally unconstitutional and would stop free speech..... even religious speech!
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  • Bill Anderson

    9 months ago

    Like McCain I have a 100% disability for PTSD and it's clear to me this guy needs to be put out to pasture NOW.
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  • grada3784

    9 months ago

    So McCain is going to veto all all the earmark legislation? Does that include the farm bills and all the BibleBelt state welfare queen bills. What about corporate welfare programs, like the one giving tax breaks to the oil industry?

    If so, be prepared for a lot of Republican whining. More likely, just another lie.
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  • Army_vet_in_Germany

    9 months ago

    I would advise undecided vets to go check out the website of VoteVets -- or go to www.youtube.com and search for VoteVets. These guys are smart, they are paying close attention to politics, and they are the voice of veterans today. They're a great organization and have done a lot of good work.

    Any vet who supports John McCain or the Republicans is simply not paying attention - vets voting Republican are voting against their own interests!
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  • nativegirl

    9 months ago

    He's lying , John McCain has been so cruel and intolerant to help with the missing MIA's and POW's. I't's clear, John McCain wants only one hero in his life....'himself' I don't know why he has done that and then mentions the soldiers in Iraq as brave. ....but benefits forget about. I dislike this man so much. He is a complete and utter liar and gutter rat. It's too bad he was one that came home, he doesn't deserve anyone's respect.
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  • DS

    9 months ago

    A quick check of their records will clear that up. These are just old senile white guys who think since he was in the military he gives a sh!t.

    If his military voting record doesnt come up in the debates and if Obama doesnt attack him on it I'm gonna be p!ssed.
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  • t-bone

    9 months ago

    “Sen. McCain repeatedly uses the phrase ‘wounds of war,’” Sullivan said, noting that 20 percent of the women deployed overseas report being sexually assaulted or harassed. “Would John McCain argue that a service member who was raped should not receive VA care?”

    Probably, but he would DEFINITELY follow that up with a tasteless joke about a woman who was repeatedly raped and beaten by a gorilla asking, "where is that magnificent ape?"
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  • a veterans for vets

    9 months ago

    wake up you vets,if you think he is on your side.his records on veterans issues is by far the worst .he is what i call a ceo vet,that is a vet ,that while still in the military follows the motto that you never leave on the battle field but forgets to carry that motto into civilian life.
    reply
  • Truth

    9 months ago

    Dear Washington Independent. Why don't you write about how John McCain, the self-named war hero, left behind about 600 of his fellow soldiers in Vietnam? I understand that people break under torture and so he accepted to leave beforehand, and this is ok. I understand he is ashamed of that, but there is no need. Only, now comes the big question: what was he doing AFTER he came back to America? Did he give all his energy and might to fight for his brothers to come back? No! And for this there is no excuse at all. No excuse. Because he did EVERYTHING to BURY EVIDENCE THAT SOME WERE LEFT BEHIND, in spite of thousands of clear signs. See http://www.nationinstitute.org/p/schanberg09182...
    And if anyone, for example the family members of missed ones questioned him directly about this he just got an anger fit and AVOIDED TO REPLY.
    How come? Where is the care for his fellow soldiers in such moments? What is going on here?
    And do you know what: This should be the main subject in all the media right now! America threatens to choose 2 criminals for President and Vice President. One beginner and one long-timer. Media: wake up! People: wake up and make the media comment on what REALLY matters.
    Check also www.vietnamveteransagainstjohnmccain.org
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  • Charlotte

    9 months ago

    Oh, there's more--interestingly, most of the media seems totally uninterested. Read it and weep (literally and figuratively), McCain-ites...He's sold everyone else; he'll be happy to sell you right down the river too.

    http://www.thenation.com/doc/20081006/schanberg
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  • Ann

    9 months ago

    John McCain dumped his first wife, who was severely injured in an auto accident while McCain was a POW, and pursued an affair with current wife Cindy while still married to his first wife. Moreover, he was still on active duty in the Navy while he had the adulterous affair. Adultery is a violation of Article 134, UCMJ. Any of us soldiers would have been court-martialed, but the Admiral's son got away with it. McCain is not only ant-vet but also anti-family values.
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  • James Turner

    8 months ago

    I wouldn’t vote for Senator McCain for all the tea in China. He is a fraud, flip-flopper and a liar. People talk about him being a hero, my definition of a hero is the wife that stays home a take care of the kids, bill payer, disciplinary and holding the family together while soldiers are their job. Someone that is willing to throw him/herself on a grenade to save their comrades or will continue fight no matter what the situation is to protect their country ideals or buddies. That is my definition of a true hero. McCain cheated on his wife with more than one woman and admitted it and left his wife when she was sickly and needed him the most. To me that is lower than whale crap. He voted against veteran benefits on many occasions just to go along with the administration policies, but what is just right. McCain was heavily involved in the Keating 5. Saying you are a veteran and being a true veteran is two different things. I severed this country for 42 and 10 months and lose blood for this country and would be proud to do so again if asked, but not for someone that will through their fellow comrades to the wolves just to prove his own political agenda. Plus if he can’t organize his own campaign how can you organize the country to lead it in the right direction.
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  • kc

    8 months ago

    I know that there are a lot of people out there who just despise obama and won't vote for him because of that, i just want you to take a few minutes and read this article because your vote does count whether he is ahead in the polls or not.
    http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,...
    reply
  • James McCue

    1 month ago

    Mr. McCain, when are you to stand up, show you have backbone and begin questioning the issues and policies being thrust upon us the citizen.
    It seems you are sitting on your hands and are cowering from the resident of the White House.
    You are not the Senator we have known in the past....................................
    reply

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