Comments on: McCain: not taking proper care of veterans a national 'disgrace'

By: Dori in AZ

Dori in AZ — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 01:50:08 +0000

Sen. McCain's voting record re veterans is a personal, as well as public, disgrace. This is especially evident considering his POW status.

My family is comprised of several generations of vets, including two WW II POWs (my dad and an uncle who, like McCain, was shot down). We've had combat and non-combat members in all the regular armed forces and the National Guard. We've been stationed all over the world, having served in every war and almost every conflict since WW II. The brother with the longest career devoted over 25 years and saw his fair share of ugliness. Our youngest vet served with the USMC in Iraq and lost his best friend his first day in country. He's still serving.

I can't think of a single warrior in my family who'd choose conflict, given a real option of peace. But, our leaders don't always make good decisions for us, so we "war" where we must and have peace wherever we can find it. Unfortunately, it is impossible to survive war – wounded physically or not – without being forever changed. From many of those changes spring new – sometimes initially relatively invisible – wounds. But, real wounds just the same....

So, Sen. McCain, why have you forsaken our wounded ones? Whatever their wounds, every man and woman who has been wounded in the service of our country deserves better.

Si se puede! Obama 2008!

By: Jermaine

Jermaine — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:47:11 +0000

John Mccain has been in the Senate for 20+ years. John Mccain wants to Privatise the VA, HOW IS THAT TAKING CARE OF VETERANS?
Let us not forget it was BARACK OBAMA who blow the whistle on Walter Reed, so for 3 years he did allot, where was JOHN MCCAIN.
John Mccain in an opportunist, who hide in the HILTON Hotel drinking coffee and sakki while everyone else fight the WAR.
G. W. Bush was correct in 2000, when he said MCCAIN isn't no real HERO! I can't wait for OBAMA to resuse all the ADDS that G.W. used against MCCAIN, no need to create new ones, use the old ones that G.W. use, it was good enough in 2000, it is relevant today. If G.W. had so much to say about MCCAIN then, then obviously he still believe it today.

Mccain is not a champion of Veterans rights, he is a Johnny come later!

By: Karlie

Karlie — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:30:36 +0000

Blake you are right. As a Senator, Mc Cain didn't do anything to help veterans. His voting record doesn't lie.

And yes, Sen. Obama has been pushing to help the veterans (and our troops now serving) for a long time.

I used to think Sen. Clinton would be a good candidate, but lately, I don't know. I'm leaning toward Sen. Obama.

By: ElwynHAlexander

ElwynHAlexander — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:30:33 +0000

HELP OUR VETERANS NOW..TOMORROW MAY NEVER COME FOR MANY VETS...HISTORY IS SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS TODAY....SO.. START TODAY TO CHANGE THE FUTURE. PROVE THAT THE LEADERS OF THE USA CAN AND WILL ENSURE AID TO ALL OF OUR VETERANS, NOT JUST THE RICH AND FAMOUS.

By: mary

mary — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:16:45 +0000

McCain's son has been to Iraq unlike most politicians sons and daughters aren't in the service. If Hillary doesn't get the nomination my vote will be for McCain, a true patriot!!

By: ED

ED — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:01:13 +0000

I will bet Mccain has been triple dipping with the Veterans admin service connected disability[which he rightfully earned and deserves] But he should be honest enough to ensure other deserving vets get there due. I will bet that another Mccain will somehow find that he somehow will be eligible for the same if he earned it[he deserves it ] but with the powers to help get it sooner than most other deserving persons who do not have a connection to get to the head of the line.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:55:57 +0000

Obama SPONSORED the Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act of 2007.

Didnt McCain refuse to sign the new GI Bill?

By: ProfMike

ProfMike — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:38:32 +0000

He apparently doesn't want veterans to get a college education either. Hey! Then they have to reenlist to get decent pay and medical care. Right?

By: Trisha

Trisha — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:38:00 +0000

He is absolutely right! and why after spending his life in politics has he not done something about this problem???

By: Andrea

Andrea — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:20:45 +0000

America has been jacking around our honored veterans for decades. This is nothing new, and does not help Mr. McCain. He is too wealthy to care about anything but himself.

