McCain’s call for unity worth heeding

A courageous John McCain reminded us yesterday why America is the world’s most important defender of freedom.

This former POW, who is now battling a brain tumor, stood on the Senate floor — the scar from his recent surgery still fresh over his left eyebrow — to plead with both Democrats and Republicans to start working together.

“Stop listening to the bombastic loudmouths,” he said of naysayers on TV and social media. “To hell with them.”

He urged his colleagues to “trust each other” and roll up their sleeves and get something done.

This wounded warrior uttered the words millions of Americans want to hear.

It’s time for the Senate, the House and the West Wing to fix our country’s problems — from health care to smothering debt — and stop pointing fingers.

“We’ve been spinning our wheels on too many important issues because we keep trying to find a way to win without help from across the aisle,” McCain said to applause.

McCain also voted in favor of a motion to advance legislation to repeal Obamacare. It was close, 51-50, but he also said the final bill will have changes that folks back home are seeking.

But it was his heroic call to find common ground that won the day.

McCain’s father, Adm. John S. McCain Jr., was my uncle Billy Kirby’s commanding officer during the war in the Pacific.

I’m sure his father, and my uncle, would be proud of the senator’s fearlessness yesterday. He’s the epitome of what heroism, patriotism and leadership is all about.

I wish our government would stand up to the rich and powerful and begin to invest in our working-class families, children, sick, needy and elderly. This cannot be done by one person or one party alone, but by concerned Americans working together.

It’s time to listen to John McCain. It’s time to get something done.