McCain’s decision another example of what courage is

It takes courage to go public about having a terminal illness.

It takes courage to know when to stop treating it.

But Sen. John didn’t start there.

It takes courage to survive a prisoner-of-war camp.

It takes courage to point out the humanity of undocumented immigrants when you’re a politician whose party thrives on dehumanizing them.

It also takes courage to challenge a sitting president of your own party.

Sen. John McCain did all those things.

He earned the enmity of his party’s base by challenging President Donald Trump.

McCain wasn’t wearing a uniform when he showed up to defend his country against a president who does not understand America’s ideals, her honor or her place in the world.

But he defended those unique characteristics of his beloved country as surely as he did when he became a hero in the Navy.

He did it every time he challenged Trump. He did it again and again. Eloquently. Effectively. Bravely.

McCain distinguished himself from most Republicans by being an early and reliable opponent of the kind of self-serving politics Trump plays.

It earned him vicious criticism from his party’s base, but it also earned him a place in history as one of the few Republicans with the guts to say what most of them know in their frightened little hearts.

McCain would not tolerate the degradation of the presidency he himself sought and failed to win.

Heck, no. I don’t agree with McCain’s politics. I never voted for him. McCain’s courage

I think picking Sarah Palin as a running mate normalized many of the lowlife strategies Trump perfected in his 2016 presidential race.

Nor have I forgotten McCain’s “danged fence” remark in a Senate campaign when being a border hawk looked like the only way to win another term.

And, yes, I am among the journalists who felt McCain’s anger at a question he didn’t like. It’s a badge of honor to have been yelled at by John McCain way back when he was in the House.

He matured. During his political career, he also showed more courage than most politicians.

In the end, he decided to stop cancer treatment as a result of the “progress of disease and the inexorable advance of age,” as a statement from his office said.

It shows courage in the face of a tough decision any of us may face. I wished him a miracle.

He stood up at a time when America faces a terrible challenge to her heart and soul. He had the courage to speak the truth.

He showed needed him. up when his country