By: Public eye

Public eye — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:19:13 +0000

A justified war is one you would you would send your son to. Would you send your son to fight in Iraq, John? Thought not!

By: Farrell, Houston, Tx

Farrell, Houston, Tx — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:14:05 +0000

The troops serving in Iraq don't support McCain. Why would anyone want to have McCain as Commander in Chief when U.S. military don't want him.

By: Wilbur

Wilbur — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:13:44 +0000

Wilfred April 7th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

Just reverse all the democratic comments about John McCain and you will have the truth. Democrat is synonomus for liar.

Perhaps you would care to explain McCain's voting record?
Republican is synonomous for hypocrite

By: Pat Riot

Pat Riot — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:12:47 +0000

McCain talking about taking care of veterans? Pfft someone please read up on this opportunist's background. He is going to be swiftboated in the general election.

By: frank Honolulu HI

frank Honolulu HI — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:10:07 +0000

What have YOU been doing McCain? You've been in a position to take care of the Vets. What have you been doing???

By: Ken

Ken — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:08:02 +0000

Will somebody please show John McCain how to properly use both teleprompters so he can stop looking only to his left?

By: micahel

micahel — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:55:00 +0000

IF anybody believes that McCain supports Veterans then they must have a bolt loose.

By: Wayne, Greenville TX

Wayne, Greenville TX — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:54:06 +0000

Wilfred April 7th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

Just reverse all the democratic comments about John McCain and you will have the truth. Democrat is synonomus for liar.

Open your eyes, Wilfred. You've been duped by the GOP – Since 1972, The Party Of Liars.

Nixon Lied.
Ford Lied.
Reagan Lied.
Poppy Bush Lied.
Dubya Lied and 4,000 Died.

Anc McCain is following the party line – so he must be a liar, too.

By: Conservative

Conservative — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:53:31 +0000

The disgrace is lying to send our troops into an illegal war. McCain won't sign the new G.I. Bill, why?

By: jl

jl — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:53:20 +0000

AND AS A VETERAN, I THINK MCCAIN NOT SUPPORTING THE GI

BILL IS A DISGRACE AS WELL!!!!

By: Phoenix

Phoenix — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:50:06 +0000

Everything about McCain that's objected to here reflects his background as a conservative Arizonan. We have the cheapest, and I mean stingiest, legislators in America, I think. Except of course when it comes to their agenda, no problem with things like giving away public school money in the form of school vouchers and things like that. You can be sure money will not be wasted on frivolities if an Arizona Republican is in charge.

By: NickNas

NickNas — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:47:58 +0000

I JUST saw one of McSames Ads and peoplelet me tell you it is DISTURBING on MULTIPLE LEVELS. Here are just 2

1) He actually is using film form the 60s' when he got back after being a POW ( How Guilianni is THAT) If that is all he is after 40 years in Politics then HE IS NOT THE MAN!

2) AGAIN the ad was 90% Based on his being a POW. If this guy is still obsessed with that image and with his famous temper to boot. DO YOU WANT SOME GUY BLINDED BY PAYBACK with the launch codes that could end the world?? At best he has only 10 years or so left so why would he care???

By: John Kay

John Kay — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:46:59 +0000

Running for president can bring a change in ones life as evident in the life of McCain. At least, McCain has become a "born-again" republican. He is now sorry for voting against MLK holiday bill and has promised to take care of the vets as never before; though he has constantly voted against it. Running for election has made him repented; so, lets forgive and vote for him.

By: GnosticMan

GnosticMan — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:46:36 +0000

Keeping our current troops in a nonsense war is an even bigger disgrace you blind fool! BRING THE BOYS BACK HOME!!

By: merle 7

merle 7 — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:44:55 +0000

This should be a full fledged attack on McCain regarding veterans .There is voting record to prove it. McCain is a veteran himself which makes this an uttermost disgrace, and shows he can talk the tallk but can't walk the walk.

By: Ralph

Ralph — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:36:43 +0000

Wow, he really stuck his neck out by saying what everyone has already been saying for longer than this campaign. Very edgy stuff, don't you think?

