I’m deeply saddened today to hear of the death of Senator John McCain, a man who sacrificed 5 of the best years of his life in the service of his country and was left permanently crippled as a result. I know most of us here don’t like to glorify military service and certainly none of us agree with the Vietnam War, but he was ordered there by the civilian government elected by the people of the United States and we all should feel personally responsible for his suffering and grateful for his bravery.
Instead of his military carrier, I’d like to celebrate the high points of his political carrier. There were certainly low points throughout, many low points in the end, but there were many things worthy of high praise that hopefully future generations of politicians will follow through on.
The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (McCain-Feingold)
McCain’s signature piece of legislation, this law limited the ability of corporations to buy political ads mentioning a candidate to reduce the role of soft money in politics. Unfortunately, much of the intent of the law was struck down by Citizens United, but several provisions still remain in effect.
The Climate Stewardship Acts
A series of several bills that would have established limits on greenhouse gas emissions and provided a greater role for the federal government in the study of climatology. None of the 3 bills ever passed despite bipartisan support.
Opposition to Torture (“Enhanced Interrogation”)
A fervent opponent of the Bush administration’s use of enhanced interrogation techniques. McCain authored an amendment that forbade the CIA from using different techniques from the armed services. Unlike other issues, McCain did not waiver in his last years on this, opposing Trump’s appointment to head the CIA over her record running dark interrogation sites.
Helping Normalize Relations with Vietnam
As an influential member of the POW/MIA commission, McCain helped secure documents that lead to the eventual normalization of relations with Vietnam during the first Bush and Clinton administrations.
Defending Obama against Trump et. al.
Being a Maverick on Republi-care
I hesitated to include this because he voted for a version of the GOP tax bill that included a repeal of the individual mandate, but it is representative of McCain’s long carrier thumbing his nose at party leadership.
It’s being reported that Presidents Obama and Bush (Jr.) are planned to give eulogies at Senator McCain’s funeral.