[Cross Posted at VetVoice.com]
To the Senior Senator from Arizona:
Apparently you don't read the diaries on Vetvoice. It's OK and I'm not at all surprised. You haven't been listening to the needs and concerns of this country's veterans for sometime now. I am writing you in response to your extremely troubling appearance last night on Jay Leno's program. When questioned on the number of homes you own (or really your wife), you dodged the question and again played the POW card. In case you missed some of the analysis of your answer on MSNBC, here it is:
What does that have to do with the question at hand? You are running for President of the United States, you are expected to be accountable to the people of this country. Of course I and every other citizen respects your sacrifice as well as every other former POW, but you have voluntarily undertaken this campaign. We the people are allowed, and even expected, to question some of your basic qualifications and financial background.
Let's talk about another POW: Floyd James Thompson. Outside of the military, and even inside, I doubt there are few that have ever heard of him. (Read this book for a full history) He was the longest held POW in US History, just 10 days short of 9 years in captivity during the Vietnam War. He was a pilot and shot down just like you, Senator McCain. Why has the general public never heard of him and his sacrifice on behalf of the nation though? I guess its because he never used his experience for personal gain or notoriety. His story is much sadder actually. After his release, his marriage fell apart, he developed a drinking problem, and eventually suffered a massive heart attack. He represented the plight of so many POW's, he suffered silently, forgotten by a country trying to heal the still open wounds from the Vietnam War.
In contrast, you have USED your former POW status to get out of being accountable for your actions. You cheated on your first wife with your current wife. When asked about that, you brought out the POW Card. When questioned on your healthcare plan, you again waved the POW card in the air. Now when asked about the number of homes you own, you couldn't get that POW card out fast enough. Is it like a punch card at a sandwich shop, where if you use it enough, you get a free medium drink with your next purchase?
I have had the honor of meeting former POW's during my military career. I have never heard them speak of their service like you do. In fact, I doubt if they would even volunteer any information of that sort to strangers. They are men of honor though. They are accountable for their actions. Why aren't you? I mentioned it before, but it is worth repeating, I, and almost every other citizen, will continue to honor the sacrifice of all Veterans and especially former POW's. For the rest of your campaign, can you just please try and live up to the honor your former POW brothers have shown in their lives?
Sincerely,
Neil B Riley Jr.
Sergeant, US Army 2001-2006
OEF '02-'03, OIF '04-'05