So was George McGovern a coward?

[fujiyama]

I'm curious what everyone's opinion is considering McGovern was a pilot in WWII.

Should we consider all those that serve in the air force as cowards? Most in the air force (and all other branches of the military for that matter) know that when they drop bombs, there is a possibility that innocent civilians will be killed. Most would be delusional to believe otherwise. I think it's difficult to defend Kerry's service (or Cleland's) but condemn McCain's.

I don't see how it is possible to call his military service cowardly. Wasn't he offered the chance to leave because he was the son of a famous naval figure, but decided to stay in the Hanoi Hilton with his men?

I think it's fair to call McCain's political capitulation to the Bush regime cowardly. Hell, I would agree with that. I also don't care for much of his politics. He has been completely in favor of this war.

There is no evidence that McCain didn't serve with honor. He may not have completely learned the lessons of the war (considering he was in full support of the war on Iraq), but he did serve. He has also been able to put aside whatever bitter feelings he may have had for Kerry to defend his own service. Apparently the VC used Kerry's testimony as propaganda to destroy morale among the troops.

McCain has some dignity, which is more than I can say of Bush, Cheney, Rove, Rumsfeld, etc. I wouldn't vote for him because I disagree with his politics, but I simply don't understand what good comes out of attacking his military service. What Malloy did last night was the equivalent of Bob Dole's disgraceful comments over Kerry's war record.

[Padraig18]

1. George McGovern was a HERO, and so is Sen. Kerry!

:dem:

[RivetJoint]

4. VERY true

and so is McCain.

[JohnKleeb]

6. McCain was very brave

From what Ive noticed, most of the congressional republican veterans seem to be decent guys, I sorta like my Navy vet senator Warner, Chuck Hagel seems to be a good guy too, there are some exceptions to this like Sam Johnson and Duke Cunningham but I don't take away their honor in time of war. Sickens me that the republicans should play this game that Kerry didnt serve honorably in Vietnam.

[JohnKleeb]

5. yep

Mac got the distinguished flying cross which is second to the medal of honor in the AF if I recall correctly, Kerry nearly got the navy cross but his CO gave him a silver star because he was rushing medals so he could increase the morale of the men.

[RivetJoint]

8. No

The DFC ranks well below the Distinguished Service Cross and below the Silver Star for valor in combat. Mac (I assume you mean McCovern) was in the Army, BTW.

[JohnKleeb]

10. ahh sorry

I wouldnt know. Wait you're right, he was in the Army Air Corps, the Air Force became its own branch after the war. My bad.

[RivetJoint]

11. Not bad,

you just didn't remember right away!

[JohnKleeb]

12. yeah all is good

I forget those things because the AF has been its own branch now for quite a while. McGovern is an amazing guy, glad he's still around, Ive seen his editorals in the papers now and then.

[Ghetto_Boy]

2. Decorated hero flying B24's which had the worst survival rate

of WWII

[JohnKleeb]

3. no not at all

I disagree with McCain's politics too, so he wouldn't have my support but he's a maverick and has some decent views, so I have some respect. Oh and yes he was offered release because he was the son of an admiral but he stayed in captavity anyhow, very brave I think. BTW McGovern I read I believe it was in Ambrose's the Wild Blue that he had one incident where he felt he accidently killed a German farm family, he found out later that the family had survived and he was greatly relieved.

[Rabelais]

7. Malloy is just marketing

hate sells.

[newyawker99]

13. Hi Rabelais!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[THUNDER HANDS]

9. they're both heros

but McGovern is more heroic

[skygazer]

14. I don't condemn anyone's service

I honor anyone who has served. It's a very dangerous thing to start breaking down types of service and analysing what was honorable and what wasn't. It's no more right for armchair strategists like us to do than for * to do.

That doesn't mean I can't condemn their political opinions or choices. I honor McCain as a war veteran but I think he's a schmuck for backing Shrub.