The Arizona Republic

McCain set an example that is well worth emulating

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A tasteless, insensitiv­e remark about Sen. John McCain from a Trump White House staffer has generated a lot of discussion on cable news about character. Well, I’d like to offer a brief comment of my own.

In a town hall meeting when McCain was running against Obama, a member of the audience said disparagin­gly that Obama is a Muslim. McCain did not equivocate and emphatical­ly said, “No ma’am. He’s a decent family man, a citizen that I just happen to have disagreeme­nts with on fundamenta­l issues, and that’s what this campaign is all about.”

Of course, the mere fact that being a Muslim should not disqualify a candidate from elective office is beside the point. Unfortunat­ely many uninformed voters equate the Muslim religion with terrorism.

McCain could easily have responded as Hillary Clinton did when she was asked during the Democratic Primary if Obama was a Christian, her response was a mealy mouthed, “I take him on the basis of what he says.”

I do not agree with McCain on most issues but when it comes to “character” he sets an example well worth emulating, Alan Jacobs, Mesa

Freedom of speech is being used against us by unprincipl­ed leader

Freedom of Speech is at the very heart of our nation. Sadly, it is no longer a tool for the betterment of its people. It has become an attack weapon leveled against anyone and every aspect of our national life by a growing number of demagogues.

Lies, innuendos, and unproven charges are spewed out without regard to honesty, integrity and decency. Anything goes when attacking individual­s and national institutio­ns, and no one wants to take responsibi­lity for the debacle. Our political discourse has descended into unpreceden­ted viciousnes­s.

Our president is the leading demagogue, a wannabe dictator.

Trust is barely alive. Freedom of speech without responsibl­e, honest and sensible discourse may be our downfall, and there are no walls to keep the rest of the world from coming at us.

We are poor little lambs who have lost our way! Luis Toro, Chandler

Despicable is the calling card of the Trump administra­tion

Why is everyone so surprised that White House Special Assistant Kelly Sadler showed disrespect for Sen. John McCain, an honorable man, with her despicable statement?

President Trump himself is on record saying that Sen, McCain is no hero despite evidence to the contrary. It appears everyone who works in this White House thinks like Donald Trump.

They seem to have parked their ethics at the door of the White House. If anyone disagrees with any of President Trump’s policies, that person is labeled, at worst, the enemy of the American people and at best a “RINO.”

Many Republican­s have abandoned their ethics to Donald Trump and now have become”Trumplican­s.”

It does not bode well for the “Trumplican Party” formerly known as the Republican Party. As a Republican voter, it is time for an independen­t political party. Richard Rowe, Mesa

 ?? Contact him: ?? You can reach Steve Benson at 602-444-8035 or steve.benson@arizonarep­ublic.com
Contact him: You can reach Steve Benson at 602-444-8035 or steve.benson@arizonarep­ublic.com

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