The Pink Flamingo :: Truth, Justice, the American Way & John McCain

We are living in a day when the concepts of Truth, Justice, The American Way and all of that good stuff is just not popular. It isn’t politically correct. Neither is the concept of honor, decency, and patriotism. It is rather sad when men like George W. Bush and John McCain are treated with contempt and derision by the rank and file within the nation. The other night I ranted and raved about the young “slut” who sold her body and is well on the way to making millions from it. I don’t begrudge her a cent of her ill gotten gain, but I do begrudge the media for making her the person de jour.

While I was watching Sean Hannity interview John McCain one thing that struck me was Senator McCain’s absolute humility while Hannity was discussing his POW years. Later in the program my parents, who are traveling, checked in with me. (At their age I keep track of them). I mentioned this to my father, saying that either McCain is a total fake or he is a very humble man, which is surprising giving his position in life. My father’s comment. “I’ve been watching him for years. I think this is the way he is.”

My father is a big John McCain fan. In fact, I’m beginning to wonder if he is more a McCain fan than he is a GWB fan. He then made an interesting statement. He said he thought McCain was still in a daze or fog over what has happened, as if the reality of the situation has not yet completely penetrated his soul. I think that was a good analogy. I’ve thought much the same for days.

And – it all goes back to that honor and humility thing.

Humility in high places is a novel concept. Fact is, I can’t even think of a leading politician who has had McCain’s humility. Reagan came close. George W. Bush is a decent, honorable man, but he’s also pure Texan. Humility is not in their vocabulary.

I always go back to my grandfather Froehlich and his humility. He was quite proud of it, and would often mention that he was very proud of his humility. Few people were bright enough to get the joke. My grandfather was a remarkable man, perhaps the most remarkable I will ever meet. I learned so much about life from him - especially honor and faith. His favorite Biblical character was King David, a terribly flawed man beloved of God. That was my grandfather. I think he was flawed. I know he was beloved of God and yet he was never allowed to even think about the heritage that was denied - forever. He took his disappointment and created a small empire. Kings, heads of state, the right and mighty would go to him for advice, he did not go to them.

(I remember one time when I was a kid, summering with the grandparents in the remote outback of the NC Blue Ridge Mountains. A few family members were atwitter. John D. McArthur was coming in for a visit. He needed to discuss a few things with Grandy, who refused to travel back to Florida, so McArthur, one of the richest and most powerful men in the world (at that time) traveled to my grandfather.) A man of vision, there were times when he was happiest just out walking, a sometimes solitary figure, surveying his property and his cattle. I don't think even my grandmother knew the legacy he was denied. It never stopped him.

I see those same qualities in John McCain. I see them in George W. Bush. I see them in Lindsey. They are the characteristics all great men (the truly great) possess. There is a love of country, a patriotism men like Barack Obama will never be able to comprehend. There is a love of freedom and a requirement for democracy. Barack Obama will never in his life be able to comprehend these things. He hasn't the character to do so.

Thirty five years ago John McCain was released from prison.