Stefanik’s actions spoke louder than statement

Now that Sen. John Mccain has been laid to rest, we can begin to examine the depth of the respect for this great leader and his ideals held by current elected officials across New York state and the United States.

In particular, I noted the

Aug. 26 statement by Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-willsboro, which, appropriately so, recognized Mccain as “...the embodiment of service and sacrifice above self.” However, Stefanik’s actions at the public signing of the fiscal year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act by

President Donald Trump at

Fort Drum on Aug. 13 reveals much more about her strength of character than a press release on the passing of Mccain.

Stefanik shared the podium with Trump, who did not mention Mccain even though the full formal title of the law is the John S. Mccain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019. This omission was sad and disgraceful. Stefanik’s Aug. 13 press release on the ceremony did not mention Mccain yet mentioned Trump four times. This omission is also sad and disgraceful.

Either Stefanik’s respect for Mccain is not as great as implied in her statement on his passing or she was intimidated by the presence of Trump, who has a well-known dislike for Mccain. Which is it? The voters of the 21st District deserve an answer. Kenneth G. Bogdan

North Greenbush