NOT FOR SELF, BUT COUNTRY: 3 WAYS JOHN MCCAIN PUT US AHEAD OF HIS OWN INTERESTS

It’s clear John McCain learned a lot from his time with the United States Navy. The late Senator of Arizona served a branch of armed forces, which inscribes its academy doors with “Non sibi sed patriae” latin for, “not for self, but country.” He campaigned for US President with the Republican nomination stating, “nothing is more liberating than to fight for a cause larger than yourself.” In his lifetime, one can find countless examples of Senator McCain’s selflessness to put a country and set of values before his own interests.

1) Hanoi Hilton
In 1967, McCain’s A-4 Skyhawk bomber was shot down during a mission over Hanoi, North Vietnam. The force of the ejection broke both his arms and legs knocking him unconscious. He was dragged from a lake by North Vietnamese captors and inevitably taken to the infamous “Hanoi Hilton.” Realizing they had captured an US Navy Admirals son, the North Vietnamese sought out a propaganda opportunity offering early release to McCain to which he adamantly refused. He would not budge until every other US soldier captured before him was freed as well. He would endure 5 years in the hellish camp.

2) President Vs. Principal
In a hotly contested 2008 presidential race, McCain once again put his beliefs in what was right in front of his aspirations for #POTUS correcting a supporter raising racist accusations against his opponent, Barack Obama. McCain took the microphone shaking his head vigorously, “No ma’am, he’s a decent family man, citizen, that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues, and that’s what this campaign is about.” His candor may very well have cost him the election.

3) Friend, Foe or Fanatical Countryman
Most recently, the late Senator stood up to a new radical faction of the Republican base supportive of extreme policy on immigration. Denouncing his 2016 party nominee’s negative comments about a Pakastani-American Gold Star family with: “I’d like to say to Mr. and Mrs. Khan: Thank you for immigrating to America. We’re a better country because of you. And you are certainly right; your son was the best of America, and the memory of his sacrifice will make us a better nation — and he will never be forgotten.”

These are just a few examples of John McCain’s integrity. Our country needs more dissenters in government for the good of all of us, regardless of party, race or personal interest. As a gentleman, can you do the same?

Cheers, Gents!