You can feel bad about John McCains cancer and still hate his legacy

[SecularMotion]

The news on Wednesday evening that Sen. John McCain has glioblastoma brain cancer is already providing Washington an opportunity to rewrite the Arizona Republican's legacy. A diagnosis of cancer is never cause for celebration, no matter who receives it. But McCain, whose decades-long career in the Senate is seen by his peers as cause for praise, has a record that should not be glossed over.

It's a natural reaction to refer to someone with such a diagnosis in the most positive light. Yet for politicians, whose careers can span decades in the public eye and whose work affects the lives of millions at home and abroad, a measure of national introspection is needed. McCain's legacy is being painted as one of a hero, fighter, and an independent American institution — the subject of a discussion in the media that ignores the historical reality of his time in Washington. When personality rather than policy is brought to the fore, you can end up with a dangerous sort of revisionism that skips over legislative record.

As to be expected, politicians from both sides of the aisle showed their support for the Senator on social media almost immediately after the announcement was made. McCain is “as tough as they come,” tweeted Hillary Clinton and a “tough fighter” according to Sarah Palin. He was described as “Sharp as hell and tougher than a $2 steak” by former Rep. John Dingell, a Democrat from Michigan. Former President Barack Obama, and McCain's onetime presidential opponent, tweeted his support too.

https://theoutline.com/post/1952/you-can-feel-bad-about-john-mccain-s-cancer-and-still-hate-his-legacy

[Solly Mack]

1. I'd love for cancer to be eradicated in my lifetime.

It's a horrible disease.

But much like death does not - in any way - mitigate any damage caused by the deceased, neither does disease.

Yeah, his cancer is horrible.

No, I will not pretend his actions in Congress are somehow now vacated by that disease and probable death from that disease.

I'm not insulting him by saying that. I just never bought into the lying about the dearly departed simply because they were dead.

I wouldn't piss on his grave but I won't pretend I respect him now that he is dying either.

I never have. Not starting now.

[democrank]

2. When I heard of Senator McCains brain cancer diagnosis

the first thing I thought about was how much fortitude it will require of him to face what`s ahead. The second thing I thought about was the amount of courage and sheer will it must have taken for him to get through all those years of captivity in the Hanoi Hilton. I applaud his courage.

As was the case with my beloved Vietnam Vet, brain cancer is horrible, no matter who has it. I don`t care about Senator McCain`s political beliefs right now. I do care about the struggle he`s facing and I wish him all the best.