By: Santiago

Santiago — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:35:47 +0000

yep this is why we all need to be voting for Barack Obama, he will make sure that we are all taken care off, im not saying that the government will solve all our problems im just saying, that we will all have universal healthcare and that the veterans will be taken care of

Obama 08-16

By: d

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:33:58 +0000

Just look at McCain's voting records concerning the Vets.........that IS DISGRACEFUL. We are to believe his words now??? I was always taught that your actions speak volumes over your words. I would also like to add that our country should also look at how they have made all these trade agreements, and the manufacturing jobs, now aerospace jobs, and whatever else jobs have been shipped out of this country. We need to elect those Politicians that WILL STAND UP FOR OUR CITIZENS AND OUR COUNTRY PERIOD!!!! None of these candidates get it!!!!

By: sdl

sdl — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:31:43 +0000

It IS the most important job of the Military and our Government.
I completely agree.

And, because of that, the person elected needs to have been VERY clear and consistent in their forceful support of the troops' needs no matter what the cost- both in the war zone and upon return.

And you, sir, have NOT.

It APPEARS you would be very happy to continue to destroy troops' lives- physically and mentally and emotionally- because it furthers your vision of what America represents and should do abroad.

Thus, you will not have my vote.

By: Me

Me — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:30:05 +0000

As an American I greatly respect and admire McCain for his service to this country and as a vet myself I can understand where he comes from at times. However, I cannot agree with his policies nor his Patton style of fight till there is no one left to fight ideas. I think it takes greater courage to admit to failures and to change the course not "stay the course". Now I am not for up and running out of Iraq because I know for a fact that such a strategy is fool hardy. I, however, do agree with the overall goals of the democratic candidates and I am not naive enough to think that they will actually get us completely out of Iraq in only a year’s time. As for veteran’s rights and bringing up Walter Reed, I am a little baffled. I would have thought that someone who prides himself with "straight talk" and military service, oh and a guy who "hates war" and torture would have been aware of what was occurring and would have done something long before the public and our brave vets had to deal with it.

By: Brian

Brian — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:28:44 +0000

Shouldn't this have been addressed in '94, oh yeah the republicans doing something for the common man...... yeah right

By: Andrew Kenneth

Andrew Kenneth — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:27:02 +0000

I am concerned that he may have early onset Alzheimers, he didn't know the difference between a Shiite and a Sunni and doesn't seem to absorb economic policy even with the aide of a teleprompter
.
I am not showing ageism but this is a legitimate concern.
Our economy is in a recession and we need an agile mind in the white house.
I hear people already calling him McAncient and McWar in the blog sphere.

By: Michael Ray Thompson

Michael Ray Thompson — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:21:02 +0000

I like John McCain. He's an American hero. I just hope he turns out to be more conservative than the press has portrayed him. He's definitly a strong American. It would be great if he turned out to be the second President Reagan.

By: Gobama

Gobama — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:18:04 +0000

Sorry to say, McCain is POLITICS AS USUAL.
He says one thing about supporting vets; and then turn around and voted against vets care.

McCain has done the same about turn on the Bush voodoo economics tax cut for those who do not need them.
Those national monies are gambled away in the financial and interest rate markets to kill off the US economy.

Now that John McCain is running for the Presidency, he's gone back on his words.

John McCain shows a flip flopping lack of integrity, an IMPORTANT quality NO GOOD leader can be without.

By: Jen

Jen — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:12:59 +0000

Vote AGAINST him!!! He's heartless!
An empty hull.

By: Women 4 Obama

Women 4 Obama — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:12:12 +0000

Well, great ... but where are you going to get the money to take care of the veterans?

More tax-cuts? Extend the war?

