Remembering John McCain
“Despite our differences, much more unites us than divides us.” Senator McCain
I just finished reading John McCain’s last book, “The Restless Wave.” I believe anyone interested in American politics should read this book. I have always been an independent voter, so I have a difficult time comprehending why being a Republican or a Democrat today has become the guiding principle for so many people in our divided country. It appears, party affiliation influences thought and action more so than religious principles. After reading, “The Restless Wave,” I believe John McCain was driven by his principles and placed them above his party. He fought and dedicated his life to his principles. He did not always vote the party line; he would not support policies that did not comport with his morals.
While I do not agree with John McCain on all his opinions, I do have great respect for him. I believe he was a statesman and a patriot. We have many politicians today, but not many statesmen. I define a politician as someone who is in politics and mind set is a zero-sum game. While a statesman is someone skilled in politics and looks for a “win-win solution. A statesman finds resolutions to problems based on the common ground of love of country, mutual respects for all constituents, and a desire for a better future. John McCain had an unwavering commitment to collaboration and working across the aisle for the good of the nation. He understood that you need to seek bipartisanship to tackle the large problems. “But we’re at a place in our political history when passing legislation through the House with bipartisan support is considered by some folks a greater evil than the problem it’s intended to solve,’ as John McCain stated in “The Restless Wave.”
“The Restless Wave,” gave us insight on how John McCain lived his principles inspiring us to live our principles; principles are more important than any political party demands. There is nothing that divides a country more than politics, especially when we see the other party as a threat to the nation’s well-being. Are you contributing to making the divide larger? Are you able to understand different perspectives or do you dismiss someone because they have a different viewpoint? Do you jump to a place of fear, saying someone, not like you, will ruin our country? I was reading a post by a lady that was put in a personal predicament, not at all political in nature. The comments were complimentary on how well she handled the situation and others gave her further advice. Unfortunately, there was one comment, blaming everything on a political party obviously different from the reviewer, though he said it with colorful language. Is this really what we have become? When something goes wrong, it is automatically thought to be the fault of the other party, either the Democrats or the Republicans? By blaming what we fear on the other party, we stop seeing others as individuals, as humans. It has also become an excuse for not taking responsibility.
We will never agree on everything; but we need ensure what we do believe is based on sound principles and respect for each other enough to have the discourse. According to Wikipedia, “McCain was one of five Republicans most likely to vote in line with President Obama’s position on legislation.” Principles were more important to him than the party position. Senator McCain related the story of how President Obama summoned him to his presidential office for the sake of understanding his perspective on an issue he vehemently opposed. John McCain stated after the discourse neither of them changed their perspective, but the discourse allowed them to understand the opposing view. When we respect each other, we seek to understand their position which aids in moving toward a common good. “Acknowledging shared values can see us through our challenges today if we have the wisdom to trust in them again.” John McCain
My favorite quote from the “Restless Wave:” “It is your character, and your character alone, that will make your life happy or unhappy.”
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