CHARACTER DOES MATTER

Our topic today is character. I want to give you some information about a man I have known since 1987 when he first ran for the United States Senate. I am speaking of Senator John McCain.

John was my congressional representative and I joined his campaign for the senate based upon how well he represented Arizona's district 1 in congress and because of his integrity and CHARACTER.

Senator McCain, rarely discusses his POW years and downplays it when others bring it up. However, I for one, believe it reveals the true man.

John McCain's father and grandfather were both 4 star Admirals in the United States Navy, and in 1958 he followed in their footsteps and went to the Naval Academy. In October 1967, while performing his 24TH bombing mission over Hanoi, N. Vietnam, John was shot down sustaining severe injuries and LIFELONG pain and discomfort. As seriously as he was wounded, his captors gave him no medical treatment and in fact severely abused an already wounded man.

After a few weeks of no medical care and much abuse, his captors discovered his father was a high ranking military official and provided some marginal medical care. He was offered an "out-of-sequence" repatriation release, yet he refused to be released until every man captured before him was released. This resulted in brutal beatings and little or no food for John yet he persevered.

Starting in 1968 Senator McCain was subjected to severe beatings and torture every two (2) hours for four days. You do the math. He was beaten over 48 times in four days. He eventually met his breaking point (which every man subjected to such abuse has) and made an Anti American propaganda "Confession". Since that time, he has personally felt he dishonored himself and his country. The N. Vietnamese demanded additional statements and John refused. He was beaten 3 to 4 times a WEEK because he refused to sign any additional statements. John McCain did not return home until all the captured POW's were released in 1974.

John McCain has led the fight in the Senate for campaign finance reform. He has never asked for ONE pork barrel dollar to be spent in Arizona or anywhere else as part of any backroom deals to garner votes for issues he supports. He has reached across the isle and worked with Democrats and Independents. He has had the support of many Independent, Democratic, and Republican voters and has been loyal to his beliefs, Arizona, and most importantly his country.

As we are all aware, there is a very deep anger within the populace of our country and anti incumbent fervor is at an all time high. I absolutely agree with throwing all the BUMS and MOST of incumbents out of office and taking ownership of our country. However, while doing so, I feel the most important thing we need to consider is CHARACTER. Because without it, newly elected officials will succumb to the power trip and corruption that awaits them in congress.

I urge you to support a man who has dedicated his entire adult life to serving his country with honesty, integrity, and character. Because "Character does matter".

And that's what Average Joe thinks.