By: Herman LA, CA

Herman LA, CA — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:12:09 +0000

I think some Americans are walking around with a blind mask over the eyes and are really closing their eyes to the facts and that is why the United States has gone to hell. Why on earth would anyone want to give McCain a vote? Do your homework people... Military Issues – votesmart.org

By: DJ in TX

DJ in TX — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:09:50 +0000

I think enough comments here show McCain's voting record on veterans. I must say I'm shocked that a POW would vote against anything that helps our veterans. Especially with the war in Iraq. While the number of fatalities is far less than Vietnam and previous wars, the casualites are not. We have thousands of troops severely injured (but still alive) retuning home after their tours. The VA needs to be top notch as these vets will need medical care for years to come, some for the rest of their lives. As a veteran and has visited some VA facilities, I've seen 1st hand how these hospitals look. I'm glad I have private medical insurance. I would not want to be cared for by some of these facilities. Don't get me wrong, the staff are top notch, but the management of these facilities need to be looked at. Let's take care of our own and support ALL our veterans AND their families.

By: JHR Arizona

JHR Arizona — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:04:58 +0000

John, it was under your watch and the Presidents. You have never been for Veterans, because you are too busy being a War Hero.

The Men I know take care of their friends, they don't leave them . You deserted our Veterans when they needed you.

You know that 15 months in a combat zone is too long. Making these people go back two and three time you know better.

You and the President should say "your sorry "for what you did to these great and honorable soldiers bothin combat and when they come home for help and healthcare.

You are a Senator with a Military background John you should lead not follow, shame on you and the rest of Congress.

By: obamamama

obamamama — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 21:59:08 +0000

If anyone thinks that the guy that sat there with his young children while his pastor roared God Da– America will somehow be for the vets,they must be smoking something stronger than what Obama did in his teens.Hillary,McCain or no one else.

By: Wayne

Wayne — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 21:56:08 +0000

McCain is even a bigger fraud than Hillary Clinton. He is another war waiting to happen. Get him outta here for our country's sake. He has voted against veterans several times. Check his voting record people.

By: kathleen

kathleen — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 21:53:45 +0000

This is a travesty!!! This man did not stand up for these Veterans
when they needed Him the most. What a liar. This is disgusting the
way politicians lie while trying to win a vote.

Obama 2008

By: T in FL

T in FL — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 21:52:21 +0000

Wow, how about we take a look at his record:

NO on increasing VA funding by $1.5 billion by closing corporate loopholes.

NO on providing $430 million to the VA for outpatient care and treatment for veterans.

NO on a $650 million increase in veterans’ medical care funding.

NO on increasing VA funding by $1.8 billion by ending abusive tax loopholes.

NO on an amendment providing $20 billion to the VA’s medical facilities.

---

And with that, I'd like to thank CNN for doing this fantastic research on his voting record. Great work guys, really holding Sen. McCain accountable for his actions in the Senate, and not just buying everything he says into the mic at any given time.

Really, you guys are too good.

Best Political Team on TV. Yup.

By: Tim

Tim — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 21:52:06 +0000

John McCain is a disgrace to real vets everywhere. Only when he seeks the presidency does he care to speak for veterans. John ( my wife has millions of dollars to pay for the best health care in the universe) McCain does not care for real veterans. He is a warmonger.

By: Tannim

Tannim — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 21:48:46 +0000

McCain has one partially right here. We should be taking better care of our infirm and mentally incompetent veterans.

We can start by institutionalizing HIM!

Google "Green Zone Follies".

By: shawn

shawn — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 21:48:32 +0000

McCan't, put up or shut up- Support the new GI Bill.

By: Tammy smith

Tammy smith — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 21:48:01 +0000

Too little, too late. He shouldn't have kept quiet these last 8 years.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 21:41:32 +0000

... if it is such a disgrace, how come you didn't care until you began running for president????

By: Patty Atlanta GA

Patty Atlanta GA — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 21:41:26 +0000

Not as big a discrace as having an adulterer and his drug addicted stealing wife in the Whitehouse.

By: Patriot

Patriot — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 21:36:13 +0000

I am voting for my own self interest that is why I am for McCain. He is the only one I trust with our Government and our Military.

The next time our country gets attacked why don't you just talk to them and maybe they will stop. Chamberlain tried that with Hitler and it didn't work. We need a man of action not of words.

I would rather die fighting then be alive on my knees praising Allah.