If the 2008 presidential election were held today, Senator McCain (R-Ariz.) could easily fill the shoes of our Imperial President. He shares an astonishing number of characteristics with his counterpart. They both tend to shoot off their mouths, they’re both lifelong Republicans and they’re both prominent hawks when it comes to foreign policy.
This preview post could easily fill an entire page with respect to McCain’s politics. I’m not going to get into that however. Other writers have presented the issues pro and con more eloquently than I. Instead, I’m going to focus on two areas of interest that have relevance to me.
Do we really want to elect a President who acts like a juvenile in a cowboy hat?
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“I hate the gooks”
During his campaign for President in 2000, Mr. McCain openly used the word “gook” to describe his treatment at the hands of his captors during the Vietnam War. Though he issued an official apology soon afterwards [and then only because of intense criticism from the Asian-American community in California], don’t you think it might’ve been better if he’d never expressed himself in that manner to begin with? Does racism become a President? It’s like Senator Macaca all over again, albeit eight years ago.
Senator, I’m an American first and Asian second. While you may have apologized, some of us feel that your apology is insincere. You did so only in response to public pressure. Imagine if you had used a racial slur for an African-American or a person of Hispanic descent. You would’ve kissed your political career goodbye. But somehow, bigotry against Asians is acceptable because you were a POW?
Your use of the word “gook” has connotations beyond its immediate meaning. It’s an expression used with sad effect against Asians of all backgrounds and heritages. When a slur is uttered, the speaker inflicts harm not just against an individual but an entire society.
Senator, people have long memories. It is my sincere hope that your words will come back to haunt you when you least expect them.
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Suspension of Habeas Corpus
Senator McCain authored a compromise that effectively made it possible for the Military Commissions Act of 2006 to be passed into law. After His Imperial Excellency signed it, he appended a signing statement that rejected the compromise.
I’ve blogged about the MCA before, so I won’t rehash old material. I will say that at the very least, the poor exercise in judgment that Mr. McCain has demonstrated regarding the sanctity of one of our most cherished rights in our society should give Americans pause. Whether voters will care is another story. Our continued paralysis in the face of this administration’s actions calls that question into doubt.
Next: Ron Paul
I’m so glad you brought up the “gook” issue here….I cannot believe how it’s been blatantly ignored by the media. I cannot imagine why anyone in their right mind would knowingly vote for a man who so easily flings racial slurs and hate speech.
Comment by stephanie — January 22, 2008 @ 5:34 pm
the apology he gave was such bullshit. it was meant for a small group of sadists and torturers?
AND he said this DURING his PRESIDENTIAL campaign… that’s what is so unbelievable.. what nerve.. what ignorance.. how can you even think of voting him into office?
McCain was, is and will forever be a warmonger. America does not stand a chance with him in office.
Comment by O — January 31, 2008 @ 11:07 am
O: Show me where in this post or in my blog I’ve stated I’ve ever considered voting for McCain. Learn to read more closely please.
Comment by spamwise — January 31, 2008 @ 10:58 pm